Country Profile: Senegal

Senegal is located on the westernmost tip of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with a diverse geography of low-rolling plains and a tropical climate characterized by a rainy season and harmattan winds. The population is approximately 18.8 million, predominantly rural, with significant urban concentration in the capital city of Dakar. The economy is lower middle-income and largely driven by services, mining, agriculture, and fisheries, with recent efforts to develop offshore oil and gas resources. Senegal operates as a presidential republic, demonstrating a stable democratic governance despite historical challenges.

Geography

Senegal is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring countries including Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania. The country's terrain consists primarily of rolling plains, with the highest elevation reaching 648 meters southeast of Nepen Diaka. Senegal's climate is tropical, characterized by hot and humid conditions, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Area: 196,722 sq km
Coastline: 531 km
Agricultural land: 49.4% (2023)
Forest cover: 45.1% (2023)
Major rivers: Senegal River spans 1,641 km
Natural resources: Includes fish, phosphates, and iron ore

People and Society

The estimated population of Senegal is 18,847,519, with a gender distribution of 49% male and 51% female. The country hosts a diverse array of ethnic groups, with the Wolof being the largest at 39.7%. French is the official language, and the majority of the population practices Islam, primarily within diverse Sufi brotherhoods.

Urban population: 49.6% (2023)
Life expectancy: 70.6 years (2024)
Literacy rate: 50.4% (2023)
Median age: 19.2 years (2024)
Population growth rate: 2.46% (2024)
Major urban area: Dakar with a population of 3.34 million (2023)

Economy

Senegal has a diverse, services-driven economy that has been under stress from the COVID-19 pandemic but is showing signs of recovery. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and construction, with a large informal sector. The country is also developing its offshore oil and gas fields, aiming to boost economic growth.

GDP (PPP): $83.183 billion (2024)
Real GDP growth rate: 6.9% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 3% (2024 est.)
Agriculture contribution to GDP: 15.5% (2024)
Remittances: 10.6% of GDP (2023)
Public debt: 47.8% of GDP (2016)

Government

Senegal is a presidential republic with a strong tradition of democratic governance. The current president is Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in April 2024. Senegal's political landscape includes multiple parties with a unicameral National Assembly, and citizens enjoy universal suffrage starting at 18 years of age.

Capital: Dakar
Administrative divisions: 14 regions
Constitution adopted: January 22, 2001
Most recent presidential election: March 24, 2024
Next presidential election: March 2029
Percentage of women in National Assembly: 41.2%

Military and Security

Senegal maintains a robust military structure to ensure national security and participate in regional peacekeeping efforts. The Senegalese Armed Forces include the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and are supported by the National Police. The military faces challenges from low-level insurgencies, particularly in the southern Casamance region.

Active personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025)
Military expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military service obligation: 24 months
International military deployments: Active in Central Africa and Guinea-Bissau

Energy

Senegal's energy sector is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, although there is a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. The country's electrification rates are improving, but disparities exist between urban and rural areas.

Electricity access: 67.9% (total population in 2022)
Installed generating capacity: 1.772 million kW (2023)
Energy consumption per capita: 8.303 million Btu/person (2023)
Electricity generation from fossil fuels: 78.3% (2023)

Transportation

Senegal has a developing transportation infrastructure that includes air, road, and rail networks. The capital, Dakar, serves as a transportation hub with significant maritime activity.

Airports: 20 (2025)
Railways: 906 km (2017)
Merchant marine vessels: 36 (2023)
Ports: 6 major ports (2024)

Communications

Senegal's communications sector is expanding, with a growing number of mobile phone subscriptions and internet users. The country has a vibrant media landscape, with numerous broadcasting stations.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 22.4 million (2023)
Internet users: 61% of the population (2023)
Telephones - fixed lines: 399,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18.8 million (2024 est.)
Area	196,722 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$83.183 billion (2024)
Unemployment rate	3% (2024 est.)
Birth rate	30.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	70.6 years (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	8.303 million Btu/person (2023)
Electric access	67.9% (2022)
Literacy rate	50.4% (2023)
Inflation rate	0.8% (2024 est.)