Country Profile: Senegal

Senegal, located on the western tip of Africa, boasts a rich history and a diverse cultural tapestry. With a population of approximately 18.8 million people, the nation enjoys a relatively stable democracy, underpinned by a presidential republic governance structure. Economically, Senegal is classified as a lower middle-income country with a service-driven economy, supported by agriculture, mining, and fishing. The country faces challenges such as a large informal sector and systemic corruption, but it continues to develop its offshore oil and gas fields.

Geography

Senegal is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, with land boundaries shared with The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Mauritania. The country features a tropical climate, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Its landscape is predominantly low-lying plains and rolling hills, with the highest point reaching 648 meters above sea level.

Area: 196,722 sq km
Coastline: 531 km
Natural resources: Fish, phosphates, iron ore
Agricultural land: 49.4% (2023 estimate)
Forest cover: 45.1% (2023 estimate)
Major river: Senegal River - 1,641 km

People and Society

Senegal has a diverse ethnic makeup, with the largest groups being the Wolof (39.7%) and Pulaar (27.5%). The country has a high percentage of Muslims (97.2%), predominantly adhering to Sufi brotherhoods, alongside a small Christian minority. As of 2024, the total population is around 18.8 million with a youthful demographic, as approximately 40.7% are under the age of 15.

Population: 18,847,519 (2024 estimate)
Urban population: 49.6% (2023 estimate)
Literacy rate: 50.4% (2023 estimate)
Life expectancy: 70.6 years (2024 estimate)
Median age: 19.4 years (2025 estimate)
Infant mortality rate: 30.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 estimate)

Economy

Senegal's economy is characterized as lower middle-income, largely driven by the service, agricultural, and mining sectors. The Real GDP is projected to reach $83.183 billion in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 6.9%. The country is also focused on developing its offshore oil and gas resources, though it continues to grapple with challenges such as corruption and a large informal economy.

GDP (PPP): $83.183 billion (2024 estimate)
GDP per capita: $4,500 (2024 estimate)
Unemployment rate: 3% (2024 estimate)
Agricultural contribution to GDP: 15.5% (2024 estimate)
Public debt: 47.8% of GDP (2016 estimate)

Government

Senegal operates as a presidential republic, with a robust legal framework based on civil law. The current president, Bassirou Diomaye FAYE, took office in April 2024, following elections in March 2024. The government is characterized by a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with a notable emphasis on democratic principles and international law.

Capital: Dakar
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Legislature seats: 165 in the National Assembly
Latest constitutional amendment: 2016 (limiting presidential terms)
National holiday: Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Military and Security

The Senegalese Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, play a vital role in national security and regional peacekeeping efforts. The military budget is around 1.6% of GDP for 2024, with about 25,000 active personnel. Senegal also participates in international peacekeeping missions, particularly in regions facing instability.

Military expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2024 estimate)
Active personnel: Approximately 25,000
Military service age: 18-28 (up to 35 for specialized roles)
Peacekeeping commitments: ~190 personnel in the Central African Republic
Counterinsurgency operations: Ongoing since 1982 in the Casamance region

Energy

Senegal is working on enhancing its energy sector, with about 67.9% of the population having access to electricity. The energy mix includes fossil fuels, solar, and wind, with a strong focus on expanding renewable sources in response to growing consumption needs.

Installed electricity capacity: 1.772 million kW (2023 estimate)
Electricity consumption: 7.547 billion kWh (2023 estimate)
Rural electrification: 43.4%
Fossil fuels percentage: 78.3% of total installed capacity
Total energy consumption per capita: 8.303 million Btu/person (2023 estimate)

Environment

Senegal faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. The country engages in numerous international environmental agreements while striving to balance development with ecological preservation.

Primary environmental concerns: Deforestation, soil erosion, overfishing
Urban population: 49.6% of total (2023 estimate)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 10.373 million metric tonnes (2023 estimate)
Water resources: Total renewable water resources of 38.97 billion cubic meters (2022 estimate)
Municipal solid waste generated: 2.454 million tons (2024 estimate)

Transportation

Senegal has a developing transportation sector, featuring a network of roads, railways, and air travel. The country's strategic ports facilitate trade, while investment in infrastructure continues to be a priority.

Airports: 20 (2025 projection)
Railways: 906 km (as of 2017)
Merchant marine: 36 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 6 (2024 projection)
Civil aircraft registration code: 6V

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Senegal continues to expand, with increasing access to mobile and internet services. As of 2023, mobile subscriptions significantly outnumber fixed-line services.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 22.4 million (2023)
Internet users: 61% of the population (2023 estimate)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 357,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18,847,519	2024 estimate
Area	196,722 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$83.183 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	3%	2024 estimate
Electricity access	67.9%	2022 estimate
Life expectancy	70.6 years	2024 estimate
Birth rate	29.54 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Median age	19.4 years	2025 estimate
Agricultural land	49.4%	2023 estimate
Forest cover	45.1%	2023 estimate