Senegal

West Africa

Senegal is a country in West Africa, home to 18.4 million people, with an area of 196,722 km². Its capital is Dakar.

Capital: Dakar
Population: 18.4 million
Area: 196,722 km²
Region: West Africa
Density: 93.5 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Senegal · West Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Senegal is known for

Senegal is best known for Gorée Island, Pink Lake (Lac Rose) and Bandia Wildlife Reserve.

Senegal is a country located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. It has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Wolof, Serer, Toucouleur, and other ethnic groups.

Senegal at a glance

Language: French is the official language, but Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, and other regional languages are also spoken
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Senegal, practiced by approximately 95% of the population. Christianity and traditional African religions are also practiced
National dish: Thieboudienne, a popular dish made with fish, rice, and vegetables, is often considered the national dish of Senegal
Climate: Senegal has a tropical climate with a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October
Main industries: Agriculture, fishing, and mining are the main industries in Senegal, with tourism also playing an important role in the economy
GDP: $26.5 billion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development: Senegal is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 166 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Senegal

Some of the main tourist attractions in Senegal include:

Gorée Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a major center for the slave trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Pink Lake (Lac Rose) a salt lake located north of Dakar that gets its name from its pink coloration, caused by the presence of a particular type of algae.
Bandia Wildlife Reserve a wildlife reserve located in the Sine-Saloum Delta region, known for its diverse array of animal species.
Dakar Grand Mosque a prominent mosque located in the capital city of Dakar.
Niokolo Koba National Park: a national park in the southeast of the country that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and chimpanzees.
Saint Louis: a historic city located in the north of the country, known for its colonial architecture and music scene.
Joal Fadiouth: a fishing village located on a small island, known for its unique blend of Muslim and Christian cultures.
Saloum Delta National Park a national park located in the delta region of the Saloum River, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Senegal has to offer. The country is also known for its vibrant music and dance culture, with traditional styles such as mbalax and sabar being popular throughout the region.

Senegal in pictures

Senegal on video

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Senegal compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of West Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Burkina Faso	23.5 million	274,200 km²	Ouagadougou
Senegal	18.4 million	196,722 km²	Dakar
Guinea	14.8 million	245,857 km²	Conakry
Benin	14.5 million	112,622 km²	Porto-Novo