Senegal
Republic of Senegal
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.60%
Senegal is a Western Africa country of around 18.6 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 196,722 km², translating to a density of 95 people per km². Its capital is Dakar, and French is the official language, while the West African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
18,593,258
Area
196,722 km²
Density
95/km²
World Rank
#69
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 29.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.6 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 38.2% of the population is under 15, while only 3.6% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Dakar
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French
- Currencies
- West African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +221
- Top-Level Domain
- .sn
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 18,593,258
- Land Area
- 196,722 km²
- Population Density
- 95 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.60%
- Annual Growth
- +483,425 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,324 people
- World Population Share
- 0.23%
- Coordinates
- 14.00°, -14.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.8k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.7%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 36.2 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
68.7 years
GDP per Capita
$1,773
Birth Rate
29.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
55.2%
Fertility Rate
3.82 births/woman
Infant Mortality
30.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.7%
Literacy Rate
50.4%
Internet Users
60.6%
Under 15
38.2%
Over 65
3.6%
Health Spending
4.3% GDP
Gini Index
36.2
Age Distribution
0-14 years
7.1M
15-64 years
10.8M
65+ years
673K
Urbanization
About 55.2% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Dakar, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 12636.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
10.3M
55.2%
8.3M
44.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 68.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 30.2 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. Literacy stands at 50.4%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Senegal
Senegal has 19 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Senegal is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Senegal participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 18,593,258 |
| 2030 | 20,498,640 |
| 2035 | 22,917,259 |
| 2040 | 25,364,658 |
| 2045 | 27,831,367 |
| 2050 | 30,311,353 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Senegal.
Largest Cities in Senegal
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Senegal by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Senegal?
The population of Senegal is approximately 18.6 million as of 2026, making it #69 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Senegal?
The capital of Senegal is Dakar.
What languages are spoken in Senegal?
The main languages spoken in Senegal are French.
How big is Senegal?
Senegal covers an area of 196,722 km² with a population density of 95 people per km².
Is Senegal growing or shrinking?
Senegal is growing at a rate of 2.60% per year, adding approximately 483,425 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Senegal?
The average life expectancy in Senegal is 68.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Senegal?
The GDP per capita of Senegal is $1,773.