Dakar

Dakar is the capital of Senegal and the region of the same name. Its position at the western end of Africa (on the Cape Verde peninsula) is advantageous for maritime traffic with America and Europe, which is why the largest seaport in the region was developed there.

The city of Dakar was founded by French settlers in 1887, when they separated it from the administration of the Island of Gorée, a European slave enclave since the 16th century. From that moment, when it also replaced the city of Saint-Louis as the capital of the French West African colonies, its growth was very rapid. Little by little, they began to attract black workers who, at some point, and due to plagues and epidemics, were expelled from the Plateau neighborhood, reserved for the French ruling class and other Europeans, with hygiene as an excuse and housed in other neighborhoods further north, such as Medina. At the time of Senegal's independence it was chosen as the capital of the newly born Federation of Mali, and once this was disintegrated, of the nascent country of Senegal.

The Senegalese are very proud of their reputation for "teranga" : hospitality. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful.

Its traditional Medina neighborhood is home to the Great Mosque, which stands out for its imposing minaret. The Théodore Monod museum displays cultural objects such as clothing, drums, carvings and utensils. The city's vibrant nightlife is inspired by local mbalax music.