By Abdourahmane Seck

The region of Saint-Louis is one of the largest in Senegal (3rd), it covers an area of ​​19241 km2 (196712 km2 for Senegal). Its expected population size in 2017 is 1009170 (according to sources from the official demography and lastatistics agency). This population is slightly more feminine with 505270 women against 503900 men. At the last general census of the population in 2013, out of a total population of 908942 inhabitants, 54% lived in rural areas. During this same period, the municipality of Saint-Louis recorded 23% of the regional population.

Compared to the physical data, the region is characterized by the fact that the climate is of alien-type with the distinction of having, on the one hand, a continental zone where the temperatures are relatively high and swept by a hot and dry wind or Harmattan . On the other hand, it has a maritime area where the influence of the wind the trade winds leads to mild temperatures and favorable to market gardening. In relation to the river, the region is divided into three geographical zones: the Walo, which is situated on the banks of the river and conducive to the development of rice cultivation and flood recession. The Dieri which refers to lands far from the river where more develop agriculture and market gardening. The Gandiolais brings together the localities that are located at the seaside; it develops sea fishing activities and market gardening.

The region is made up of three major ethnic groups: Peul (54%), Wolof (39%) and Moors (4%).

In education, the region has an overall enrollment rate of 57.4%, which is higher than the national rate of 52.9%. Also, the literacy rate is slightly higher than that of the country: 53.2% against 52.1%. As for the primary enrollment rate, it is at the regional level of 92.9%. At the departmental level, it is 83%, 84% and 96% respectively for Podor, Dagana and Saint-Louis. In health, life expectancy at birth is lower than that of the national average (69.1%), it is between 60 and 64 years. The maternal mortality rate is 392 per 100,000 live births. The total fertility rate is 5 children per woman.

The economic activity of the region contributes 5.6% of the national GDP. The economist is more concerned with the primary sector and more particularly with agriculture and livestock farming. Agriculture contributes 50% of the production of this sector in the region and

11.4% to that of the regional economy. The area of ​​irrigable land is estimated at 272800ha. Apart from agriculture, the regional economy is also driven by tourist and hotel activities.

This economic dynamic is facing a poverty rate in the region of 39.7%, against 46.7% nationally.