Tambacounda

Tambacounda, town, southeastern Senegal. It is situated about 250 miles (400 km) east-southeast of Dakar. The town is in a tall-grass and acacia savanna area known for its varied agricultural potential. Crops grown include millet, sorghum, cotton, corn (maize), peanuts (groundnuts), and rice. Cattle are tended by Fulani (Fulbe) and Malinke (Mandingo) peoples, and there is a cotton mill in Tambacounda. The town has rail connections with Dakar to the northwest and Mali to the northeast as well as a paved road to Kédougou in the southwest. Senegal’s largest national park, Niokolo Koba National Park, is located about 45 miles (75 km) to the southeast. Pop. (2004 est.) 72,435.