Largest Cities in Senegal

Facts about Senegal

Official languages: French, Wolof
Capital: Dakar
Area: 196,190 km²
Population: 12.3 million residents
Population density: 62.81 residents per km²
Currency: XOF
Internet TLD: .sn
ISO codes: SN, SEN, 686
The country code for Senegal is +221

Flag of Senegal

The flag of Senegal, which was adopted in 1960, is composed of three vertical stripes of green, yellow and red. In addition, there is a green five-pointed star in the middle of the central yellow stripe. The colors of the stripes are typical pan-African, where green represents the lush vegetation of the country and the Muslim faith of the population, yellow the heat of the sun, art and prosperity, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence. The tricolor was inspired by the French tricolor, as Senegal was a French colony until 1960. The green star symbolizes openness to the other five continents. Senegal originally shared a flag with Mali, which carried the kanaga symbol (an image of black people).

The Republic of Senegal is a state in West Africa, located on the Atlantic Ocean, in the far west of Africa. Senegal lies in the transition from the Sahel to the tropics. The eastern neighbor is Mali. In the north Senegal borders with the border river Senegal on Mauritania and in the south on Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. Senegal completely surrounds the Gambia, which is also located on the Atlantic. See Senegal Location on World Map.

Biggest Cities of Senegal by Population

The largest city in Senegal is the capital, Dakar. Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, it has a population of over 3 million people and is a vibrant and modern city with plenty to see and do. Popular attractions here include African Renaissance Monument which is an impressive bronze sculpture; IFAN Museum of African Arts which houses some fascinating exhibits; and Ile de Gorée which is an island off the coast of Dakar that offers stunning views over the city. Other attractions worth visiting include Dakar Grand Mosque which is one of the largest mosques in West Africa; Place de l’Indépendance which is a great spot for people watching; and Musée Théodore Monod which contains some interesting artifacts from Senegal’s history.

The second largest city in Senegal is Touba. Located in the central part of the country, it has a population of around 1 million people and serves as an important religious center with plenty to explore. Popular attractions here include Grand Mosque de Touba where visitors can admire some impressive architecture; Parc National du Niokolo-Koba where visitors can explore some beautiful landscapes; or Village Artisanal de Touba where visitors can pick up some unique souvenirs. Other cities worth visiting include Saint Louis where visitors can explore some interesting museums such as Musée Historique or Musée des Civilisations Nègres; Kaolack where visitors can admire some beautiful churches such as Eglise Catholique or Eglise Protestante; or Thiès where visitors can explore some old plantations such as Ferme Belle Vue or Ferme Fleur de Lys.

Senegal: Dakar

According to Abbreviation Finder, the capital of Senegal is Dakar. Dakar is located on the Cape Vert Peninsula and thus on the Atlantic. 2.5 million people live in Dakar. The city continues to grow due to high birth rates and rural exodus and now occupies the entire peninsula.

Due to its location, Dakar is the westernmost city in Africa. It is also known for the Dakar Rally, a long-distance desert rally, the goal of which it was annually until 2007.

Countries neighboring Senegal

• Gambia
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Mali
• Mauritania