description Senegal Overview
The Senegal River is a major West African waterway formed at Bafoulabé in Mali by the confluence of the Bafing and Bakoye rivers. Its total length is often given as about 1,641 kilometers when the Bafing headwater is included; the river then runs toward the Atlantic and forms much of the border between Senegal and Mauritania. The basin also includes parts of Guinea and Mali and supports irrigation, navigation, and shared water management.
help Senegal FAQ
Where does the Senegal River begin?
The Senegal River begins at Bafoulabé in Mali, where the Bafing and Bakoye rivers meet. The Bafing is usually treated as the main headwater when the river's full length is calculated.
How long is the Senegal River?
Its total length is commonly given as about 1,641 kilometers when the Bafing headwater is included. Different references may measure the main river channel differently. [FAO river profile](https://www.fao.org/4/T0361E/T0361E05.htm)
Which countries does the Senegal River pass through?
The river system involves Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. Downstream, parts of the river form the international boundary between Mauritania and Senegal before reaching the Atlantic.
Why is the Senegal River important to West Africa?
It provides water for farming, settlements, navigation, and ecosystems in a relatively dry region. Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal coordinate many river issues through the Organisation for the Development of the Senegal River.
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