effort in achieving a just society within its territorial boundaries and undertakes to participate in African efforts aimed at promoting and protecting human rights. CHAPTER 2 OVERVIEW OF GENERAL DATA AND STATISTICS I. DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS14 76. Situated in the western-most part of the African continent on the Atlantic ocean, where Europe and the Americas converge and at the crossroads of major air and shipping routes, the Republic of Senegal which covers a total land surface area of about 196 722 km2, is bordered to the north by Mauritania, to the east by Mali, to the south by Guinea and Guinea-Bissau and to the west by the Atlantic ocean, covering a coastline of more than 500 kms. Dakar, the capital city of the country, with a surface area of 550 km2, is a peninsula located on the westernmost tip of the country. 77. The climate is the Sudano-Sahelian type, characterized by an alternating dry season from November to May, and a rainy season from June to October. 78. From an initial figure of 3 million inhabitants in 1960, the Senegalese population has grown to almost 12.5 million inhabitants in 2010 with an average annual growth rate of 2.6% per year and an average population density of 48 inhabitants per square kilometre (km²). The high population growth is due to the significant decline in mortality and the high birth rate. According to 2010 estimates, fifty-five per cent (55%) of the Senegalese population live in rural areas and 25% are concentrated in Dakar. The other area of population concentration is the centre of the country, in regions such as Fatick, Kaffrine and Kaolack, the groundnut basin with more than 35 % of the population of Senegal. The east of the country is sparsely populated. Population growth is not matched by the provision of adequate basic social services. 79. One out of two Senegalese nationals is less than 20 years and two out of three Senegalese nationals are less than 25 years. Women account for 52% of the population. Foreigners represent about 2% and are concentrated mostly in Dakar and work predominantly in trade, industry and services sectors and in international organizations. 80. The religions are Islam (94% of the population), Christianity (5%) and animism (1%). 14 Most of the data presented in this part of the report are sourced from the document on the National Economic and Social Development Strategy (2013-2017) : On the Pathway of Emergence, November 2012, pages 3 to 58. 19