Although most of the population works in agriculture, Senegal has a growing industrial sector, one of the largest in West Africa. Nevertheless, two cash crops remain at the foundation of the economy--peanuts and cotton. Important technical and economic assistance has been provided by France and other countries of the European Union and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank). In 2001 the gross domestic product (GDP) was $4.6 billion, or $480 a person.

Agriculture

Agriculture occupies 77 percent of the economically active population. However, only 12 percent of the land area is cultivated. Senegal is among the world's largest producers of peanuts, which are grown in many areas, especially the northwest. The country produced 500,000 metric tons of peanuts in 2002. Peanuts and peanut oil provide a significant share of yearly export earnings, although their contribution declined from 29 percent of earnings in the early 1980s to 9 percent in 1993. The other important cash crop is cotton; in 2002 34,238 metric tons were produced. Attempts are being made to diversify agriculture, including the expansion of rice and tomato cultivation, to achieve self-sufficiency in food. Other crops included maize (634,400 metric tons), rice (243,900 metric tons), and sugarcane (850,000 metric tons). Livestock included 3.2 million cattle, 4.8 million sheep, 4 million goats, and 45 million poultry.

Forestry and Fishing

Roundwood production in 2001 amounted to 5.9 million cu m (210 million cu ft). Senegal's coastal waters are rich in fish, and the country has a modern fishing fleet. Landings in 1999 totaled 418,280 metric tons.

Mining and Manufacturing

Phosphates are the leading mineral product of Senegal. In 2001 output totaled 1,700,000 metric tons. A petroleum refinery with an annual capacity of 900,000 metric tons makes use of imported oil. Other manufactures include food products, such as peanut oil, refined sugar, canned tuna, and flour; cement; fertilizers; textiles; chemicals; and tobacco products.

Energy, Transportation, and Communications

In 2001 Senegal produced 1,518 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. All electricity was thermally generated.
Senegal is served by a good road network of 14,576 km (9,057 mi), of which 29 percent is paved. The country also has 906 km (563 mi) of railroads, which connect the cities along the coast and run inland to Mali.
The government of Senegal operates radio and television broadcasting. In 1997 the country had 141 radio receivers and 37 television sets for every 1,000 inhabitants. Senegal has 5 daily newspaper, with a circulation of 45,000.

Currency and Foreign Trade

The currency is the CFA franc, consisting of 100 centimes (733 CFA francs equal U.S.$1; 2001 average). Central banking functions are exercised by the Central Bank of the West African States. Senegal has a chronic trade deficit. In 2001 exports earned $785 million and imports cost $1.7 billion. Major exports include basic manufactures, fish products, peanuts, petroleum products, and phosphates. Main imports are crude petroleum, basic manufactured goods, and grain. Chief trading partners for exports are France, Italy, Mali, Spain, India, and Côte d'Ivoire; principal partners for imports are France, Cameroon, Nigeria, Italy, Thailand, Algeria, China, and Japan.

Tourism
The government of Senegal has encouraged tourism, and during the 1970s tourist facilities were greatly expanded. Among the country's attractions are its fine beaches and national parks, which include a wild game reserve. The country received about 369,000 visitors in 1999.