Dakar, Senegal
Dakar is the capital of Senegal, sited on the Cape Verde Peninsula — the westernmost point of mainland Africa. It is the principal port and cultural centre of francophone West Africa, famous for music, fashion and the Dakar Biennale art fair.
Highlights
- Westernmost point of mainland Africa (Pointe des Almadies)
- Gorée Island UNESCO World Heritage site
- African Renaissance Monument
- Dakar Biennale and Saint-Louis Jazz Festival nearby
History
Originally a Lebou fishing settlement, Dakar grew under French colonisation from 1857 and became capital of French West Africa (AOF) in 1902. Independent Senegal kept Dakar as capital in 1960, and it has remained a stable cultural and intellectual hub in turbulent West Africa.
Economy
Dakar handles most of Senegal's port traffic and hosts the regional headquarters of many French and African banks, telecoms (Orange/Sonatel), and BCEAO (the West African CFA franc central bank). Tourism, fishing and education are key sectors.
Neighborhoods
Plateau is the historic colonial centre; Almadies has resorts and embassies; Médina is the lively traditional district; Pikine is the populous outer city.
Distances from Dakar
Calculate distance and flight time from Dakar to other major African cities: