The Senegal has a total population of approximately 10.9 million inhabitants (2004), the population density is at 57 inhabitants per square kilometer. The average life expectancy for men is 54.9 years to 58.2 years for women (2004).

The population of Senegal is composed of various ethnic groups, including the Wolof (33 per cent of the total population), the Serer (20 percent), the Fulbe (15 percent), which Tukulor (10 percent), the Dyola (8 percent) , The Bambara, the Malinke (both 6 percent) and the Sarakole (2 percent).

The majority of the population lives on the west coast, especially on the peninsula of Cape Verde in the catchment area of the capital Dakar. 51 percent of the population live in rural areas (2002). Dakar is the state capital, main port city and most important economic center of the country, the city has about 2.08 million inhabitants (2000). Other major cities are located in the western part of the country, including Thiès (216 000 inhabitants), Kaolack (193 000), Ziguinchor (162 000) and Saint-Louis (132 000).

The country’s official languages are French and Wolof. Even Serer and Fulbe are more widespread African languages. Wolof is the language of the largest population and is supported by most other residents as a second language. Senegalese languages usually have no or incomplete writing. Muslims use the Arabic alphabet to Wolof or the other languages to write. The majority of people committed to Islam, around 94 percent of Senegalese are Sunni Muslims. About 5 percent are Christian (mostly Roman Catholic), also live beyond followers of indigenous religions in the country.

Senegal celebrates Islamic, Christian and national holidays. These include New Year (January 1), Mawloud (the birthday of Mohammed), Easter, Independence (April 4), Labor Day (May 1), Ascension, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day (November 1) and Christmas ( December 25). The Islamic holidays are determined by the lunar calendar, so that they can each year on a different date fall. Tabaski at the head of the family slaughters a lamb in honor of Abraham. Korite is a feast at the end of Ramadan is celebrated two days and may persist. Tamkharit, the Islamic New Year, is also the day on the Muslim faith after the fate of every one of Yallah (Allah) is determined.