Senegambia

a region of western Africa. It extends from the Atlantic to the upper valley of the Niger. The name is a compound of Senegal and Gambia, the chief rivers. The region is one of abundant rainfall and equatorial vegetation, of gigantic trees and massive forests, resembling in these respects the valley of the Amazon. The baobab, cocoa-palm, pomegranate, and sycamore abound. In the more open parts of the country there are herds of antelopes, gazelles, and giraffes. The rivers swarm with crocodiles. The hippopotamus is seen occasionally. There are still a few elephants. On the border next the Sahara the ostrich, the rock partridge, and the quail are seen. The bulk of the population is negro. This region was formerly drawn upon heavily by the slave traders, hence the expression "woolly Senegambian." The coast has been partitioned by France, England, and other countries. See Libya; Africa; Congo; Niger