Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Senegal
République du Sénégal
CapitalDakar
Population18,931,966
GDP$37.0bn
Area196,722 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2024, 2016, 2012, 2007Since 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.
Geography
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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)
Reference: 2012Major 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
Population & Society
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.)
Reference: 2019Languages
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.)
Reference: 2019Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 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.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 72.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 16.4 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 19.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 18.4 years
female: 20 years
Reference: 2024male: 18.4 years
female: 20 years
Population growth rate
2.46% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
30.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
Major urban areas - population
3.340 million DAKAR (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2019note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
237 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.98 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.11 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Reference: 2023Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child 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)
Reference: 2019women married by age 18: 30.5% (2019)
men married by age 18: 0.7% (2019)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 9 years (2023 est.)
male: 8 years (2023 est.)
female: 10 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 8 years (2023 est.)
female: 10 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 13,064 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Bassirou Diomaye Faye | — | 2024-04-02 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Bassirou Diomaye Faye | — | 2024-04-02 | Current | Reported |
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"
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"
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
Reference: 2001, 1963, 1959amendment 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
Reference: 2029, 2024, 2019head 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
Reference: 2029, 2024legislative 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)
Reference: 2024, 2019Alliance 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
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/
Reference: 2022embassy: 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)
Reference: 1960National holiday
Independence Day, 4 April (1960)
Reference: 1960Flag
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
note: note: the colors from left to right are the same as Mali's flag and the reverse of Guinea's flag
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
note: note: the colors from left to right are the same as Mali's flag and the reverse of Guinea's flag
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
Reference: 1960lyrics/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)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | — | 165 | — |
Economy
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $77.82 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $74.642 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $4,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 15.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 25.4% (2024 est.)
services: 49.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 25.4% (2024 est.)
services: 49.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government 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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
rice, groundnuts, watermelons, millet, cassava, sugarcane, maize, sorghum, onions, milk (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
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.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
5.763 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 4.1% (2024 est.)
male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 36.2 (2021 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2021note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 28.8% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2021highest 10%: 28.8% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
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.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 10.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 11.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $7.749 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $9.267 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $9.267 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 47.8% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Taxes and other revenues
19.5% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$5.542 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.327 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $7.001 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.418 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.78 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $7.418 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.78 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Mali 21%, India 12%, Switzerland 11%, China 5%, UAE 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, refined petroleum, phosphoric acid, fish, cement (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $14.916 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $14.698 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $12.278 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $14.698 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $12.278 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 19%, France 9%, Nigeria 7%, India 7%, Russia 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, rice, garments, wheat (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $14.985 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
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.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange 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.)
Trade
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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$5.542 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.327 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $7.001 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.418 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.78 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $7.418 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.78 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Mali 21%, India 12%, Switzerland 11%, China 5%, UAE 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, refined petroleum, phosphoric acid, fish, cement (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $14.916 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $14.698 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $12.278 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $14.698 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $12.278 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 19%, France 9%, Nigeria 7%, India 7%, Russia 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, rice, garments, wheat (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 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.)
Reference: 2023solar: 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.)
Reference: 2023exports: 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.)
Reference: 2023refined 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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 34.604 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 8.303 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 399,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
237 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.11 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco 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.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 9 years (2023 est.)
male: 8 years (2023 est.)
female: 10 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 8 years (2023 est.)
female: 10 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system based on French law; Constitutional Council reviews legislative acts
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
Military & Security
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)
note: note: the National Police operates in major cities, while the Gendarmerie under the FAS primarily operates outside urban areas; both services have specialized anti-terrorism units, and the Gendarmerie has both Territorial and Mobile components
Ministry of Interior: National Police (2025)
note: note: the National Police operates in major cities, while the Gendarmerie under the FAS primarily operates outside urban areas; both services have specialized anti-terrorism units, and the Gendarmerie has both Territorial and Mobile components
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.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military 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's inventory includes a mix of older, secondhand, and more modern equipment from a variety of countries, including France, South Africa, and Russia/former Soviet Union; in recent years, the military has undertaken a modernization program and has received newer equipment from more than 10 countries, including France and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
19 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (18 years of age for cadets); 24-month service commitment (2024)
Reference: 2024Military deployments
200 Central African Republic (MINUSCA; plus about 525 police); 800 (ECOWAS Military Intervention in The Gambia--ECOMIG); 500 (ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau--EESMGB); 450 police Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - 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)
Reference: 2025, 1982Senegalese 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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
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/
Reference: 2022embassy: 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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1960-09-28 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 13,064 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)
Transportation & Logistics
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
Reference: 2017narrow gauge: 906 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 36 (2023)
by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 30
Reference: 2023by 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
Reference: 2024large: 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
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; droughts; seasonal flooding; overfishing; weak environmental laws; poaching
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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.)
Urbanization
urban population: 49.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 3.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 10.373 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 456,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 9.859 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 58,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 456,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 9.859 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 58,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
42.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 37 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 258.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 89.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 4.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 258.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 89.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 4.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.454 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 261 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 1.416 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 2.759 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 1.416 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 2.759 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
38.97 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 399,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 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
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 15,034,521 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 15,475,002 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 15,914,498 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 16,352,922 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 16,789,219 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 17,220,867 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 17,651,103 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 18,077,573 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 18,501,984 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 18,931,966 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $19,040,312,333 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $20,965,069,573 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $23,116,701,556 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $23,403,995,992 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $24,530,513,038 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $27,520,784,130 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $27,783,332,223 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $30,696,331,296 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $32,169,996,052 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $37,006,536,238 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 274,929 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 281,867 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 325,275 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 318,928 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 366,397 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 425,788 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 498,417 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 558,252 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 665,735 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 741,357 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 29,498 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 29,605 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 33,567 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 38,386 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 33,848 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 25,519 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 16,425 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -9,999 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -10,307 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -12,636 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,931,966 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 19,366,548 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 16,876,720 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 281,867 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 741,357 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -12,636 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 17,259 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 1,538 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 13,028 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 38,978 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.820 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.392 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.770 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.259 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.540 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.490 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.358 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Illegal since 1 March 1966; Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes / No Limited protections. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $37,006,536,238 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $1,955 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 6.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 1.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 68.9 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.8 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 55.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 60.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 32.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 38.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 71.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 50.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 44.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 82.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 410 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 35.4% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 4.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 28.9 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 41.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 123.9 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 4.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 60 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 14.7247° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -17.4734° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 14.3667° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -14.2833° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00, Africa/Dakar | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:32