Country Profile: Senegal
Located in Western Africa, Senegal is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and is notable for its rich history as a former base of the European slave trade. The country boasts a population of approximately 18.8 million, predominantly concentrated in the western region around the capital, Dakar. Senegal has a developing economy driven by services, agriculture, and burgeoning offshore oil and gas industries, alongside significant challenges related to governance and corruption. Its political landscape is marked by stability and democratic resilience, despite a history of separatist movements.
Geography
Senegal is situated on the westernmost tip of the African continent, boasting a total area of 196,722 square kilometers. The country's terrain is primarily low, characterized by rolling plains with some foothills in the southeast. Senegal experiences a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. It has a coastline of 531 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Total area: 196,722 sq km
- Coastline: 531 km
- Natural resources: fish, phosphates, iron ore
- Major rivers: Senegal River (1,641 km), Gambia River (1,094 km)
- Population distribution: approximately 70% rural
People and Society
Senegal's population is estimated at 18.8 million, with a diverse ethnic composition including the Wolof (39.7%) and Pulaar (27.5%) groups. The nation is predominantly Muslim (97.2%), with a significant cultural adherence to Sufi traditions. The age structure skewed towards the youth, with a median age of 19.4 years and a high birth rate of 29.54 births per 1,000 people. Urbanization is notable, with approximately 49.6% of the population living in urban areas.
- Total population: 18,847,519 (2024 est.)
- Median age: 19.4 years
- Religions: 97.2% Muslim, 2.7% Christian
- Urban population: 49.6% (2023)
- Literacy rate: 50.4% (2023)
Economy
Senegal's economy is classified as lower middle-income and is increasingly driven by the services, agriculture, and construction sectors. The GDP in 2024 is projected to reach approximately $83.2 billion, with a real GDP growth rate of 6.9%. Key agricultural products include rice, groundnuts, and maize, while the country is actively developing its oil and gas fields. The unemployment rate remains low at around 3%.
- GDP (PPP): $83.183 billion (2024 est.)
- Real GDP per capita: $4,500 (2024 est.)
- Agriculture's share of GDP: 15.5% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 3% (2024 est.)
- Remittances as % of GDP: 10.6% (2023 est.)
Government
The Republic of Senegal operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral National Assembly. The current president, Bassirou Diomaye FAYE, took office in April 2024. The country's governance structure includes an executive branch headed by the president and a legislative branch responsible for law-making. Senegal has a history of stable democracy and active participation in international organizations.
- Government type: Presidential republic
- Current president: Bassirou Diomaye FAYE (since April 2024)
- Legislative body: National Assembly (165 seats)
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
- National holiday: Independence Day, April 4 (1960)
Military and Security
Senegal's military, composed of approximately 25,000 active personnel, encompasses the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the National Gendarmerie. The government prioritizes internal security and counter-insurgency operations, particularly in the southern region. Military expenditures are around 1.6% of GDP, reflecting a commitment to maintaining stability.
- Military expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Active personnel: 25,000 (2025)
- Military service age: 18-28 years
- Military deployments: 190 in Central African Republic (2025)
Energy
Senegal is currently enhancing its energy generation capacity, with around 67.9% of the population having access to electricity. The country is working towards renewable energy integration, with fossil fuels accounting for 78.3% of the total installed capacity. Recent efforts have been made to increase solar and wind energy contributions.
- Installed generating capacity: 1.772 million kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 7.547 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Electricity access: 67.9% of total population (2022 est.)
- Renewable energy sources: 16.4% (solar, wind, hydro)
Environment
Senegal faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and seasonal flooding. The country is actively participating in international agreements related to climate change and biodiversity. Urbanization is increasing, contributing to environmental stress and challenges in resource management.
- Major environmental issues: Deforestation, overgrazing, desertification
- Total water withdrawal: 4.423 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 10.373 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Urban population growth rate: 3.59% (2020-2025 est.)
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 |
| Birth Rate | 29.54 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 70.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electrification Access | 67.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Total Energy Consumption per Capita | 8.303 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 1.6% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 49.6% | 2023 estimate |
Explore more about this country: