GEOGRAPHY
Senegal is bounded by the Atlantic
Ocean, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. The Gambia
penetrates more than 320 kilometers (200 mi.) into Senegal. Well-defined
dry and humid seasons result from northeast winter winds and southwest
summer winds. Dakar's annual rainfall of about 61 centimeters
(24 in.) occurs between June and October when maximum temperatures
average 27oC (82oF); December to February minimum temperatures
are about 17oC (63oF). Interior temperatures are higher than along
the coast, and rainfall increases substantially farther south,
exceeding 150 centimeters (60 in.) annually in some areas.
Official
Name: Republic of Senegal
Area: 196,840 sq. km. (76,000 sq. mi.), about the size
of South Dakota.
Cities: Capital--Dakar. Other cities--Diourbel, Kolda,
Kaolack, Louga, Saint-Louis, Thies, Tambacounda, Ziguinchor.
Terrain: Flat or rising to foothills.
Climate: Tropical/Sahelian--desert or grasslands in the
north, heavier vegetation in the south and southeast.
