Senegal Facts
Senegal, State of West Africa; 196,000 km², 15.8 million residents (2019).Senegal borders in the north to Mauritania, in the east to Mali and in the south to Guinea and Guinea-Bissau and to the west coast to the Atlantic and encompasses the Gambia. The capital is Dakar (2.6 million residents, 2014).
Country facts
- Republic of Senegal / Republic of Senegal
- Country abbreviation: SN
- Area: 196 000 km²
- Population (2019): 15.8 million residents
- Capital: Dakar
- Main languages: wolof, French
- State: Republic
- Head of State and Head of Government: Macky Sall (President)
- Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1,522
- GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1,410
- Currency unit: 1 CFA franc = 100 centimes
- Currency code: XOF
- Country number (telephony): 221
- Internet domain name: sn
- Time difference compared to Sweden: −1
- National Day: April 4 (Independence Day, 1960)
Nature
- Land use: forest (40%), agricultural land (12%), other (48%)
- Highest mountain: unnamed place (581 m asl)
- Longest river: Senegal (1,700 km)
Population
- Population density (2019): 81 residents per km²
- Natural population growth (2019): 2.8%; birthrate 34 ‰, deathrate 6 ‰
- Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (43%), 15-64 (54%), 65- (3%)
- Average life expectancy (2019): men 65 years, women 69 years
- Infant mortality (2019): 42 per 1,000 live births
- Population forecast 2050: 33 million residents
- HDI (2017): 0.505 (place 164 of 188)
- Urbanization rate (2019): 46%
- Most populous city (2015): Dakar (2.6 million residents)
Business
- Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (17%), industry (24%), service (59%)
- Exports of goods (2017): USD 2 362 million
- Main export products: fish preserves, peanuts, oil products
- Main exporting countries: Mali, Switzerland, India
- Imports of goods (2017): US $ 5,217 million
- Main import products: food, capital goods, fuel
- Main importing countries: France, China, Nigeria
- Railway network (2017): 900 km
Geography of Senegal
Location and Size
Senegal is located in West Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north and east, Mali to the east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south. It also surrounds The Gambia, a small country that extends along the Gambia River, completely encircling Senegal’s eastern border. Senegal’s land area is about 196,722 square kilometers (75,955 square miles), making it one of the larger countries in West Africa. The country is characterized by a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal plains to savannahs and forests.
The capital city, Dakar, is situated on the Cape Verde Peninsula, along the Atlantic coastline, making it a significant port city for trade and commerce. Senegal’s geographic location places it at a crossroads between Africa’s northern and southern regions, giving it historical significance as a trading hub between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Topography and Natural Features
Senegal’s geography features a combination of coastal plains, grasslands, and forested regions. The country’s coastal areas, including Dakar, are dominated by sandy beaches and marshlands, creating a favorable environment for fishing and trade. To the east, the land transitions into savannah, with scattered trees and grassy plains, making it suitable for agriculture and livestock farming. In the southeast, Senegal is home to several small mountain ranges and plateaus, the highest of which is the Fouta Djallon range, with the country’s highest point reaching about 581 meters (1,906 feet).
The Gambia River, which cuts through the eastern border of the country, is another notable feature of Senegal’s landscape. This river has historically served as an important trade route and is central to the country’s agriculture and transportation systems. Senegal is also home to several natural reserves and national parks, including Niokolo-Koba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its diverse wildlife.
Climate of Senegal
Tropical Climate
Senegal has a tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The country is affected by the West African monsoon winds, which bring seasonal rains to the region. The climate is divided into two major seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season, known as the harmattan, lasts from November to May. During this period, cool, dry winds blow in from the Sahara Desert, lowering humidity and creating dust storms that can reduce visibility. Temperatures during the dry season can range from 20°C (68°F) in the cooler months to 30°C (86°F) or higher during the hottest months. The harmattan brings cooler evenings, especially in the interior regions, while coastal areas tend to maintain a relatively stable, warm temperature.
The rainy season lasts from June to October, with the peak of rainfall occurring between July and September. The amount of rainfall varies significantly across the country, with the coastal areas receiving more precipitation than the interior regions. The rainy season brings much-needed water for agriculture and is a time for farmers to plant crops such as millet, maize, and rice. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to flooding in low-lying areas, particularly along the Gambia River.
Rainfall and Seasons
Senegal receives an average of 500 to 1,200 millimeters (20 to 47 inches) of rainfall annually, with the coastal regions receiving more rain than the inland areas. The country’s southern regions, particularly near Guinea, experience the most rainfall, while the northern regions, including the Sahel zone, are much drier. This variance in precipitation has shaped the agricultural practices and ecosystems found across the country. For example, the southern regions are more fertile and suitable for rice farming, while the northern regions rely more on livestock and drought-resistant crops.
People of Senegal
Population and Demographics
Senegal has an estimated population of over 17 million people, with the majority of the population residing in urban areas, particularly in Dakar and its surrounding regions. Senegal is one of the more politically stable countries in West Africa, with a growing population and an increasing urbanization trend. The country has a relatively young population, with a median age of around 18 years, reflecting a high birth rate and a rapidly growing workforce.
The country is ethnically diverse, with more than 20 ethnic groups living within its borders. The largest ethnic group is the Wolof, who make up about 40% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Pulaar, Serer, Jola, and Mandinka. Despite this diversity, Senegal has a long history of interethnic cooperation and peaceful coexistence. The various groups have blended over centuries, creating a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the country’s music, food, and traditions.
Language and Religion
The official language of Senegal is French, a legacy of its colonial past under French rule. French is used in government, education, and business, and it is the language of instruction in schools. However, most Senegalese people speak local languages as their first language, with Wolof being the most widely spoken, particularly in urban areas. Other common languages include Pulaar, Serer, and Jola, among others. The use of multiple languages and dialects reflects the country’s ethnic diversity, with many Senegalese people being multilingual.
Senegal is predominantly Muslim, with over 90% of the population adhering to Islam, primarily the Sunni branch. Islam has been the dominant religion in the country for centuries and plays a central role in daily life, cultural practices, and national identity. The country is known for its religious tolerance, with communities of Christians (mainly Roman Catholics) and adherents of indigenous beliefs coexisting peacefully. The Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as the observance of Ramadan, are celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
Education and Health
Education in Senegal is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The country has made significant progress in expanding access to education, with improvements in primary school enrollment rates and a rising literacy rate. However, challenges remain, especially in rural areas, where access to education and resources is limited. Senegal has a growing network of universities and technical schools, with the University of Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar being the largest and most prominent educational institution in the country.
The healthcare system in Senegal faces challenges due to limited infrastructure and a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural regions. However, the country has made notable strides in improving public health through international partnerships and government initiatives. Senegal has made significant progress in combating diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS and has seen improvements in maternal and child health. The government has focused on expanding healthcare access, including building new hospitals and healthcare centers and increasing the availability of vaccines.
Economy of Senegal
Key Industries
Senegal’s economy is diverse, with significant sectors including agriculture, mining, fishing, and services. Agriculture plays a vital role in the country’s economy, with crops such as peanuts, millet, maize, rice, and cotton being important staples. Senegal is one of the leading producers of peanuts in Africa, and peanut oil is one of the country’s main exports. Additionally, the country has fertile land along the Senegal River and other areas that support the cultivation of rice and vegetables.
Fishing is another important sector, as Senegal has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, and fish and seafood are key sources of protein for the population. Senegal is one of the largest exporters of fish in West Africa, with the industry contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings. The government has made efforts to expand the fishing industry and regulate sustainable practices to avoid overfishing and protect marine biodiversity.
In recent years, Senegal has focused on diversifying its economy by investing in infrastructure, manufacturing, and services. The services sector, particularly banking and telecommunications, has seen growth, and the country has developed a thriving tourism industry, thanks to its historical sites, beaches, and vibrant culture.
Economic Challenges
Despite its economic growth, Senegal faces several challenges, including a high unemployment rate, poverty, and inequality. Much of the population still lives in rural areas and depends on subsistence farming, which is vulnerable to climate fluctuations and economic instability. The government has worked to address these issues through initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment.
Senegal is also working on diversifying its energy sector, with investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The country is also exploring the development of oil and gas resources, which could contribute to economic growth in the future. However, managing these resources sustainably and ensuring equitable distribution of wealth remain important concerns for the government.
Government of Senegal
Political System
Senegal is a democratic republic with a multi-party system, and it has been one of the most politically stable countries in West Africa. The president of Senegal is both the head of state and head of government, elected through a popular vote for a five-year term. The president holds significant executive powers but must work in tandem with the prime minister and the National Assembly, the country’s legislative body, which is composed of 165 members elected by the people.
Senegal is known for its vibrant political scene, with regular elections and peaceful transfers of power. The country has a long history of democratic governance, having transitioned to multiparty democracy in 1974 after decades of one-party rule. The political system encourages pluralism, and various political parties represent a range of ideologies. The country has seen peaceful transitions of power since its independence, contributing to its reputation as a stable democracy in a region often marked by political instability.
Legal System
Senegal’s legal system is based on French civil law, with a strong influence from Islamic law. The country has a well-established judiciary, including a Supreme Court that oversees the application of laws, ensures the protection of human rights, and resolves disputes. The legal system in Senegal guarantees a fair trial and equal access to justice for all citizens, though challenges related to corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies remain.
The country’s legal framework is supportive of human rights, and Senegal is a signatory to many international treaties and conventions aimed at protecting civil liberties and promoting democratic governance. The country has made efforts to modernize its legal system, including reforms in commercial law and the establishment of courts focused on human rights and social justice.
Culture of Senegal
Arts and Music
Senegal has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that blends African traditions with Islamic and European influences. Music is at the heart of Senegalese culture, with genres like mbalax, which combines traditional rhythms with Western influences, being particularly popular. Youssou N’Dour, one of Africa’s most famous musicians, is a key figure in the global spread of Senegalese music. Other musical forms such as sabar drumming, griot storytelling, and traditional dance also hold cultural significance in Senegal.
Senegalese literature and visual arts are also significant, with prominent figures like novelist Mariama Bâ and painter Ousmane Sow gaining international recognition. Senegal’s cultural scene is often a mix of traditional and modern influences, with vibrant art galleries, literature festivals, and music concerts taking place regularly across the country.
Festivals and Traditions
Senegal’s cultural traditions are deeply rooted in the country’s ethnic diversity and Islamic practices. The country celebrates various festivals, with the most significant being the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. In addition to religious holidays, Senegal hosts several cultural festivals that showcase its musical, dance, and culinary traditions. The Dakar Festival, for example, is a popular event that celebrates the arts, while the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival draws international musicians to the city of Saint-Louis.
Senegalese culture is also defined by the importance of family and community. Traditional ceremonies, such as weddings, naming ceremonies, and harvest festivals, are significant events that bring people together to celebrate and strengthen social bonds.
Cuisine
Senegalese cuisine is rich, flavorful, and diverse, reflecting the country’s cultural influences from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. One of the most famous dishes is thieboudienne, a rice and fish dish cooked with vegetables and a rich tomato-based sauce. Another popular dish is yassa, a flavorful chicken or fish stew cooked with onions, mustard, and lemon. The use of fresh ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and spices is a hallmark of Senegalese cooking.
Street food is an essential part of Senegalese culinary life, with dishes such as mburu (grilled meat skewers) and boulle (fried dough) enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Senegalese cuisine is an important aspect of the country’s cultural identity, and meals are often shared with family and friends in a communal setting, reflecting the importance of hospitality and community.