BONDU, a French protectorate in West Africa, dependent on the colony of Senegal. Bondu lies between the Faleme river and the upper course of the Gambia, between 13° and i5° N., and i2° and 13° W. The country is plateau, dissected in the southern and central parts, which are generally unproductive, and covered with stunted woods. The lower country is more fertile, and grows baobab, tamarind and various fruit-trees. The Bondu streams flow rapidly during the rains but are empty in the dry season. The inhabitants are mostly Fula, though the trade is largely in the hands of Mandingos. Mohammedanism is fairly generally dis tributed. Mungo Park, in 1795, was the first European to visit the country. The royal residence was then at Fatteconda, but was moved before 1818 to Bulibani, a small clay walled town. In the king signed a treaty recognizing French sovereignty over his country. It was at first disregarded by the natives, but in 1858 Bondu came definitely under French control. (See SENEGAL.)