Following the abolition of the slave trade and French annexation of the mainland area in the 19th century, Dakar grew into a major regional port and a major city of the French colonial empire. In 1902, Dakar replaced Saint-Louis as the capital of French West Africa.
What was the first French city in West Africa?
Originally created in 1895 as a union of Senegal, French Sudan, French Guinea and Ivory Coast only, the federation was placed on a permanent footing in 1904. A governor-general was based first in Saint-Louis, then (from 1902) in Dakar (both in Senegal, the oldest French settlement).
When did French West Africa break up?
French West Africa, French Afrique Occidentale Française (AOF), administrative grouping under French rule from 1895 until 1958 of the former French territories of West Africa: Senegal, French Guinea, the Ivory Coast, and the French Sudan, to which Dahomey was added in 1899.
Who colonized French West Africa?
The French surrounded Senegal to colonize the country. One of the leaders of this colonization was General Louis Faidherbe. He became Governor of Senegal after colonizing it.
Was Dakar always the capital of Senegal?
Dakar was the capital of the short-lived Mali Federation (1959–60), and in 1960 it became the capital of the Republic of Senegal. Since World War II the city has undergone much urban expansion. Numerous suburbs and shantytowns have developed around it.
How many countries in Africa are French?
French in Africa: 29 Countries Where French is Spoken. French is the official language of 21 countries in Africa.
How many countries speak French in West Africa?
There are 31 french speaking countries in Africa.
What countries were part of French West Africa?
French West Africa was a federation of eight French colonial territories in Africa: Mauritania, Senegal, French Sudan (now Mali), French Guinea (now Guinea), Côte d’Ivoire, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Dahomey (now Benin), and Niger.
Why did France start colonizing?
Motivations for colonization: The French colonized North America to create trading posts for the fur trade. Some French missionaries eventually made their way to North America in order to convert Native Americans to Catholicism. … The French in particular created alliances with the Hurons and Algonquians.
Why did Britain decolonize Africa?
Following World War II, rapid decolonisation swept across the continent of Africa as many territories gained their independence from European colonisation. … Consumed with post-war debt, European powers were no longer able to afford the resources needed to maintain control of their African colonies.
How many countries did the French colonize?
During the Colonial period in Africa, the British and the French colonized more than 95% of the continent. The British colonized twenty-two African states while the French colonized twenty.
Why did France colonize Algeria?
In the year 1830, Algeria was colonized by the French, leading to over a century of exploitation. The French were clearly seeking a piece of land to exploit for its natural resources and people.
Who Colonised Nigeria?
Nigeria became a British protectorate in 1901. The period of colonisation lasted until 1960, when an independence movement succeeded. Nigeria first became a republic in 1963, but succumbed to military rule three years later, after a bloody coup d’état.
Is Dakar poor?
Senegal, the westernmost country in Africa, has a population of about 15 million people. … Geographic disparities in poverty exist between rural areas and Dakar, the capital city and largest city in Senegal. In rural areas, 66 percent of residents are considered poor compared to 23 percent of residents in Dakar.
Is Senegal an Arab country?
Senegal, a majority Sunni Muslim country, is the only non-Arabic country to join the Saudi-led coalition.
What language is spoken in Senegal?
French