Within a population of more than 18 million habitants, close to a quarter of them live in Dakar and it surrounding suburbs. There are around 20 different ethnic groups, each having its own language which adds to the rich culture of the country.

Senegal has been and still remains one of the most stable countries in all of Africa and therefore is peaceful. It has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and regional mediation.  The most westerly country in Africa, Senegal has the dry arid climate of the Sahel during the months of December through April dominated by the hot dry harmattan winds. And a hot, humid climate during the rainy season from May to November. The land is generally low rolling plains rising to foot hills in the southeast corner of the country. Senegal’s economy is driven by mining, construction, tourism, fisheries and agriculture, which is the primary source of employment in rural areas.

Senegal has a large and growing youth population – more than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Because of the country’s high illiteracy rate (more than 40%), high unemployment (even among university graduates), and widespread poverty, Senegalese youths face dim prospects; women are especially disadvantaged.

Around 94% of the population are Muslim. There are around 5% Christians, however only around 0.1% are evangelical Christians.