81. Furthermore, the Senegalese population is very diverse in its ethnic composition. It consists of almost twenty ethnic groups, the major ones being Wolofs (43 % of the population), Halpulaars (24%) and Serers (15%). 82. The other groups are made up of people living in the south of the country, particularly in the Casamance region (mostly Catholic often with a strong animist tradition). They include the Dioulas (3 %) who constitute the most significant community, the Mandingos (5.3 %) and the Bambaras (0.5 % each) which are small communities in the outlying regions close to Mali or Guinea. Other ethnic minorities live in the south-east Mountains, and they include the Bassari in the foothills of the Fouta-Djalon highlands. 83. Economically, Senegal is classified among least developed countries (LDCs)15, with a gross per capita income of US$770 in 2010. The economic growth rate is structurally weak, especially over the period 2006-2010, to be able to meet the high economic and social demand of its population16. According to follow-up survey results on poverty conducted in 2011, the unemployment rate was 10.2%. It has practically remained stable compared to 2005 when it was estimated to be 10%. This unemployment rate is 7.7% among men and 13.3% among women. It must be emphasized that majority of the women are engaged basically in unpaid activities. Depending on one’s level of education, unemployment is more widespread among persons with secondary education among whom the rate is more than 20% in a broad sense. 84. The low level of integration of job-creating opportunities for economic development and the low access by the population to financial resources, to rights and basic social services constitute a stumbling block to the implementation of options for consolidating local dynamics of sustainable social and economic development. Furthermore, with the ongoing social transformation, the problems of protecting vulnerable groups are persistent and constitute challenges to be addressed within the framework of implementation of the MDGs17 and the African Charter. In other words, it is only a very strong economic, sustained and sustainable growth and creation of productive jobs, especially for the youth, that can help the Government to fulfill some of its treaty obligations in the area of human rights. 85. The attainment of this goal also calls for the enhancement of private sector performance, specifically in respect of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises which are the driving force. A favorable business climate for private initiative and investment is a key determinant of private sector development, and ultimately the success of poverty alleviation efforts. 15 144th out of 169 countries listed. Cf the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Senegal, Status of MDGs in Senegal, December 2011, page 2. 16 The average growth rate was 2.8% except for the period between 1994-2006 when it was 5%. See the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- Senegal , Status of the MDGs in Senegal, December 2011, page 2 17 See the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Senegal, Status of the MDGs in Senegal, December 2011, page 3. 20