Senegal
Republic of Senegal
Africa Dakar
Population
18.85M
Area
196,722 km²
GDP
$32.27B
GDP Per Capita
$4,500
Pop. Density
96/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
FrWest African CFA franc(XOF)
Calling Code
+221
Timezone
UTC
Languages
French
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Senegalese
Background
Senegal is one of the few countries in the world with evidence of continuous human life from the Paleolithic period to present. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Jolof Empire ruled most of Senegal. Starting in the 15th century, Portugal, the Netherlands, France, and Great Britain traded along the Senegalese coast. Senegal’s location on the western tip of Africa made it a favorable base for the European slave trade. European powers used the Senegalese island of Goree as a base to purchase slaves from the warring chiefdoms on the mainland, and at the height of the slave trade in Senegal, over one-third of the Senegalese population was enslaved. In 1815, France abolished slavery and began expanding inland. During the second half of the 19th century, France took possession of Senegal as a French colony. In 1959, the French colonies of Senegal and French Sudan were merged and granted independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. The union broke up after only a few months. In 1982, Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia. The envisaged integration of the two countries was never implemented, and the union dissolved in 1989.
Since the 1980s, the Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance -- a separatist movement based in southern Senegal -- has led a low-level insurgency. Several attempts at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement have failed. Since 2012, despite sporadic incidents of violence, an unofficial cease-fire has remained largely in effect. Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa and has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and regional mediation. The Socialist Party of Senegal ruled for 40 years until Abdoulaye WADE was elected president in 2000 and re-elected in 2007. WADE amended Senegal's constitution over a dozen times to increase executive power and weaken the opposition. In 2012, WADE’s decision to run for a third presidential term sparked public backlash that led to his loss to current President Macky SALL. A 2016 constitutional referendum limited future presidents to two consecutive five-year terms. President Bassirou Diomaye FAYE took office in April 2024.
Since the 1980s, the Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance -- a separatist movement based in southern Senegal -- has led a low-level insurgency. Several attempts at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement have failed. Since 2012, despite sporadic incidents of violence, an unofficial cease-fire has remained largely in effect. Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa and has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and regional mediation. The Socialist Party of Senegal ruled for 40 years until Abdoulaye WADE was elected president in 2000 and re-elected in 2007. WADE amended Senegal's constitution over a dozen times to increase executive power and weaken the opposition. In 2012, WADE’s decision to run for a third presidential term sparked public backlash that led to his loss to current President Macky SALL. A 2016 constitutional referendum limited future presidents to two consecutive five-year terms. President Bassirou Diomaye FAYE took office in April 2024.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑180.5% since 2006$12B (2006)$33B (2024)
Population
↑60.9% since 200611.5M (2006)18.5M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 68.7 years2006: 61.8 years2023: 68.7 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography20
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania
Geographic coordinates
14 00 N, 14 00 W
Map references
Africa
Area
total : 196,722 sq km
land: 192,530 sq km
water: 4,192 sq km
land: 192,530 sq km
water: 4,192 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than South Dakota; slightly larger than twice the size of Indiana
Land boundaries
total: 2,684 km
border countries: The Gambia 749 km; Guinea 363 km; Guinea-Bissau 341 km; Mali 489 km; Mauritania 742 km
border countries: The Gambia 749 km; Guinea 363 km; Guinea-Bissau 341 km; Mali 489 km; Mauritania 742 km
Coastline
531 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind
Terrain
generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast
Elevation
highest point: unnamed elevation 2.8 km southeast of Nepen Diaka 648 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 69 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 69 m
Natural resources
fish, phosphates, iron ore
Land use
agricultural land
49.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 19.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 29.1% (2023 est.)
forest
45.1% (2023 est.)
other
5.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,200 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Senegal (shared with Guinea [s], Mali, and Mauritania [m] ) - 1,641 km; Gambie (Gambia) (shared with Guinea [s] and The Gambia [m]) - 1,094 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Senegal (456,397 sq km)
Major aquifers
Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin
Population distribution
the population is concentrated in the west, with Dakar anchoring a well-defined core area; approximately 70% of the population is rural, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts
Geography - note
westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost an enclave within Senegal
People & Society36
Population
total: 18,847,519 (2024 est.)
male: 9,283,314
female: 9,564,205
male: 9,283,314
female: 9,564,205
Nationality
noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)
adjective: Senegalese
adjective: Senegalese
Ethnic groups
Wolof 39.7%, Pulaar 27.5%, Sereer 16%, Mandinka 4.9%, Jola 4.2%, Soninke 2.4%, other 5.4% (includes Europeans and persons of Lebanese descent) (2019 est.)
Languages
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka, Serer, Soninke
Religions
Muslim 97.2% (most adhere to one of the four main Sufi brotherhoods), Christian 2.7% (mostly Roman Catholic) (2019 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 40.7% (male 3,907,986/female 3,760,594)
15-64 years: 55.9% (male 5,098,038/female 5,437,195)
65 years and over: 3.4% (2024 est.) (male 277,290/female 366,416)
15-64 years: 55.9% (male 5,098,038/female 5,437,195)
65 years and over: 3.4% (2024 est.) (male 277,290/female 366,416)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 78.9 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 72.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 16.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 72.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 16.4 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 19.4 years (2025 est.)
male: 18.4 years
female: 20 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 20 years
Population growth rate
2.4% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
29.54 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.85 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the population is concentrated in the west, with Dakar anchoring a well-defined core area; approximately 70% of the population is rural, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization
urban population: 49.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 3.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.340 million DAKAR (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.9 years (2019 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
237 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 30.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 34.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 27.6 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 34.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 27.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 70.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 68.8 years
female: 72.4 years
male: 68.8 years
female: 72.4 years
Total fertility rate
3.96 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.93 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 95.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 77% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 23% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.11 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 95.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 60.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 77.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 4.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 39.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 22.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.8% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 5.4% (2025 est.)
male: 10.5% (2025 est.)
female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
male: 10.5% (2025 est.)
female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
16.2% (2023 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.5% (2023 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 8.8% (2019)
women married by age 18: 30.5% (2019)
men married by age 18: 0.7% (2019)
women married by age 18: 30.5% (2019)
men married by age 18: 0.7% (2019)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 6.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 20.9% national budget (2025 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 20.9% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy
total population: 50.4% (2023 est.)
male: 61.5% (2023 est.)
female: 41.5% (2023 est.)
male: 61.5% (2023 est.)
female: 41.5% (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 9 years (2023 est.)
male: 8 years (2023 est.)
female: 10 years (2023 est.)
male: 8 years (2023 est.)
female: 10 years (2023 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form
Republic of Senegal
conventional short form
Senegal
local long form
République du Sénégal
local short form
Sénégal
former
Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation
etymology
named for the Senegal River that forms the northern border of the country; the river's name may derive from "Azenegue," the Portuguese name for the Berber Zenaga people who lived north of the river, or it could come from a local word meaning "navigable"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Dakar
geographic coordinates: 14 44 N, 17 38 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, D.C., during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the Wolof word n'dakar, meaning "tamarind tree"
geographic coordinates: 14 44 N, 17 38 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, D.C., during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the Wolof word n'dakar, meaning "tamarind tree"
Administrative divisions
14 regions (régions, singular - région); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kéedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor
Legal system
civil law system based on French law; Constitutional Council reviews legislative acts
Constitution
history: previous 1959 (pre-independence), 1963; latest adopted by referendum 7 January 2001, promulgated 22 January 2001
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; passage requires Assembly approval and approval in a referendum; the president can bypass a referendum and submit an amendment directly to the Assembly, which requires at least three-fifths majority vote; the republican form of government is not amendable
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; passage requires Assembly approval and approval in a referendum; the president can bypass a referendum and submit an amendment directly to the Assembly, which requires at least three-fifths majority vote; the republican form of government is not amendable
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Senegal
dual citizenship recognized: no, but Senegalese citizens do not automatically lose their citizenship if they acquire citizenship in another state
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Senegal
dual citizenship recognized: no, but Senegalese citizens do not automatically lose their citizenship if they acquire citizenship in another state
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Bassirou Diomaye FAYE (since 2 April 2024)
head of government
Prime Minister Ousmane SONKO (since 2 April 2024)
cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a single, renewable 5-year term
most recent election date
24 March 2024
election results
2024: Bassirou Diomaye FAYE elected president in first round; percent of vote - Bassirou Diomaye FAYE (PASTEF) 54%, Amadou BA (APR) 36%, other 10%
2019: Macky SALL reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Macky SALL (APR) 58.3%, Idrissa SECK (Rewmi) 20.5%, Ousmane SONKO (PASTEF) 15.7%, other 5.5%
expected date of next election
March 2029
Legislative branch
legislature name
National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
165 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
11/17/2024
parties elected and seats per party
Pastef Party (130); Coalition Takku Wallu Sénégal (16); Other (19)
percentage of women in chamber
41.2%
expected date of next election
November 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Suprême (consists of the court president and 12 judges and organized into civil and commercial, criminal, administrative, and social chambers); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (consists of 7 members, including the court president, vice president, and 5 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon recommendation of the Superior Council of the Magistrates, a body chaired by the president and minister of justice; judge tenure varies, with mandatory retirement either at 65 or 68 years; Constitutional Council members are appointed, 5 by the president and 2 by the National Assembly speaker; judges serve 6-year terms, with renewal of 2 members every 2 years
subordinate courts: High Court of Justice (for crimes of high treason by the president); Courts of Appeal; Court of Auditors; assize courts; regional and district courts; Labor Court
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon recommendation of the Superior Council of the Magistrates, a body chaired by the president and minister of justice; judge tenure varies, with mandatory retirement either at 65 or 68 years; Constitutional Council members are appointed, 5 by the president and 2 by the National Assembly speaker; judges serve 6-year terms, with renewal of 2 members every 2 years
subordinate courts: High Court of Justice (for crimes of high treason by the president); Courts of Appeal; Court of Auditors; assize courts; regional and district courts; Labor Court
Political parties
Alliance for Citizenship and Work or ACT
Alliance for the Republic-Yakaar or APR
Alliance of Forces of Progress or AFP
AND (National Alliance for Democracy)
And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and Socialism or AJ/PADS
ARC (Alternative for the next generation of citizens)
Awalé
Benno Bokk Yakaar or BBY (United in Hope); coalition includes AFP, APR, BGC, LD-MPT, PIT, PS, and UNP
Bokk Gis Gis coalition
Citizen Movement for National Reform or MCRN-Bes Du Nakk
Coalition Mimi 2024
Dare the Future movement
Democratic League-Labor Party Movement or LD-MPT
Democratic Renaissance Congress
Front for Socialism and Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ
Gainde Centrist Bloc or BCG
General Alliance for the Interests of the Republic or AGIR
Grand Party or GP
Gueum sa Bopp (Believe in yourself)
Independence and Labor Party or PIT
Jotna Coalition
Liberate the People (Yewwi Askan Wi) or YAW
Madicke 2019 coalition
National Union for the People or UNP
Only Senegal Movement
Party for Truth and Development or PVD
Party of Unity and Rally or PUR
Patriotic Convergence Kaddu Askan Wi or CP-Kaddu Askan Wi
PRP (Republican party for Progress)
Rewmi Party
Save Senegal (Wallu Senegal Grand Coalition) or WS; coalition includes PDS, Jotna Coalition, Democratic Renaissance Congress
Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS
Socialist Party or PS
Tekki Movement
Réewum Ngor (Republic of Values)
Servants (Les Serviteurs)
Alliance for the Republic-Yakaar or APR
Alliance of Forces of Progress or AFP
AND (National Alliance for Democracy)
And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and Socialism or AJ/PADS
ARC (Alternative for the next generation of citizens)
Awalé
Benno Bokk Yakaar or BBY (United in Hope); coalition includes AFP, APR, BGC, LD-MPT, PIT, PS, and UNP
Bokk Gis Gis coalition
Citizen Movement for National Reform or MCRN-Bes Du Nakk
Coalition Mimi 2024
Dare the Future movement
Democratic League-Labor Party Movement or LD-MPT
Democratic Renaissance Congress
Front for Socialism and Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ
Gainde Centrist Bloc or BCG
General Alliance for the Interests of the Republic or AGIR
Grand Party or GP
Gueum sa Bopp (Believe in yourself)
Independence and Labor Party or PIT
Jotna Coalition
Liberate the People (Yewwi Askan Wi) or YAW
Madicke 2019 coalition
National Union for the People or UNP
Only Senegal Movement
Party for Truth and Development or PVD
Party of Unity and Rally or PUR
Patriotic Convergence Kaddu Askan Wi or CP-Kaddu Askan Wi
PRP (Republican party for Progress)
Rewmi Party
Save Senegal (Wallu Senegal Grand Coalition) or WS; coalition includes PDS, Jotna Coalition, Democratic Renaissance Congress
Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS
Socialist Party or PS
Tekki Movement
Réewum Ngor (Republic of Values)
Servants (Les Serviteurs)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Abdoul Wahab HAIDARA (since 24 July 2025)
chancery
2215 M ST NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
telephone
[1] (202) 234-0540
FAX
[1] (202) 629-2961
email address and website
contact@ambasenegal-us.org
http://www.ambasenegal-us.org/index.php
consulate(s) general
New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael RAYNOR (since 10 March 2022); note - also accredited to Guinea-Bissau
embassy: Route des Almadies, Dakar
mailing address: 2130 Dakar Place, Washington D.C. 20521-2130
telephone: [221] 33-879-4000
email address and website:
DakarACS@state.gov
https://sn.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Route des Almadies, Dakar
mailing address: 2130 Dakar Place, Washington D.C. 20521-2130
telephone: [221] 33-879-4000
email address and website:
DakarACS@state.gov
https://sn.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, CPLP (associate), ECOWAS, EITI (candidate country), FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
4 April 1960 (from France); 20 August 1960 (full independence after federation with Mali is dissolved)
National holiday
Independence Day, 4 April (1960)
Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of green (left side), yellow, and red, with a small five-pointed green star centered on the yellow band; green stands for Islam, progress, and hope, yellow for natural wealth and progress, and red for sacrifice and determination; the star represents unity and hope
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
National symbol(s)
lion
National color(s)
green, yellow, red
National anthem(s)
title: "Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons" (Pluck Your Koras, Strike the Balafons)
lyrics/music: Leopold Sedar SENGHOR/Herbert PEPPER
history: adopted 1960; lyrics written by Leopold Sedar SENGHOR, Senegal's first president; the anthem sometimes played incorporating the koras (harp-like stringed instruments) and balafons (types of xylophones) mentioned in the title
lyrics/music: Leopold Sedar SENGHOR/Herbert PEPPER
history: adopted 1960; lyrics written by Leopold Sedar SENGHOR, Senegal's first president; the anthem sometimes played incorporating the koras (harp-like stringed instruments) and balafons (types of xylophones) mentioned in the title
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 7 (5 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Island of Gorée (c); Niokolo-Koba National Park (n); Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (n); Island of Saint-Louis (c); Stone Circles of Senegambia (c); Saloum Delta (c); Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula, and Bedik Cultural Landscapes (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Island of Gorée (c); Niokolo-Koba National Park (n); Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (n); Island of Saint-Louis (c); Stone Circles of Senegambia (c); Saloum Delta (c); Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula, and Bedik Cultural Landscapes (c)
Economy29
Economic overview
lower middle-income, services-driven West African economy; key mining, construction, agriculture, and fishing industries; tourism and exports hit hard by COVID-19; large informal economy; developing offshore oil and gas fields; systemic corruption
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $83.183 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $77.82 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $74.642 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $77.82 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $74.642 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 6.9% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 4.3% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 3.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 4.3% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 3.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $4,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $4,200 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $4,200 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$32.267 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 0.8% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 5.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 9.7% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 5.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 9.7% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 15.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 25.4% (2024 est.)
services: 49.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 25.4% (2024 est.)
services: 49.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
65.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption
16.4% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
32.1% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.8% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
28.1% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-43.1% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
rice, groundnuts, watermelons, millet, cassava, sugarcane, maize, sorghum, onions, milk (2023)
Industries
agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, zircon, and gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair
Industrial production growth rate
20% (2024 est.)
Labor force
5.763 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 2.8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 2.9% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 2.8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 2.9% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 4.1% (2024 est.)
male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 36.2 (2021 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 28.8% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 28.8% (2021 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 10.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 10.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 11.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 10.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 11.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $7.749 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $9.267 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $9.267 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 47.8% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
19.5% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$6.072 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$5.542 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.327 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$5.542 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.327 billion (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2023: $7.001 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.418 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.78 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.418 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.78 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Mali 21%, India 12%, Switzerland 11%, China 5%, UAE 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
gold, refined petroleum, phosphoric acid, fish, cement (2023)
Imports
Imports 2023: $14.916 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $14.698 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $12.278 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022: $14.698 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $12.278 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
China 19%, France 9%, Nigeria 7%, India 7%, Russia 5% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, rice, garments, wheat (2023)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $14.985 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
606.345 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
606.57 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
623.76 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
554.531 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
575.586 (2020 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 67.9% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 96.6%
electrification - rural areas: 43.4%
electrification - urban areas: 96.6%
electrification - rural areas: 43.4%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 1.772 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 7.547 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 486 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 983 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 7.547 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 486 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 983 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 78.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 9.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 3.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 9.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 3.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 138,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 21 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 181,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 21 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 181,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 9,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 65,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 65,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas
production: 34.646 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 34.604 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 34.604 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 8.303 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 399,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 22.4 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 120 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 120 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
over 25 private TV stations; state-run Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS) broadcasts from five cities; wide range of independent TV available via satellite; hundreds of radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Dakar
Internet country code
.sn
Internet users
percent of population: 61% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 357,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Transportation5
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
6V
Airports
20 (2025)
Railways
total: 906 km (2017) (713 km operational in 2017)
narrow gauge: 906 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge
narrow gauge: 906 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 36 (2023)
by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 30
by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 30
Ports
total ports
6 (2024)
large
0
medium
1
small
1
very small
4
ports with oil terminals
4
key ports
Dakar, Karabane, Lyndiane, M'bao Oil Terminal, Rufisque, St. Louis
Military & Security7
Military and security forces
Senegalese Armed Forces (les Forces Armées Sénégalaises, FAS): Army (l’Armée de Terre, AT), Senegalese National Navy (Marine Séenéegalaise, MNS), Senegalese Air Force (l'Arméee de l'Air du Séenéegal, AAS), National Gendarmerie
Ministry of Interior: National Police (2025)
Ministry of Interior: National Police (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 25,000 active Armed Forces personnel, including the Gendarmerie (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military has a mix of older, secondhand, and some more modern equipment from a variety of suppliers, including China, France, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Türkiye, and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-28 (up to 35 for specialized roles); 24-month service commitment (2025)
Military deployments
190 Central African Republic (MINUSCA; plus about 575 police); approximately 380 police Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (2025)
Military - note
the Senegalese military is responsible for both territorial defense and internal security; it also assists the civilian government in such areas as preventive healthcare, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and disaster response; key areas of focus for the military include a low-level insurgency in the country's south, maritime security, and securing the border against smuggling and Sahel-based Islamist insurgent groups affiliated with al-Qa'ida and the Islamic State; the military participates in foreign peacekeeping deployments and multinational exercises; its closest security partner is France, which has long maintained a military presence in Senegal
Senegalese security forces have been engaged in a low-level counterinsurgency campaign in the southern Casamance region against factions of the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MDFC) since 1982; the conflict is one of longest running low-level insurgencies in the World, having claimed more than 5,000 lives while leaving another 60,000 displaced; in recent years, nearly all of the MDFC factions have agreed to cease hostilities (2025)
Senegalese security forces have been engaged in a low-level counterinsurgency campaign in the southern Casamance region against factions of the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MDFC) since 1982; the conflict is one of longest running low-level insurgencies in the World, having claimed more than 5,000 lives while leaving another 60,000 displaced; in recent years, nearly all of the MDFC factions have agreed to cease hostilities (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 13,064 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)