Kaolack

Kaolack is a city and commune in central Senegal. It is the capital of the Kaolack Region and a major economic center for the area. The city sits along the Saloum River, at a location that has long supported trade and transport in the region. The climate is Sahelian, with a pronounced dry season and a rainy season typically from June through October.

Historically, Kaolack developed as a market town serving the surrounding agricultural areas. It grew in importance during the colonial period and consolidated as an urban and administrative center after independence. The economy remains heavily oriented toward agriculture and trade, with peanut (groundnut) production and processing forming a central part of commerce, along with livestock, horticulture, and various service activities.

Demographically, Kaolack is home to diverse communities including Wolof, Serer, and Pulaar speakers. Islam is the major religion, and the city features mosques and traditional markets. The city functions as a regional hub with hospitals, educational institutions, and government offices serving residents in the city and surrounding countryside.

Transportation-wise, Kaolack is connected by national roads linking it with Dakar and other towns, and it serves as a trading node for the inland regions. The Saloum River also provides water access that historically supported transport and commerce. Cultural life centers on markets, religious life, and local crafts.