Coastal Towns of Senegal

Having the designation of being mainland Africa's westernmost country, several towns and cities (including the capital) of SENEGAL straddle the western coast overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. From north to south, Senegal's coastal communities, towns, and cities include the following: Saint-Louis (Wolof language: Ndar), Sahar, Ndiébèn Gandiol, Sog, Tiougoune, Fas Boye, Mboro (population: >12,600), Kayar (pop. >17,200), Dakar (pop. 2.5 million), Barni Gouddou, Sendou, Yenne-sur-Mer, Ndeyane, Popenguine, Somone, Ngaparou, Mbour (pop. >170,600), Ouoran, Mbodiene, Joal-Fadiout (pop. >36,700), Djifer, Betanti, Bafara, Kafountine, Diogue, Diémbereng, and Kabrousse (pop. 1,350).

Featuring streets lined with pristine French colonial buildings, Saint-Louis is located just south of Mauritania and predominantly on Saint-Louis Island. The city was Senegal's capital from the years 1872 to 1957 and is situated near the Senegal River's mouth. Saint Louis island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the highest population of any city in Senegal, Dakar is mainly located on the Cap Vert Peninsula but also features several small islands surrounding it and partially within city limits. Located southeast of mainland Dakar, Gorée Island (Île de Gorée) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site just like Saint-Louis Island. Part of the Joal-Fadiout community, the village of Fadiout (Fadiouth) is located on an island (Fadiout Island) known for its many clam shells. Streets are even comprised of shells, as Atlas Obscura notes.