city, west-central Senegal. Situated 35 miles (56 km) east of Dakar, it is an important transportation centre, serving as the junction of the eastern Dakar-Niger River railway and the northern rail and road systems. This central location has spawned light industries and processing plants, making Thiès one of the largest cities in Senegal. Reserves of aluminum phosphate found near Thiès are being exploited. Thiès is also home to the Manufactures Sénégalaises des Arts Décoratifs, a tapestry factory. Pop. (2004 est.) 249,444.