Senegal

• Capital of Senegal: Dakar
• Total Area: 196,722 km² (75,955 sq mi) (Rank 87)
• Population: 18,501,984 (Rank 69) - (2024 estimate)
• Location: West Africa
• Languages of Senegal: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Mandinka, Soninke, Hassaniya Arabic, other local languages
• Religions in Senegal: Muslim 97.2% (mostly followers of one of the four main Sufi orders), Christian 2.7%, other 0.1% (2022 estimate)
• Ethnic Groups in Senegal: Wolof 39.7%, Fula 27.5%, Serer 16%, Mandinka 4.9%, Jola 4.2%, Soninke 2.4%, Other 5.4% (includes Europeans and persons of Lebanese descent) (2019 estimate)
• Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
• Time Zone: UTC (GMT)
• Calling Code: (221+)
• Organizations: United Nations
• Border Countries (5): The Gambia 749 km, Guinea 363 km, Guinea-Bissau 341 km, Mali 489 km, Mauritania 742 km
• Coastline: 531 km (Atlantic Ocean)
• Maritime Borders: Atlantic Ocean

Major Cities and Regions of the Republic of Senegal

1. Dakar

• Region: Dakar Region.
• Description: Capital of Senegal and its largest city, serving as the country's economic and cultural hub. It is currently experiencing strong economic development, with skyscrapers being built in the wealthier neighborhoods (such as the city center, Almadies, and Ouakam). Tourism, especially business tourism, is growing in importance thanks to international events like the Dakar Rally or the Contemporary Art Biennale.

2. Saint-Louis

• Region: Saint-Louis Region.
• Description: A city and UNESCO World Heritage Site on Grande-Côte in northern Senegal, at the mouth of the Senegal River which forms the border with Mauritania. Located about 260 kilometers north of Dakar, it spans the mainland, the historic island of Ndar, and the Langue de Barbarie peninsula. Known for its beautiful beaches and French colonial heritage. It provides access to Djoudj National Bird Park and the Guembeul Special Wildlife Reserve.

3. Thiès

• Region: Thiès Region.
• Description: Third largest city in Senegal. Located 72 km east of Dakar on the N2 highway, at the intersection of railway lines heading to Dakar, Bamako, and Saint-Louis. It is a major industrial city and the capital of Thiès Region. A daily train connects it to Diamniadio in the eastern suburbs of Dakar.

4. Kaolack

• Region: Kaolack Region.
• Description: Located on the north bank of the Saloum River, about 100 kilometers from its mouth. It is the capital of Kaolack Region, bordered by The Gambia to the south. Kaolack is an important regional market city and the main center for peanut trade and processing in Senegal. As the center of the Ibrahimiyya branch of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order, it is also a major center for Islamic education. The Léona Niassène Mosque in Kaolack is one of the largest and most famous mosques in Senegal.

5. Ziguinchor

• Region: Ziguinchor Region.
• Description: Capital of Ziguinchor Region, the main city of the Casamance region in Senegal, located at the mouth of the Casamance River. It is the eighth largest city in Senegal. Unlike the semi-arid to arid regions of northern Senegal, Ziguinchor has a tropical savanna climate under the influence of the West African monsoon. The average annual accumulated rainfall is about 1547 mm.

6. Tambacounda

• Region: Tambacounda Region.
• Description: City located in the Tambacounda Region in southeastern Senegal. It is the main transport hub for the Basse-Casamance area, Guinea, and Mali. Often a stopover for travelers heading to Niokolo-Koba National Park. The Tambacounda region is famous for its rich Djembedon culture. The region is divided into two seasons: the rainy season from June to October, and the dry season from November to May.

7. Touba

• Region: Diourbel Region.
• Description: City in central Senegal, the second largest Senegalese city by population after Dakar. It is the holy city of the Mouride brotherhood and the burial place of its founder, Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacké. Next to his tomb stands a large mosque, completed in 1963.

8. Kédougou

• Region: Kédougou Region.
• Description: City in southeastern Senegal near the borders with Mali and Guinea. Characterized by fertile hills, abundant rainfall, and rugged beauty that distinguishes it from the rest of Senegal. The town is located on the N7 highway and the Gambia River. Tourist attractions include the Dindefelo Falls and Niokolo-Koba National Park.

9. Casamance

• Region: Casamance region (Ziguinchor, Kolda, Sédhiou).
• Description: The region of Senegal south of The Gambia. The region is centered on the Casamance River, rich in mangrove forests, dotted with charming villages, and lined with the best beaches in Senegal.