Casamance

The Casamance River flows west through a landscape of tidal channels, mangroves and cultivated land before reaching the Atlantic. Its tributaries, including the Soungrougrou, carry the tides far inland. Jola communities and their neighbours cultivated rice in this watery country, while Mandinka influence extended into the middle and upper river region. In 1645 Portuguese traders established a permanent post at Ziguinchor after building connections farther south along the Cacheu River.

The later city of Ziguinchor lies here.