Article Outline
Senegal, republic in western Africa, bounded on the north by Mauritania, on the east by Mali, on the south by Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia, a small, narrow country, forms an enclave in southern Senegal, extending inland along the Gambia River. The republic’s total area is 196,722 sq km (75,955 sq mi). Dakar is the capital and largest city.
Most of Senegal is an undulating plain lying below 100 m (330 ft). Elevations rise above 500 m (1,600 ft) only in the extreme southeast in the foothills of the Fouta Djallon (Futa Jallon). The main rivers are the Sénégal, which forms the northern boundary, and the Saloum, Gambia, and Casamance. Although these rivers are subject to seasonal variations in their flow, all are navigable on their lower courses.
Most of Senegal has a transitional climate from the dry desert zone in the north to the moist tropical zone in the south. The rainy season lasts from July to October in the north, where rainfall averages 380 mm (15 in); in the south the rainy season lasts from June to October, with annual rainfall of 1,400 mm (55 in). Average temperature on the coast is 22°C (72°F) in January and 28°C (82°F) in July.
| B |
|
Vegetation and Animal Life
|
The northern section of Senegal is part of the Sahel, a transition zone between the Sahara on the north and the wetter regions to the south. Vegetation here consists largely of savanna grass with scattered clumps of trees and spiny shrubs. Farther south, in the region of the Gambia River, trees become more common. In the extreme south are mangrove swamps and dense forests of oil palm, mahogany, teak, and bamboo. Wildlife is diverse, but larger mammals, such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, and antelopes, are largely confined to the less populated eastern half of the country. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles are found in the rivers. Among Senegal’s numerous varieties of snakes are the cobra and boa constrictor.
Hotmail
Messenger
My MSN
MSN Directory
