SENEGAL – Country Information

Population:
Senegal has a population of 15,736,368 as of 2020.

Size:
196,720 sq km / 75,954 sq mi (larger than North Dakota)

Capital City:
The capital city of Dakar is a lively metropolis located on the Cape Verde Peninsula.

Ethnic Groups:
38.7% Wolof
26.5% Tukulor
15% Serer
19.8% Other

Religion:
95.9% Muslim
4.1% Christan

Languages:
French

There are 39 different languages spoken in Senegal.

Geography:
Senegal is located at the westernmost point of the African continent. Senegal is made up of rolling low plains with low foothills in the south.

Economy:
Senegal’s economy is directed by mining, construction, tourism, fisheries and agriculture. Despite this Senegal is still heavy dependent on foreign assistance.

Interesting Fact:
Senegal is known as the “Gateway to Africa.”

Important Facts:
French maintained trading posts and factories on the coast of Senegal before they became a French colony in the 1880s. Senegal gained its independence on April 4, 1960.