Senegal flag

Dakar, Senegal

Capital city · Population 2.6M

Dakar is the capital and the largest city in Senegal with a population of approximately 2,646,503 people as of 2026. This makes it the 143rd largest city in the world, accounting for 14.23% of Senegal's total population of 18.6M. Dakar is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Dakar timezone.

Population

2,646,503

Global Rank

#143

Country Rank

#1

% of Senegal

14.23%

Dakar on the Map

Loading map...

Senegal at a Glance

Country Population

18,593,258

Capital

Dakar

Region

Western Africa

Major Cities

19

GDP per Capita

$1,773

Life Expectancy

68.7 years

Urban Population

55.2%

Growth Rate

0.03%

Other Major Cities in Senegal

Touba
1.1M
Pikine
874K
Guédiawaye
330K
Thiès
318K
Kaolack
299K
Rufisque
295K
Mbour
284K
Saint-Louis
254K
Thiès Nones
252K
Rufisque est
221K

Nearest Major Cities

Closest cities to Dakar with over 100,000 people

Cities closest to Dakar by distance
CityPopulationDistance
Pikine874,06210 km
Guédiawaye329,65910 km
Rufisque295,45919 km
Rufisque est221,06619 km
Thiès Nones252,32052 km
Thiès317,76357 km
Mbour284,18960 km
Tivaouane102,65873 km

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Dakar?

The population of Dakar, Senegal is approximately 2,646,503 people, making it the 143rd largest city in the world and the 1st largest in Senegal.

Is Dakar the capital of Senegal?

Yes, Dakar is the capital of Senegal.

What timezone is Dakar in?

Dakar is in the Africa/Dakar timezone.