Country Profile: Senegal

Senegal, located on the western tip of Africa, boasts a rich history with evidence of continuous human life dating back to the Paleolithic period. Home to over 18 million people, the country is primarily Muslim, with significant ethnic diversity, including the Wolof and Pulaar groups. Economically, Senegal is a lower middle-income, services-driven nation, with key industries in mining, agriculture, and fishing. The government operates as a presidential republic, known for its democratic stability and active participation in international peacekeeping efforts.

Geography

Senegal is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and neighboring countries including The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mali, and Mauritania. Its diverse terrain features low plains and the highest point located at 648 meters. Senegal has a tropical climate with a significant rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.

Area: 196,722 sq km
Coastline: 531 km
Population Distribution: Approximately 70% of the population is rural.
Natural Resources: Includes fish, phosphates, and iron ore.
Climate Hazards: Seasonal flooding and periodic droughts.

People and Society

As of 2024, Senegal's population is estimated at approximately 18.8 million, with a notable youth demographic where 40.7% are under the age of 14. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, alongside a smaller Christian community. Senegal has a rich cultural tapestry with multiple languages spoken, including French, Wolof, and Pulaar.

Major Ethnic Groups: Wolof (39.7%), Pulaar (27.5%), Sereer (16%).
Population Growth Rate: 2.4% (2025 est.).
Life Expectancy: 70.6 years (2024 est.).
Urban Population: 49.6% (2023).
Literacy Rate: 50.4% (2023).

Economy

Senegal's economy is classified as lower middle-income and is predominantly service-driven, with significant contributions from agriculture, mining, and fishing sectors. The economy faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is gradually recovering, particularly through the development of offshore oil and gas fields.

GDP (PPP): $83.183 billion (2024 est.).
Real GDP Growth Rate: 6.9% (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 3% (2024 est.).
Exports: $7.001 billion (2023 est.).
Top Exports: Gold, refined petroleum, and phosphoric acid.

Government

Senegal operates as a presidential republic with a history of stable governance. The current President, Bassirou Diomaye FAYE, was elected in April 2024. The country is divided into 14 administrative regions and has a unicameral legislature, the National Assembly, with 165 seats.

Capital: Dakar
Suffrage: Universal for those 18 and older.
Constitution: Adopted on January 22, 2001.
Most Recent Election: March 24, 2024.
Political Parties: Numerous, including the Pastef Party and the Coalition Takku Wallu Sénégal.

Military and Security

Senegal maintains a professional military force with approximately 25,000 active personnel. The military plays a dual role in territorial defense and internal security, often assisting in humanitarian efforts and peacekeeping missions. The country also faces security challenges from separatist movements and terrorist groups.

Military Expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2024 est.).
Active Personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025).
Peacekeeping Deployments: Active in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Military Service Age: 18-28 years.

Energy

Senegal's energy sector is evolving, with a growing focus on renewable sources alongside traditional fossil fuels. Despite significant improvements, challenges persist in electricity access, especially in rural areas.

Electricity Access: 67.9% of total population (2022).
Renewable Energy Share: 7.4% from solar and 9.1% from wind (2023).
Installed Capacity: 1.772 million kW (2023).
Electricity Consumption: 7.547 billion kWh (2023).

Environment

Senegal faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation and overfishing, which threaten its ecosystems. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Major Environmental Issues: Deforestation, soil erosion, and seasonal flooding.
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 38.97 billion cubic meters (2022).
Municipal Waste: 2.454 million tons generated annually (2024).

Transportation

Senegal's transportation infrastructure consists of road, rail, and air networks, facilitating movement within the country and beyond. The country has several key ports that support trade.

Airports: 20 (2025).
Railways: Total of 906 km (2017).
Ports: 6 key ports with oil terminals (2024).

Communications

Senegal has a rapidly growing communications sector, with increasing mobile phone subscriptions and internet access. The country is experiencing significant improvements in connectivity and broadcast media.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 22.4 million (2023).
Internet Users: 61% of the population (2023).
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 399,000 (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
Life Expectancy	70.6 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	29.54 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Urbanization Rate	49.6%	2023 estimate
Literacy Rate	50.4%	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	1.6%	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	67.9%	2022 estimate