Where Senegal Is Located on a Map
Understanding the Senegal Map is the first step to appreciating the country’s strategic position in West Africa. Senegal sits on the westernmost edge of the continent, bordered by Mauritania to the north and east, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its capital, Dakar, lies on the Cape Verde Peninsula, making it a natural gateway for maritime trade and tourism.
Key Geographic Features
The nation covers roughly 197,000 square kilometres, stretching from the Sahara desert in the north to the lush Casamance region in the south. The Senegal River forms a natural boundary with Mauritania, while the Gambia River creates a narrow enclave that separates Senegal’s southern interior.
Historical Context Behind the Borders
On February 1, 1982, the Confederation of Senegambia was officially formed through the merger of the states of Senegal and The Gambia. Although the confederation was later dissolved, the historical ties still influence regional cooperation and cultural exchange.
In this series I'm zooming in on countries with Google Earth, and it's time to take a look at Senegal. The country’s shape on the map reflects its colonial past, with borders drawn during the
