Overview of Senegal

Profile

A multi-ethnic nation where the history of French colonialism coexists with deep religious culture including the Islamic mystical Murid brotherhood. Politically, it maintains a rare long-term stable democracy in West Africa, with an economy based on fishing, agriculture, phosphate mining, and tourism. Rich cultural tourism resources include the rhythmic Mbalax music, Senegalese wrestling, the World Heritage site of Gorée Island, and more, making it a cultural hub of Francophone Africa.

Official name: Republic of Senegal
Common name: Senegal
Numeric code: 686
Alpha-3 code: SEN
Alpha-2 code: SN
Population: Approximately 17.8 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 93 people/km²
Primary languages: French, Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, Jola, Mandinka
Major religions: Islam, Christianity (mainly Catholic)
National anthem: Le Lion Rouge (The Red Lion)
Calling code: +221
Internet TLD: .sn

History

Gained independence from France in 1960. Since then, it has been recognized as a model of democracy in the region with peaceful power transitions through elections without coups.

Islam was established through the trade of the Jolof and Tekrur kingdoms from the 9th to 15th centuries. French trading posts were established from the 17th century, becoming a key center of the slave trade, and by the late 19th century, it became the core colony of French West Africa. After World War II, following independence movements, it gained independence as the Mali Federation in 1960 before quickly transitioning to a single republic. Under first president Senghor, a dominant-party system was maintained, achieving peaceful power transitions in 2000, 2012, and 2024. While a separatist movement persists in southern Casamance, political stability is generally maintained.

Geography & climate

Northern dry steppe leading to the Sahara, central low savanna plains, southern tropical forests and mangrove deltas. The highest point is Nepen Diakha (581m) in the southeast, relatively flat.

Sahel-type dry tropical to tropical savanna

Area: Africa / 196722 km²
Capital: Dakar
Largest city: Dakar
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Retba (Pink Lake)
Bordering countries: Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia

Natural resources

Phosphate rock, Zirconium sand, Offshore oil and natural gas, Fishery resources, Iron ore, Gold, Salt, Abundant solar energy, Baobab forests as tourism resource, Fertile delta soil

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: CFA Franc (West Africa) (XOF)

GDP (nominal): 29.0 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 72.4 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, Jola, Mandinka

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Wolof, Fula/Toucouleur, Serer, Jola, Mandinka, Soninke, Lebu, Manjak, Balanta, Other minorities

Life expectancy

67.3 years

Literacy rate

57.9%

National sports

Soccer, Senegalese Wrestling (Laamb), Basketball, Athletics, Wrestling, Canoe/fishing boat races