Dakar Region, Administrative region in western Senegal
The Dakar Region stretches across the Cap-Vert Peninsula and divides into five administrative departments: Dakar, Guédiawaye, Pikine, Rufisque, and Keur Massar. Each department has its own character, ranging from dense residential neighborhoods to harbor areas and growing districts.
The region grew from a tiny settlement in the 1800s into a large urban area after France chose it as a colonial capital. This shift shaped the layout and buildings that still stand today.
The region shows strong Wolof traditions through music and dance that people perform in local spaces and on streets. Artists and craftspeople shape the daily scene and share their skills in visible workshops and galleries.
The Blaise Diagne Airport connects the region to national and international destinations, while local buses and taxis handle daily transport. The streets get crowded and move slowly during rush hours, so leaving early makes sense.
The region sits at the westernmost point of mainland Africa, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean like few other places on the continent. This geographic position gives it a special importance that visitors notice while exploring.
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