Dakar Map

Description:

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Description:

Description:

Île de Gorée, a small island off the coast of Dakar, Senegal, serves as a significant historical site and UNESCO World Heritage destination. The island is accessible via a 20-minute ferry ride from Dakar's main port.

The island's primary attraction is the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves), built in 1776, which stands as a memorial to the Atlantic slave trade. Other notable sites include the Historical Museum of Senegal in an 1853 fort, the Maritime Museum, and the Women's Museum.

Gorée's distinctive architecture features colonial-era buildings with vibrant pastel colors and historical fortifications. The car-free island can be explored on foot within a few hours. The Castle Plaza offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the IFAN Historical Museum displays artifacts from Senegal's past. Visitors should note that the island has no hotels, though several restaurants serve traditional Senegalese cuisine.

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Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal, situated on the westernmost point of Africa's mainland. With a population of approximately 4 million people in its metropolitan area, it serves as the economic and cultural center of the country.

The city was founded in 1857 by the French colonial authorities on the site of a small Lebou fishing village. Due to its strategic location, Dakar quickly grew into an important port and administrative center. The city gained prominence during World War II when it served as a significant Allied base.

Dakar's economy is dominated by its port, which is one of the largest and busiest in West Africa. The city also serves as a major financial center and hosts numerous government institutions, including the presidential palace. Manufacturing, services, and tourism contribute significantly to the local economy.

Notable landmarks include the African Renaissance Monument, standing at 49 meters tall, making it the tallest statue in Africa. The Grand Mosque of Dakar, built in 1964, showcases striking Islamic architecture. The IFAN Museum of African Arts houses one of the most significant collections of West African cultural artifacts.

The city is home to several educational institutions, including Cheikh Anta Diop University, one of West Africa's oldest and most prestigious universities. Dakar gained international recognition as the terminus of the famous Paris-Dakar Rally from 1979 to 2007.

The climate is hot and humid with a rainy season from July to October. The city experiences year-round warm temperatures, with averages ranging from 63°F to 82°F (17°C to 28°C). Dakar's unique geography, being located on the Cap-Vert peninsula, provides it with beautiful beaches and coastal scenery that attract tourists throughout the year.

The Facts:
Région: Dakar.
Population: ~ 1,300,000 (2023).
Metropolitan population: 4,000,000.

Communes d'arrondissement: Cambérène, Parcelles Assaines, Pattie d'Oies, Hann Bel-Air, Dieuppeul Derklé, HLM, Biscuiterie, Grand Dakar, Plateau, Médina, Fass-Gueule Tapée-Colobane, Fann Point-E, Mermoz-Sacré-Coeur, Ouakam, Yoff, Ngor, Liberté, Grand-Yoff, Cape Verde Peninsula.