A young and dynamic population
Eighteen million inhabitants, with different cultures and traditions, live in harmony. The population of Senegal is young (those under 20 represent 55% of the population) and growing rapidly (2.8% per year). Dakar has about 4 million inhabitants. Next come the cities of Touba, Thiès and Kaolack, then Saint-Louis, Rufisque, Ziguinchor and Diourbel. There are many ethnic groups, each with their own culture, traditions and language, even if French is the national language.
The Wolofs are the most represented (about 40%). They are present throughout the country, particularly in the center, in the North and along the Dakar Saint-Louis coast. Traditionally farmers and traders, they are mostly Muslim. The Lebous, established in fishing communities on the Cap-Vert peninsula and in Saint-Louis are related to them. The Wolof language is spoken by three-quarters of the population.
The Pulaar (composed of Foulbés, Peuls and Toucouleurs, 25% of the population) are very active in the fields of trade, livestock breeding and irrigated agriculture, of which the north of Senegal, Fouta Toro, the historical center of the propagation of Islam in Senegal, constitutes their cultural cradle. They populate the Senegal River valley as well as the Ferlo area.
The Sereres (16%) live in Sine Saloum, along the Petite Côte, in the center of the country and in the northwest of Gambia. They can be Christian or Muslim.
Most of the Diolas (5%) live in Casamance, but also in Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Rather oriented towards rice growing, they are mainly animists or Christians in Lower Casamance (Ziguinchor, Oussouye, Cap Skirring), Muslims further north and east.
Apart from these large ethnic groups, we find the Mandingo in eastern Senegal, the Bassaris and Bedik on the Guinean border and around the Niokolo Koba park.
All live in harmony without inter-ethnic conflict. The most widely spoken language in daily exchanges is Wolof, but you will also be able, after a while, to recognize those who speak Pulaar or Serer.