Tivaouane

History

Tivaouane was part of the Wolof kingdom of Cayor, and was at one time its capital. It was first described to Europeans in the 15th century by Venitian explorer Luigi Cada-Mosto.

In 1904, it was the fifth largest city in Sénégal after Saint-Louis, Dakar, Rufisque and Gorée.

It is also the capital of the Tijaniyya Sufi brotherhood. Each week, followers come to visit the tombs of religious leaders, especially that of El-Hadji Malick Sy. Visitors flock each year to celebrate the birth of the prophet Muhammad in a festival called the Maouloud (or Gamou, in Wolof, a word borrowed from one of the Serer religious festivals).

The influence of the Muslim brotherhoods of Senegal helps to explain the dramatic demographic growth of the city, which had a population of less than 7900 in 1960.

In 2003, the mosque and zawia (muslim school) of El-Hadji Malick Sy, the mosque of Serigne Babacar Sy and the railway station were added to the list of Senegalese historic monuments.

Administration

Tivaouane is the capital of the Tivaouane Department in the région de Thiès.

Geography

Tivaouane is a regional transport hub, where the route nationale n° 2 connecting Dakar and Saint-Louis passes near Thiès.

The nearest small towns are Yendam, Keur Massamba Daguene, Selko, Ndiagane, Keur Assane, Ndiassane et Sintiou Pir.

Population

Between the censue of 1988 and 2002, Tivaouane grew from 27,117 to 38,213 inhabitants.

In 2007, according to official estimates, the population has grown to 39,766, which makes it the 15th largest city in Senegal.

Wolofs are the largest ethnic group in the area.

Economy

Tivaouane is in an agricultural region, at the heart of the bassin arachidier of Arachide oil (Peanut oil) production.

Catering to religious gatherings and celebrations also plays a great role in the economy.