With an area of over 190,00 km2, Senegal has a population of over 16 million inhabitants, of which more than one fifth are adolescents. Despite positive changes in recent years, poverty, gender inequality, climate change, economic upheaval and other forms of discrimination continue to threaten adolescents’ health and wellbeing. In particular, girls continue to face major challenges, such as a lower rate of transition to secondary education due to gender and school-based violence and discrimination, early marriage and pregnancy.

The country has a long history of urbanisation compared to many African countries. This is linked to its important location where major sea and air routes from Europe, Africa and the Americas come together.

As a result of decentralisation, cities are run by municipalities which relay planning needs to the state. This includes the needs of adolescents, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health, substance abuse, education, nutrition, socio-economic development, and social protection for vulnerable groups.