Senegal
AfricaSG September 23, 2025
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.
Geographic coordinates
14 00 N, 14 00 W
Natural hazards
lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than South Dakota; slightly larger than twice the size of Indiana
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
Coastline
531 km
Land boundaries
Total: 2,684 km
Border countries (5): The Gambia 749 km; Guinea 363 km; Guinea-Bissau 341 km; Mali 489 km; Mauritania 742 km
Border countries (5): The Gambia 749 km; Guinea 363 km; Guinea-Bissau 341 km; Mali 489 km; Mauritania 742 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 49.4% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 19.9% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.4% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 29.1% (2022 est.)
Forest: 41.5% (2022 est.)
Other: 9.1% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 19.9% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.4% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 29.1% (2022 est.)
Forest: 41.5% (2022 est.)
Other: 9.1% (2022 est.)
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
Natural resources
fish, phosphates, iron ore
Geography - note
westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost an enclave within Senegal
Terrain
generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
1,200 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
38.97 billion cubic meters (2022 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
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
Major aquifers
Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Senegal (456,397 sq km)
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
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
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)
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.)
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.)
Nationality
Noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)
Adjective: Senegalese
Adjective: Senegalese
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.)
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.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 95.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 77% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 23% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 95.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 77% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 23% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.340 million DAKAR (capital) (2023)
Physician density
0.11 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.9 years (2019 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
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.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 95.3% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 60.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 77.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4.7% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 39.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 22.6% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 95.3% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 60.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 77.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4.7% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 39.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 22.6% of population (2022 est.)
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.)
Religions
Muslim 97.2% (most adhere to one of the four main Sufi brotherhoods), Christian 2.7% (mostly Roman Catholic) (2019 est.)
Languages
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka, Serer, Soninke
Health expenditure
4.4% of GDP (2021)
3.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
3.4% of national budget (2022 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)
Gross reproduction rate
1.98 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.3% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 4.1% (2024 est.)
Male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 19.2 years (2024 est.)
Male: 18.4 years
Female: 20 years
Male: 18.4 years
Female: 20 years
Maternal mortality ratio
237 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
4.06 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 18,847,519 (2024 est.)
Male: 9,283,314
Female: 9,564,205
Male: 9,283,314
Female: 9,564,205
Infant mortality rate
Total: 31.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 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
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.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.8% (2016)
Death rate
4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
30.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
14.4% (2019)
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.)
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
Education expenditure
6.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
20.9% national budget (2025 est.)
20.9% national budget (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
2.46% (2024 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.)
Industrial: 1.416 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 2.759 billion cubic meters (2022 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.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.9% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
42.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide 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.)
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.)
Energy consumption per capita
8.303 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
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/
Administrative divisions
14 regions (régions, singular - région); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kéedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor
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"
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
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
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
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
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: The colors from left to right are the same as Mali's flag and the reverse of Guinea's flag
Independence
4 April 1960 (from France); 20 August 1960 (full independence after federation with Mali is dissolved)
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
Legal system
civil law system based on French law; Constitutional Council reviews legislative acts
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
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
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
National holiday
Independence Day, 4 April (1960)
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)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
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"
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
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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
lion
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
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)
National color(s)
green, yellow, red
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 3% (2021 est.)
Highest 10%: 28.8% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 28.8% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, refined petroleum, phosphoric acid, fish, cement (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Mali 21%, India 12%, Switzerland 11%, China 5%, UAE 4% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
rice, groundnuts, watermelons, millet, cassava, sugarcane, maize, sorghum, onions, milk (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $7.749 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $9.267 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $9.267 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, rice, garments, wheat (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
606.345 (2024 est.)
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
606.345 (2024 est.)
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
Industries
agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, zircon, and gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair
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
GDP (official exchange rate)
$32.267 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
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: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
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: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 19%, France 9%, Nigeria 7%, India 7%, Russia 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
10.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
10.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
11.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
10.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
11.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
5.763 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$14.985 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Unemployment rate
3% (2024 est.)
2.8% (2023 est.)
2.9% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
2.8% (2023 est.)
2.9% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
19.5% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$83.183 billion (2024 est.)
$77.82 billion (2023 est.)
$74.642 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$77.82 billion (2023 est.)
$74.642 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
0.8% (2024 est.)
5.9% (2023 est.)
9.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
5.9% (2023 est.)
9.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$6.072 billion (2023 est.)
-$5.542 billion (2022 est.)
-$3.327 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$5.542 billion (2022 est.)
-$3.327 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$4,500 (2024 est.)
$4,300 (2023 est.)
$4,200 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$4,300 (2023 est.)
$4,200 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$14.916 billion (2023 est.)
$14.698 billion (2022 est.)
$12.278 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$14.698 billion (2022 est.)
$12.278 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$7.001 billion (2023 est.)
$7.418 billion (2022 est.)
$6.78 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$7.418 billion (2022 est.)
$6.78 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
6.9% (2024 est.)
4.3% (2023 est.)
3.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
4.3% (2023 est.)
3.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
20% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 15.5% (2024 est.)
Industry: 25.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 49.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 25.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 49.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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%
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 61% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.sn
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
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 22.4 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 120 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 120 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 357,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 399,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
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
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
6V
Airports
20 (2025)
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
Military 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)
Military expenditures
1.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
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: 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: 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 - 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)
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)
Military 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)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 13,064 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,922 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)
Space agency/agencies
Senegalese Space Study Agency (Agence Sénégalaise d'Etudes Spatiales or ASES; launched in 2023 under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation) (2025)
Space program overview
small, nascent program focused on earth observation capabilities, largely for climate resilience, environmental management, research, and socio-economic development; conducts research in such fields as astronomy and planetary sciences; has cooperated with the European Space Agency, and the space agencies of China, France, Turkey, and the US (2025)
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
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
Methane 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.)
Agriculture: 258.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 89.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 4.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
36.2 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality