Senegal  

Senegal’s performance on economic variables is comparatively weak, with a very high unemployment rate placing the country 101st coupled with an inflation rate of 6%. In terms of physical capital, Senegal ranks at 95th, which is in part due to the country’s weak investments arising from a domestic savings rate equalling only 12% of GDP, and little foreign direct investment of just 1% of GDP. Household expenditure stands at 22% of GDP, demonstrating weak domestic demand and a lack of consumer confidence. In the banking sector, an interest margin of 3.9 percentage points and a high default rate of 18.6% indicate a lack of efficiency and competition. The Senegalese economy is not dependent on raw materials exports, although terms of trade could be improved.

Despite a moderate number of barriers to entry, only 23 new businesses registered in Senegal in 2007, the lowest number or registrations, globally. The level of value added in the service industry hints that Senegal is not an industrial nation, while extremely low R&D expenditure at 0.1% indicates a lack of innovative activity. Internet infrastructure, as measured by secure servers and internet bandwidth, is very low, placing Senegal in the bottom 20 countries, globally, according to these variables. Innovation is further hindered by the low number of personal computers, with 21 computers per 1,000 people. Subsequently, ICT and high-tech exports are also very low, at 1.6% of goods and 6% of manufactured product exports, respectively, and with very low levels of royalty receipts, Senegal has difficulty capitalising on its intellectual property.

Senegalese citizens enjoy high levels of political rights, with the country ranking 38th for this variable, although civil liberties are slightly restricted, with Senegal ranking just above the global average on this variable. Open political competition and well-regulated electoral processes characterise both the executive and legislative arms of government. Nevertheless, checks and balances that prevent arbitrary or unilateral actions by leaders in the executive are inadequate, ranking the country 72nd on this measure, and the judiciary is not independent. The Senegalese political system ranks low in terms of regime stability, with the last fundamental change occurring less than 10 years ago.

Senegal has low levels of enrolment in primary education, with only 71% of eligible children enrolled in primary schooling. These levels drop considerably at the secondary level, with a rate of enrolment at only 24%, ranking the country 99th on this variable. Tertiary enrolment rates are only slightly better at 6%, placing Senegal 90th on this measure. With an average of four years of secondary and 2.5 years of tertiary education, Senegal’s workforce ranks 94th and 92nd, respectively, confirming low levels of education in Senegal. The ratio of primary school teachers to students is also poor, with one teacher per 34 pupils, and there are only 92 girls for every 100 boys, suggesting gender inequality in primary and secondary enrolment. Educational spending is also inadequate, at roughly $500 per student, placing Senegal 71st on this variable.

Senegal’s hospitals are very poorly equipped, with only one medical practitioner per 10,000 people, ranking the country 98th, globally, on this variable. Only 28% of Senegalese citizens have access to sanitation facilities, and three in five are satisfied with the water quality.* An infant mortality rate of 61 per 1,000 births ranks Senegal in the bottom quartile, while a malnourishment rate of 20% places Senegal 77th according to this variable. Health-adjusted life expectancy in Senegal is very low, at only 48 years. Performance on subjective health variables is also generally poor as only 76% of Senegalese report being satisfied with their health, one-quarter of the population report debilitating health problems, and 35% claim to having experienced protracted periods of pain. However, an above average 70% deem themselves well rested.

Senegal faces significant security challenges related to refugees and internally displaced individuals. Furthermore, group grievances arising from targeted violence towards certain groups places the country 59th on this variable, internationally. There is also significant human flight and immigration caused by lack of internal security and there are some instances of state-sponsored political violence against citizens, such as torture or political imprisonment, although Senegal still ranks above average on this variable. Homicide levels are globally average, at 77 per one million people, and there were no casualties due to civil war during 2008. A significant 21% of citizens reported theft in 2008, and 6% reported assault and muggings during the same period.* Nevertheless, seven out of 10 Senegalese citizens feel safe walking home alone at night.*

Enforcement of rule of law is slightly below the global average, and regulation of economic and commercial activity is inadequate, ranking Senegal 77th on this variable. Efficencies and effectiveness within the civil service and government are moderate, but citizens are afforded full self determination in terms of their participation in the political system. Over eight out of 10 citizens believe that government and businesses are corrupt and confidence in the judicial system is only moderately high at 58%. Additionally, only 39% of the population have faith in the honesty of the electoral systems.* Contrastingly, 89% of the Senegalese have confidence in their military, ranking the country 12th, internationally, on this variable.*

Senegalese citizens have freedom to exercise and practise their religious beliefs, speak freely without fear of government censorship, and travel freely within and out of their own country. However, only 68% of Senegalese citizens are satisfied with their freedom of choice in their daily life.* Tolerance of diversity appears to be widespread, with 91% believing that Senegal is a good place for racial and ethnic minorities, and 83% indicating that Senegal creates a favourable environment for immigrants.*

Half of the Senegalese population claim to have assisted a stranger within the past month and more than one-quarter of citizens volunteer their time to organisations.* However, only 18% of respondents donated to charity, ranking Senegal 81st on this variable.* With only 76% of the population relying on their close family and friends, Senegal ranks in the bottom quarter on this variable.* In terms of religiosity, as measured by practices such as attendance at worship services and religious practice, Senegal rates highly, at eighth, internationally, suggesting widespread access to religious support networks.* No data were available on levels of trust, importance of friendships, and group membership.

* Data taken from the Gallup World Poll

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