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Location Overview |
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| 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 (about 75,954-sq mi.). Dakar is the capital and largest city.
Most of Senegal is an undulating plain lying below about 100 m (about 330 ft). Elevations rise above 500 m (above 1640 ft) only in the extreme southeast in the foothills of the Fouta Djallon (Futa Jallon). The main rivers are the Senegal, 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 about 350 mm (about 14 in); in the south the rainy season lasts from June to October, with annual rainfall about 1525 mm (about 60 in). Average temperature on the coast is 22° C (72° F) in January and 28° C (82° F) in July. |
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