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VIBRANT DAKAR & COLORFUL SENEGAL WITH PRASANNA DAROG

DAKAR is the Capital and Largest City of Senegal in West Africa.

Where is Dakar located ?
It is located midway between the mouths of the Gambia and Senegal rivers on the southeastern side of the Cape Verde Peninsula, close to Africa’s most westerly point. 

When was Dakar founded ?
Dakar was founded in 1857 when the French built a fort on the site of the modern Place de l’Indépendance to safeguard the interests of merchants who had been settling there for 20 years and of the residents of Gorée, a waterless island in the lee of the peninsula that once was an outpost for slave and other trading.

How did the city of Dakar arrive at its name ?
The city’s name comes from dakhar, a Wolof (member/language) name for the tamarind tree, as well as the name of a coastal Lebu village that was located south of what is now the first pier.

What is Dakar's population ?
The largest city in Senegal is Dakar, with a population of 3.5 Million (Dakar city has 2.47 Million).

How is the Climate ?
Dakar climate is generally warm. Dakar has a hot semi-arid climate with a short rainy season and a lengthy dry season. Dakar’s rainy season lasts from July to October while the dry season covers the remaining eight months.Dakar between December and May is usually pleasantly warm with daily temperatures around 24–27 °C (75–81 °F). Nights during this time of the year are comfortable, some 17–20 °C (63–68 °F). However, between May and November the city becomes decidedly warmer with daily highs reaching 29–31 °C (84–88 °F) and night lows a little bit above 23–24 °C (73–75 °F).

What is Dakar known for ?
Dakar’s harbour is one of the best in Western Africa, being protected by the limestone cliffs of the cape and by a system of breakwaters. 

What industries are in Dakar ?
Dakar is one of tropical Africa’s leading industrial and service center. Its industries include peanut-oil refining, fish canning, flour milling, brewing, truck assembly and petroleum refining. T

What places to visit in Dakar ?
There are excellent museums of the sea and of history in nearby Gorée and of ethnography and archaeology in Dakar. The corniche road (cut into the cliff) around Cape Manuel offers fine views of the harbour and the islands. There are some good beaches.

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