The Dakar region, the beating heart of Senegal

Located at the western tip of the African continent, the Dakar region is much more than just an administrative capital: it is the economic, cultural, and political heart of Senegal. Small in size but huge in influence, it is home to most of the country’s activities and attracts thousands of visitors, investors, and new residents every year.
Known for its dynamism and diversity, Dakar is a place where Senegal’s history has been shaped and where its future continues to be written, a crossroads between tradition and modernity.
This article invites you to discover Dakar: its past, its geography, its urban development, and its place in national life.

Before the modern city of Dakar came into being, the Cap-Vert region was inhabited by the **Lébou** people, renowned for their maritime culture and spiritual traditions linked to the sea. These communities lived mainly from fishing and coastal trade. Their original villages — Yoff, Ngor, Ouakam, and Cambérène — have survived through the centuries and still form an essential part of the region’s cultural identity today.

The 15th century marked the arrival of Portuguese navigators, who discovered the Cape Verde Islands and the island of **Gorée**, which quickly became a strategic stopover port. Gorée was one of the key sites of the transatlantic trade, particularly the slave trade. Today, it stands as a global symbol of remembrance and reconciliation, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the 19th century, French colonization profoundly transformed the region. In 1857, the founding of the city of Dakar by Commander Pinet-Laprade marked the beginning of colonization.
The colonial administration developed the port, built roads and railways, and made Dakar a strategic point of French West Africa (AOF).
In 1902, Dakar replaced Saint-Louis as the capital of French West Africa, confirming the region’s central role in the colonial system. Around the city center, new urban areas developed — notably Rufisque, Pikine, and Guédiawaye — which would later become full-fledged municipalities.

The Dakar region is Senegal’s gateway for tourists. Its cultural richness, coastline, and historical heritage make it an unmissable destination.

Dakar’s real estate market is the most expensive in the country.

• The average price per m² ranges between 700,000 and 1,500,000 FCFA depending on the neighborhood.
• Areas such as Almadies, Ngor, and Mermoz are sought after for their high-end residential settings.
• Conversely, Pikine and Guédiawaye offer more affordable housing.

Demand remains strong, driven by population growth and the Senegalese diaspora. New developments are multiplying, particularly in Diamniadio, a symbol of national urban renewal.

The Dakar region is administered by a Regional Council and four departments, while regional governance is overseen by the Regional Governor, the State’s representative. This dual structure highlights the political importance of the region, a key center of national power.