Thiès, Senegal
Region: Thiès
Geographic Coordinates: 14.783300, -16.916700
Temperature Range: 24.0°C to 35.0°C (75°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry season and rainy season.
Population: 394544
Language: Wolof
Thiès is a bustling city in the western region of Senegal, Located approximately 70 kilometers east of Dakar. It serves as an important transportation hub for both goods and people and is the third-largest city in Senegal. The city has a rich history and culture that can be seen through its architecture, Cuisine, And traditional crafts. One of the most notable landmarks in Thiès is the Grande Mosquée, Which was built in 1932 and is one of the largest mosques in West Africa. The mosque features intricate tile work and a towering minaret that can be seen from miles away.
Another popular attraction is the Musée de la Parure et des Arts Textiles du Sénégal (Museum of Adornment and Textile Arts), Which showcases traditional textiles, Jewelry, And clothing from different regions throughout Senegal. Thiès also has a thriving market scene with several markets scattered throughout the city. One of the most popular markets is Marché HLM (HLM Market), Which offers everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Visitors can also find traditional Wolof baskets at Marché aux Paniers (Basket Market) or shop for souvenirs at Marché Artisanal (Artisan Market).
In addition to its cultural offerings, Thiès also has several natural attractions worth exploring such as Lac Rose (Pink Lake), Which gets its name from its unique pink hue caused by high levels of salt content. Visitors can take boat tours around the lake or even participate in salt harvesting with local fishermen. Thiès also serves as an important educational center with several universities located within its boundaries including Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar – Campus de Thiés (UCAD-THIES) and Institut Supérieur d’Enseignement Professionnel de Thiés (ISEP).
These institutions attract students from all over West Africa who come to study a variety of subjects ranging from engineering to business. Overall, Thiès is a vibrant city that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Senegal’s rich history and culture. Whether you are interested in exploring traditional crafts, Sampling local cuisine, Or simply soaking up the sights and sounds of the city, Thiès has something for everyone.
- Le Parc Forestier et Zoologique de Hann (Hann Park and Zoo)
- Faidherbe Bridge
- La Grande Mosquée de Thiès (The Great Mosque of Thiès)
- Musée des Forces Armées du Sénégal (Museum of the Armed Forces of Senegal)
- Le Lac Rose (Pink Lake)
- Les Iles de la Madeleine (Madeleine Islands)
- Marché aux Poissons de Mbour (Mbour Fish Market)
- Monument du Millénaire de la Ville de Thiès (Millennium Monument of the City of Thiès)
- Parc National du Delta du Saloum (Saloum Delta National Park)
- Village Artisanal de Soumbedioune (Soumbedioune Craft Village)
Major Industries and Businesses in Thiès, Senegal
- Agriculture
- Agro-processing
- Textile manufacturing
- Construction
- Mining
- Service industry
- Transportation
- Trade
The city is known for its agricultural production of:
- Millet
- Maize
- Peanuts
- Fruits
Additionally, there are several agro-processing companies that produce food products such as:
- Oil
- Flour
- Animal feed
Thiès also has a thriving textile industry that produces fabrics for clothing and home decor.
Due to the increasing demand for housing and infrastructure development in the city, there is a growing construction industry. The city has significant deposits of phosphate which are mined by companies such as Industries Chimiques du Senegal (ICS).
There are several service-based businesses in Thiès including:
- Banking
- Telecommunications
- Healthcare services
- Education institutions
Thiès serves as an important transportation hub with:
- A railway station connecting it to Dakar – the capital of Senegal – as well as other parts of the country
- An airport – Thiès-Touba Airport – which provides domestic flights to other cities within Senegal
Finally, there is a presence of markets like Marche Ndary Tall, Marche Grand Thies, among others providing opportunities for traders to buy and sell goods.
- Thiès was established in the late 19th century as a railway junction and administrative center by French colonial authorities.
- During World War II, Thiès played a crucial role as a military base for Free French forces led by General Charles de Gaulle.
- Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal’s first president and an influential figure in the Pan-African movement, was born in Joal-Fadiouth near Thiès in 1906.
- Cheikh Anta Diop, a renowned historian and anthropologist who contributed significantly to African studies, was born close to Thiès in 1923.
- The Battle of Dakar saw British forces attempt to seize Dakar from Vichy France with support from Free French troops based in Thiès during World War II but ultimately failed after fierce combat.
- Every April 4th marks Senegal’s Independence Day celebrations with parades and festivities held across cities including Thiès.
- Presently, one of West Africa’s most significant railway construction yards is located within Thiès city limits besides being an important railway hub during colonial times.
- Like many parts of Senegal, religious diversity is present within the community of Thiès comprising both Muslim and Christian populations alongside cultural traditions such as wrestling matches and sabar music performances that are vibrant expressions of local culture.
- Musée de la Parole
- Centre Culturel Régional de Thiès
- Monument de la Renaissance Africaine
- La Maison des Esclaves (Slave House)
- Le Marché aux Tissus (Fabric Market)
- Musée en plein air de Dakar-Thiès
- L’Institut Français
- Le Jardin Public
- Les Grottes et Cascades de Dindefelo
- La Mosquée El Hadji Malick Sy
- Senegal is known for its passion for football, with the national team having qualified for the World Cup several times and winning the African Cup of Nations once.
- Basketball is also popular in Senegal.
- There are likely several amateur and semi-professional football clubs in Thiès, but without specific information or recent updates on their histories or achievements, it’s difficult to provide a comprehensive list.
- Sports play an essential role in Senegalese culture and daily life, with many young people dreaming of becoming professional athletes and representing their country on the international stage.
- Festival des Arts et de la Culture (FESNAC): This is an annual cultural festival held in Thiès, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Senegal through music, dance, art and crafts.
- Korité: This is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims in Thiès and across Senegal to mark the end of Ramadan.
- Tabaski: Also known as Eid al-Adha, this is another important Muslim festival celebrated in Thiès and throughout Senegal.
- Independence Day: Celebrated on April 4th each year, Independence Day marks the day when Senegal gained its independence from France in 1960.
- Saint Louis Jazz Festival: Although not technically held in Thiès, this annual jazz festival takes place just a few hours away in the city of Saint Louis and attracts visitors from all over Senegal and beyond.
- Dakar Biennale: Another major cultural event that takes place nearby in Dakar every two years, featuring contemporary art exhibitions from around Africa and beyond.
- International Festival of African Fashion (FIMA): Held annually in nearby Dakar since 1998, FIMA showcases traditional African fashion designs alongside modern interpretations by emerging designers from across the continent.
- Thieboudienne: This is the national dish of Senegal and is a spicy fish and rice stew.
- Yassa: A grilled chicken or fish dish marinated in a tangy onion and lemon sauce.
- Mafé: A peanut butter-based stew with meat (usually beef or lamb) and vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage.
- Fataya: Deep-fried turnovers filled with spiced ground meat or vegetables.
- Thiakry: A sweet dessert made from millet couscous, yogurt, sugar, and sometimes fruit like mangoes or bananas.
Some popular restaurants in Thiès that serve these dishes include:
- Chez Fatoumata – known for their thieboudienne
- La Terrasse du Baobab – offers a variety of traditional Senegalese dishes including mafé
- Restaurant Le Clos Normand – serves yassa chicken along with other French-Senegalese fusion dishes
- Le Kinkeliba – specializes in seafood dishes including thieboudienne
- Restaurant Les Jardins de l’Oasis – offers traditional Senegalese cuisine such as fataya as well as international options
- Parc de Hann is a large park in the center of Thiès, Senegal that offers a variety of recreational activities like jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
- Lac Rose, also known as the Pink Lake, is located just outside of Thiès and offers visitors the chance to swim, fish, and take boat rides.
- Samba Dia Forest Reserve is a nature reserve that houses various wildlife species like monkeys and birds. Visitors can hike through the forest or take guided tours.
- Leopold Sedar Senghor Cultural Center hosts events such as concerts and art exhibitions throughout the year.
- Ndiassane Village is situated outside Thiès and provides visitors with an insight into Senegalese culture through its colorful markets and local crafts.
- Fathala Wildlife Reserve is home to lions, giraffes, zebras among other African animals that visitors can observe on guided tours.
- Les Calaos Artisanal Village showcases local crafts such as wood carvings and pottery made by Senegalese artisans.
- La Petite Cote Beaches along Senegal’s Petite Cote offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing or simply strolling along the sand while enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Saly Golf Club boasts an 18-hole course with stunning views over the ocean for golf enthusiasts to enjoy their sport while taking in beautiful scenery.
- Lac Retba attracts tourists from all over Africa due to its pink color which results from high salt concentration making it a unique natural wonder worth visiting.
