Page updated on 06/07/2009

The people of Senegal, like many of the poor across the world, spend much of their money on getting the necessities of life, such as food. The UNDP estimates that food averages 52 percent of Senegalese household consumption compared to the United States, where food only accounts for 8 percent of household consumption.

As food is the highest priority, little money is left over to pay for other necessities such as clothing and shelter. The poor make up most of the urban population and live in run-down areas or makeshift shanty towns. Saving to escape the conditions of poverty is not an option, since the poor must spend all their money to survive.

While the standard of living for the poor has declined, the wealthy continue to prosper.

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