Development challenges and national strategies

Senegal, a semi-arid, flat coastal country in West Africa, is one the 49 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) of the world. Overall, Senegal has a relatively low Human Development Index. Despite a slight rise from 0.431 in 2000 to 0.464 in 2007, the country has fallen from 154th position in 2000 to 166 in 2007 in the 182-country ranking. With an average growth rate of 2.5 percent, it is estimated that the country’s population increased from 9.5 million in 2000 to 12.2 million in 2008, making Senegal the 21st most populous of 50 Sub-Saharan countries. Gross national income per capita was USD 490 in 2000, and reached USD 970 in 2008, but Senegal has grown at a slower pace than its neighbours, moving from 15th position in 2000 to 19th in 2008 in terms of GDP per capita in the ranking of 50 sub-Saharan countries.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development

Countries: Senegal