Senegal
Country statistics · 1990–present
Senegal at a Glance
Senegal is home to 18.5 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing very rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $2,169, it is a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Life expectancy at birth stands at 68.9 years, below the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 18.5 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 29.2 and a death rate of 5.5 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 23.7 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 438,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Senegal is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $46 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $2,169 per person, it is classified as a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Real GDP growth is projected at 2.9% in 2029, representing modest growth.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 68.9 years (2024), below the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $73 (2023), representing very low per-capita healthcare spending, a common constraint in lower-income economies. The adult literacy rate stands at 50.4% (2023), reflecting literacy rates that remain a key development focus. 60.1% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating growing but uneven digital access. Access to safe drinking water reaches 27.2% of the population (2024), representing limited safe drinking water access, a significant public health priority.