Review: National atlas of Senegal

Louis Papy reviews the National Atlas of Senegal, published by IFAN in Dakar in 1977 with 148 pages and 65 map plates. Prepared by ORSTOM, IFAN and CNRS, it brought together forty French and Senegalese professors and researchers. Papy recounts the sometimes difficult preparation: the École supérieure de cartographie de Paris undertook the cartographic work, followed by final production and printing at the Institut Géographique National. Senghor's preface presents its aim of describing Senegal's history, culture and geographical setting within the world. Papy surveys the physical geography sections, including syntheses of fieldwork and oceanographic research, and particularly praises the historical plates covering prehistory, protohistory, Senegambian kingdoms, migrations and colonial conquest. He also discusses population, agriculture and pastoralism, fisheries, industry and commerce, urban geography, public facilities and regional studies. The review pays tribute to contributor Marc Vernière and singles out his urban geography chapters. Praising the generally effective colours and extensive explanatory notes, Papy judges the atlas a fundamental reference and a decisive contribution to knowledge of Senegal.