1We - One World Experience for a Better World -

The West African country Senegal is a poor country and has a high unemployment rate. In many cases the people of Senegal lack basic provisions like food, education and clean drinking water. According to the Development Program of the United Nations one third of the 12,5 million inhabitants of Senegal are living below the poverty line.

Almost half of the population are younger than fifteen years; in The Netherlands this is approximately 18%. The life expectancy is around 52 years.

In its infancy

Education is in Senegal still in its infancy. Resulting in the fact that 60% of the children go to school for just a couple of years. They have a shortage of everything: money and as a result thereof not enough teachers, not enough schools and not enough means of education. Especially girls need to pay the price, who are already providing for the household on an early age. Approximately two thirds of the population is unable to read and write.

Economic crisis

The most important problems of Senegal are corruption and the economic crisis. The economy is one of the weakest in the world and is strongly depending on climate changes and the prices of the world economy. Development money and money brought in by Senegalese people working abroad make a large part of the merits. Also the tourist industry is growing.

The most important dangers for the economy of Senegal are the bureaucracy, the many French influences, low education, the lack of natural sources, corruption and a faulty electricity network.