Senegal: Statistical Overview

Total Population: 17,316,449

Natural Increase: 2.6%

Density: 88 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 49.1%

Population of main cities: Dakar (2,646,500); Touba (753,400); Thies (317,800); Kaolack (233,700); Mbour (232,800); Rufisque (221,100); Saint-Louis (209,800); Ziguinchor (205,300)

Ethnic Origins: There is no official national data on ethnic groups in Senegal. However, the country is home to many ethnic groups, the most recurrent being the Wolof, Fulani, Serer, Mandingo, Diola and Soninke. Minorities include some Europeans, Lebanese and Vietnamese.

Official Language: French

Other Languages Spoken: The Wolof for most people, but there is also the Diola, the Poulaar, the Malinké and the Mandingue. The Wolof is spoken and understood by most of the Senegalese. Dialects are numerous (at least 50, 15 of which are spoken by more than 15,000 people). It is to be noted that since many of the ethnic groups are essentially Muslims, the Wolofs and the Mandingues use the traditional Arab greetings.

Business Language(s): French and Wolof

Religion: The religions in Senegal are mainly Islam (94%), Christianity (5%) and animism (1%).

Literacy Rate: 39.3%

Area: 196,710 km²

Type of State: Republic state based on parliamentary democracy with presidential form of government.

Type of Economy: Low-income economy, Developing Country.
Very few natural resources; fishing and tourism are the main sectors of activity.

HDI*: 0.466/1

HDI (World Rank): 170/188

Telephone Code:
To call from Senegal, dial 00
To call Senegal, dial +221

Internet Suffix: .sn

Telephone Lines: 2.6 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 19.2 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 56.5% of the Population