Dakar

Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal, situated on the Atlantic coast on the Cap-Vert peninsula. It is the country’s political and economic hub, hosting most government ministries, regional offices, and a major port.

The city lies at the western end of Africa on the Cap-Vert peninsula. The historic center, known as Le Plateau, is bordered by the Medina neighborhood and the port area; Gorée Island, just off the coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site linked to the Atlantic slave trade.

Dakar has long been a center of commerce and administration. The area was inhabited by Wolof and other groups before European contact; during the 19th century the French established Dakar as a colonial outpost and capital of French West Africa. Senegal gained independence in 1960, and Dakar remained the national capital.

Economically, Dakar is a major port and service center for West Africa. The Port of Dakar handles freight and passenger traffic, while Blaise Diagne International Airport (opened 2017) serves international and regional flights; previously Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport handled most international traffic. The city is a focal point for finance, media, and higher education.

French is the official language, with Wolof widely spoken among residents. Islam is the predominant religion. Dakar hosts cultural institutions such as the IFAN Museum of African Arts and the Dakar Biennale; Cheikh Anta Diop University is a leading academic center. The city is known for music and nightlife, including the traditional mbalax style.

Nearby landmarks include the African Renaissance Monument in Ouakam, Goree Island with its colonial-era fortifications, and the Sandaga Market.

The name Dakar is also associated with the Dakar Rally, a long-running rally raid originally Paris-to-Dakar; since 2009 editions have been held outside Africa, with recent events in the Middle East and elsewhere.