Senegal

The population of Senegal is approximately 19M (2024).

The capital of Senegal is Dakar.

Senegal's GDP per capita is $2K (2024).

Life expectancy in Senegal is 68.92 years (2024).

Senegal covers 196,722 km² (75,955 sq mi).

Senegal has a moderate population density of 98 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Senegal's population is growing rapidly at 2.3% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Senegal falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $2K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Senegal reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.3 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

The official language of Senegal is French.

Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (Fr) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Senegal are January, March, April, May, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Recent estimates show that the population of Senegal is approximately 19.4 million people. This represents an increase from the previous official count of 18,501,984, supported by an annual growth rate of 2.3%. Senegal currently ranks 68th globally in population and 7th within the Western Africa subregion.

Senegal has a nominal GDP of approximately 32.8 billion USD, which ranks 110th in the world and 19th within Africa. The economy is growing at a robust rate of 6.1% annually. Current projections estimate the GDP per capita at 1,995 USD, placing it 5th among Western African nations.

The adult literacy rate in Senegal is approximately 50.4% according to the latest available data. This literacy level ranks the country 159th out of 170 ranked nations globally. The government is actively working to improve these figures through increased investment in primary education and vocational training programs.

The current life expectancy at birth in Senegal is 68.9 years, which ranks 159th globally. This figure reflects ongoing improvements in the national healthcare system, particularly in reducing child mortality and managing infectious diseases. Life expectancy in the country remains among the higher tiers for the West African region.

Approximately 60.1% of the population in Senegal uses the internet, ranking the country 152nd globally. This level of digital access is fueled by a competitive mobile telecommunications market and significant infrastructure development in urban areas. This connectivity supports a growing digital economy and increased access to social services.

Senegal's economy relies on natural resources like fish, phosphates, gold, and iron ore, along with a growing tourism industry. The country also possesses significant reserves of titanium, zircon, and recently discovered petroleum and natural gas. These sectors contribute to an annual GDP growth rate of 6.1%.

The latest rankings place Senegal as global 68 of 215 countries in terms of total population. Regionally, it ranks 25 of 54 in Africa. Within the Western Africa subregion, it holds the rank of 7 of 16, making it a significant population center in the area.

The estimated 2026 population density is 100.6 people per km² (260.6 sq mi). Senegal ranks global 110 of 215 for density. While the national average is moderate, the population is heavily concentrated in the west, particularly in the Dakar region, while the eastern border areas are much more sparsely settled.

The population of Senegal is growing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 2.32%. Recent data shows there are approximately 1,479 births per day compared to 279 deaths. This results in a net daily population increase of about 1,176 people, contributing to a consistently upward trend.

The latest official 2024 data shows a fertility rate of 3.765 births per woman in Senegal. This figure ranks the country global 33 of 215 for the highest fertility. While family sizes are gradually decreasing in urban areas like Dakar, they remains high in rural agricultural regions.

Approximately 55.2% of Senegal's population lives in urban areas, according to the latest 2024 data. This urbanization rank of global 142 of 215 highlights the country's transition toward a more urban-centered economy. The trend is driven by migration from the interior toward coastal cities offering better employment.