Birkilane (or Birkelane) is a town and urban commune in
Senegal
Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is the westernmost country in West Africa, situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. It borders Mauritania to Mauritania–Senegal border, the north, Mali to Mali–Senegal border, the east, Guinea t ...
. It is the principal municipality and administrative centre of
Birkilane Department in
Kaffrine Region, about 30 km from the town of
Kaolack
Kaolack (; ) is a town with a population of 298,904 (2023 census) on the north bank of the Saloum River about from its mouth and the N1 road in Senegal. It is the capital of the Kaolack Region, which borders The Gambia to the south.
Kaolack ...
.
History
Birkelane was founded around 1850 by a
Serer named Boure Koulemane Dione, who lived in the northeast of
Senegal
Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is the westernmost country in West Africa, situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. It borders Mauritania to Mauritania–Senegal border, the north, Mali to Mali–Senegal border, the east, Guinea t ...
.
In 2008 it was designated a ''commune'' of the newly created ''département'' of Birkilane.
Geography
The town is located on the N1 national road from
Kaolack
Kaolack (; ) is a town with a population of 298,904 (2023 census) on the north bank of the Saloum River about from its mouth and the N1 road in Senegal. It is the capital of the Kaolack Region, which borders The Gambia to the south.
Kaolack ...
to
Tambacounda
Tambacounda (; Wolof: Tambaakundaa ) is the largest city in eastern Senegal, southeast of Dakar, and is the regional capital of the province of the same name. Its population in 2023 was 149,071.
Geography
Tambacounda is situated on the sparsel ...
and is home to some 7000 inhabitants. The nearest other towns are Nguer, Ganki, Band and Diamal.
[Maps, weather and airports for Birkelan]
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References
External links
Populated places in Kaffrine region
Communes of Senegal
French West Africa
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