Djallon

Djallon, also known as Fouta Djallon, is a highland region in central Guinea, West Africa. It comprises a raised plateau and surrounding hills that reach elevations typically between 800 and 1,500 meters. The area functions as a major watershed for West Africa, and the name Djallon is used to refer to both the land itself and the communities inhabiting it.

Geographically, the Djallon Highlands are characterized by rugged terrain, deep valleys, and numerous rivers and waterfalls. The climate is tropical with a distinct wet season and cooler, wetter conditions at higher elevations. Rainfall is substantial, supporting dense montane forests and agricultural valleys; relief and climate vary with altitude, creating diverse microenvironments.

Hydrologically, the highlands are the source region for several important river systems. Headwaters rise in Djallon to feed major basins, including the Niger, Senegal, and Gambia river systems, making it a critical watershed for the region and for neighbouring countries.

The region is home to multiple ethnic groups, including Fulani (Peul), Malinke, Susu, and Kissi communities, each with distinct languages and cultural traditions. Islamic and traditional practices co-exist, and the area has long been integrated into regional trade networks.

Economically, inhabitants practice subsistence farming, animal husbandry, and small-scale mining and crafts. Crops include millet, sorghum, maize, and peanuts. The hydrological potential has attracted interest in hydropower development, while ecosystems support biodiversity and ecotourism opportunities around waterfalls and scenic plateaus.

Historically, the Djallon Highlands have been home to autonomous communities and successive polities before becoming part of colonial and modern Guinea. The region remains a distinct cultural and geographic unit within the country, often highlighted in discussions of Guinea's geography and hydrology.