Senegal is a political and economic center in West Africa. In the south, a separatist movement is fighting for independence.
Key figures and facts
- Capital: Dakar
- Ethnic groups: Wolof 37.1%, pular 26.2%, serer 17%, mandinka 5.6%, jola 4.5%, soninke 1.4%, other 8.3% (2017)
- Language: French (official), wolof, polar, jola, mandinka, serer, sonink
- Religion: Muslims 95.9% (most Sufis), Christians 4.1% (most Catholics) (2016)
- Population: 16 294 270 (2018)
- Control Form: Republic
- Area: 196 710 km2
- Currency: CFA franc
- GNP per capita: 2 566 PPP $
- National Day: April 4th
Senegal Population
The population of Senegal is estimated at 15 736 000 (2020) and annual population growth to 2.3 percent. Population development is characterized by relatively high (but decreasing) birth and death rates, 31.8 and 7.6 per thousand (2020), respectively, and a very “young” population. Over 40 percent are under 15, and only 3 percent are 65 and over. Life expectancy at birth is 65 years for women and 61 years for men. Each woman gives birth to an average of 4 children (CIA World Fact Book 2020).
People Groups
The population consists of a number of different ethnic groups. The largest population group is wolof, which is located in the western parts of the country and accounts for almost 40 percent of the population. Seres live mostly south of Dakar and make up about 17 percent of the population. In the arid eastern parts of the country, nomadic and semi-nomadic pod (14 percent) live. In addition, there are a number of other smaller groups of people.
People Density
48 percent of the population lives in cities (2020), which are mostly located in the coastal areas. The capital Dakar with 3,500,000 residents (2015) is the largest city. Other major cities are Thiès, Kaolack and Ziguinchor.
Religion
Nearly 96 percent of the population is Sunni Muslims. Most of the country’s around 4 percent Christians are members of the Catholic Church. A small number profess to traditional, local religions.
Language
French is the official language. The most important African languages are wolof, serer, fulani (full) jola and mandika. Wolof is also used as a lingua franca.