Thiès

Thiès is a city in western Senegal, the capital of the Thiès Region and of the Thiès Department. Located about 70 kilometers southeast of Dakar, it is one of the country’s major urban centers and a longstanding transportation hub, served by major road routes and the historic Dakar–Niger railway corridor.

The city began to form in the late 19th century around the railway line, developing as a commercial and administrative center during the colonial period. Its growth continued after independence as Senegal urbanized and expanded its regional administration and commerce. Today Thiès remains an important regional center for trade, industry, and services.

Economy and infrastructure in Thiès are shaped by its role as a transport hub and by a manufacturing and crafts sector. The city hosts a large market and a crafts industry known for textiles, leatherwork, and metalworking. The surrounding region supports agriculture and livestock production, which contribute to the local economy. The railway and road connections link Thiès efficiently with Dakar and inland areas, reinforcing its function as a commercial node.

Education, culture, and community life are notable aspects of Thiès. The city provides educational and healthcare facilities for the region and hosts cultural venues and traditional markets. Craft traditions and local performances contribute to its cultural identity, with markets and neighborhoods where artisans work in textiles, leather, and metal.

Climatically, Thiès has a tropical savanna climate with a distinct wet season and a dry season. The rainfall pattern brings a hot, humid period during the wet months and a dry, hot period for the remainder of the year.