Senegal

All demographic indicators on this page are based on UN mid 2025 estimates unless stated otherwise.

Senegal population (live estimate)

Real-time estimate based on UN demographic growth models.

18,931,000

Annual growth: 2.283%.

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Official population estimates

World population
18,931,000
Median age
19.6
Population growth rate (%)
2.283 ▲ Population is growing

This map shows first-level administrative regions (ADM1).

Key Facts

  • Capital: Dakar
  • Official language: French
  • Region: Western Africa
  • Continent: Africa
Languages
Languages and linguistic groups
Religions
Religious composition
Cities
Major cities and urban areas
Administrative divisions
Regions
Population
Population structure and dynamics

Languages

A brief overview of the linguistic situation in the country.

Official language
French
Minority language
6
Working / administrative language
1

Senegal recognizes French as its official language, while numerous national languages, including Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, Jola, Mandinka, and Soninke, are widely used. Wolof serves as the main lingua franca.

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Religions

A brief overview of the religious composition of the country.

Dominant religion
Islam
Largest share
97.6%
Number of religions
7

Most of the population lives in coastal and urban areas, especially Dakar. Multilingualism is strong, with Wolof used across ethnic boundaries.

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Cities

A brief overview of the major cities and urban structure of the country.

Largest city
Dakar
Number of cities
26

The cities shown here represent major urban centres with populations over 50,000, as defined by the UN Degree of Urbanisation (DEGURBA) methodology. Smaller towns and rural settlements are not included.

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