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Senegal vs Mexico

Senegal has a population of 18.6M, compared to Mexico's 130.6M. Mexico is 7.0 times more populous than Senegal. Economically, Mexico ($1.86T) has a GDP 56.6 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Mexico covers 1,964,375 km², 10.0 times larger than Senegal's 196,722 km². Life expectancy in Mexico stands at 75.1 years, 6.4 years higher than Senegal's 68.7 years.

Metric
Flag of SenegalSenegal
Flag of MexicoMexico
Population
-85.8%18.6M
+602.3%130.6M
Area
-90.0%196,722 km²
+898.6%1,964,375 km²
GDP
-98.2%$32.8B
+5558.3%$1.86T
GDP Per Capita
-87.5%$1,773.218
+700.0%$14,185.781
Life Expectancy
-8.5%68.7 yrs
+9.3%75.1 yrs
Infant Mortality
+179.6%30.2
-64.2%10.8
Literacy Rate
95.9%
Unemployment
+2.3%2.7%
-2.3%2.7%
Capital
Dakar
Mexico City
Region
Africa
Americas
Languages
French
Spanish
Currencies
XOF (Fr)
MXN ($)

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

Mexico is 7.0 times more populous than Senegal, with 130.6M residents compared to 18.6M. Senegal is a nation of 18.6M people, while Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Senegal averages 95 people per km² (moderate), while Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate). While Senegal has grown at 2.80% annually over the past decade, Mexico has grown at 0.92% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

Senegal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Mexico is classified as a high-income economy. The Mexico economy ($1.86T) is 56.6 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. Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Mexico are on average 8.0 times wealthier than those in Senegal.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Senegal is 68.7 years, compared to 75.1 years in Mexico, a gap of 6.4 years. Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 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 180% higher than Mexico's 10.8.

Geographic Comparison

Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is 10.0 times larger by land area than Senegal (196,722 km²). Senegal shares borders with 5 countries, while Mexico borders 3 countries. Senegal spans 1 timezone, compared to Mexico's 3 timezones. Senegal lies in Africa, while Mexico is located in North America. Senegal is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Mexico belongs to Americas (North America).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Senegal and Mexico is in GDP: Senegal's $32.8B compared to Mexico's $1.86T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Senegal and Mexico is in land area: Senegal's 196,722 km² compared to Mexico's 1,964,375 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Senegal and Mexico is in GDP per capita: Senegal's $1,773.218 compared to Mexico's $14,185.781 represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Senegal's lower-middle-income economy and Mexico's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

Mexico has a GDP per capita of $14,185.781, which is 8.0x 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 Mexico is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Senegal is 1.4x more densely populated than Mexico (95 vs 66 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mexico's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Mexico live an average of 6.4 years longer than those of Senegal (75.1 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 Mexico's 1.4%. Senegal's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

Senegal vs Mexico for Families

For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 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 Mexico's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Senegal vs Mexico 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 Mexico. However, Mexico 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 Mexico for Retirees

Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 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 Mexico Cost of Living

Mexico's GDP per capita is 8.0x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, 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 Mexico's smaller cities.

Senegal vs Mexico for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Senegal and Mexico, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Senegal spans 1 timezone while Mexico covers 3. 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 Mexico by population?

Mexico is larger by population, with 130.6M residents compared to Senegal's 18.6M. Mexico is 7.0 times more populous than Senegal.

Which country has a higher GDP, Senegal or Mexico?

Mexico has the higher GDP at $1.86T, compared to Senegal's $32.8B. Mexico's economy is 56.6 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Senegal and Mexico?

Mexico has a higher life expectancy at 75.1 years, compared to Senegal's 68.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.4 years. Senegal's life expectancy is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mexico's is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Senegal or Mexico?

Mexico is larger by land area, covering 1,964,375 km² compared to Senegal's 196,722 km². Mexico is 10.0 times larger than Senegal.

What languages are spoken in Senegal and Mexico?

Senegal recognizes the following official language: French. Mexico recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Senegal or Mexico?

Senegal has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Mexico's 4.7%. Senegal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mexico's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is Senegal or Mexico better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 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 countri...

Is Senegal or Mexico 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 Mexico. However, Mexico may offer better value i...

Is Senegal or Mexico better for retirement?

Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 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 Mexico more expensive to live in?

Mexico's GDP per capita is 8.0x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, while Senegal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...

Is Senegal or Mexico better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Senegal and Mexico, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Senegal spans 1 timezone while Mexico covers 3. Senegal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...

Population Growth — Senegal

Population Growth — Mexico