Senegal vs Sweden
Senegal has a population of 18.6M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Senegal is 1.8 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 18.4 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 2.3 times larger than Senegal's 196,722 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 14.6 years higher than Senegal's 68.7 years.
SenegalSweden| Population | +75.3%18.6M | -43.0%10.6M |
| Area | -56.3%196,722 km² | +128.9%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -94.6%$32.8B | +1740.1%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.9%$1,773.218 | +3121.1%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -17.6%68.7 yrs | +21.3%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1410.0%30.2 | -93.4%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -68.5%2.7% | +217.9%8.7% |
| Capital | Dakar | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Swedish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | SEK (kr) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Senegal is 1.8 times more populous than Sweden, with 18.6M residents compared to 10.6M. Senegal is a nation of 18.6M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Senegal averages 95 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Senegal has grown at 2.80% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Senegal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 18.4 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Senegal's GDP per capita of $1,773.218 is 19% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 32.2 times wealthier than those in Senegal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Senegal is 68.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 14.6 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Senegal (68.7 years) is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Senegal's infant mortality is 1410% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Senegal (196,722 km²). Senegal shares borders with 5 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Senegal spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Senegal lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Senegal is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Senegal and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Senegal's $1,773.218 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Senegal and Sweden is in GDP: Senegal's $32.8B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Senegal and Sweden is in infant mortality: Senegal's 30.2 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Senegal's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 32.2x that of Senegal ($1,773.218). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Senegal is 4.0x more densely populated than Sweden (95 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 14.6 years longer than those of Senegal (83.3 vs 68.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Senegal's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Senegal's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Senegal vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 30.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Senegal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Senegal vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Senegal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,773.218 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Senegal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Senegal vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Senegal may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Senegal vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 32.2x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Senegal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Senegal can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Senegal vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Senegal and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Senegal spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Senegal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Senegal or Sweden by population?
Senegal is larger by population, with 18.6M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Senegal is 1.8 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Senegal or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Senegal's $32.8B. Sweden's economy is 18.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Senegal and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Senegal's 68.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.6 years. Senegal's life expectancy is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Senegal or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Senegal's 196,722 km². Sweden is 2.3 times larger than Senegal.
What languages are spoken in Senegal and Sweden?
Senegal recognizes the following official language: French. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Senegal or Sweden?
Senegal has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Senegal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sweden's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Senegal or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 30.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Senegal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Senegal or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Senegal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,773.218 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Senegal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value i...
Is Senegal or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Senegal may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Senegal or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 32.2x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Senegal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Senegal or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Senegal and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Senegal spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Senegal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...