Senegal/Society

Society in Senegal

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
18.1M(2023)
Population Growth
2.4%(2023)
Fertility Rate
3.82(2023)
Death Rate
5.6 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-10.3K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
68.7 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
38.5 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
237 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
4.1%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
57.7%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
75.4%(2017)
Secondary Enrollment
45.5%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
17.3(2023)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
6%(2022)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
60.6%(2023)
Access to Electricity
74.2%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
86.2%(2022)
Urban Population
9M(2023)
Rural Population
9.1M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Senegal

  • Senegal has an estimated population of 18.1M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.4%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. With a fertility rate of 3.8 births per woman
    2023
    , the population maintains momentum, necessitating strategic investments in social infrastructure. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 10K individuals annually (or -0.6 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 68.7 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (38.5 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (237 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 4.1% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Basic literacy development shows promise at 58%
    2022
    , but substantial and targeted investment is required to expand educational access and improve outcomes comprehensively. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 75% of children
    2017
    , secondary enrollment at 46%
    2023
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 6.0% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2022
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, a still balanced urban-rural distribution (50% urban population
    2023
    ) creates diverse economic opportunities but necessitates coordinated infrastructure development to bridge potential disparities. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 74%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 61%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.