Country Guide
Mali
Key Facts
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Mali Key Facts

Location

Central West Africa.

Time

GMT.

Area

1,240,192 sq km (478,841 sq miles).

Population

13.8 million (UN estimate 2005).

Population Density

11.1 per sq km.

Capital

Bamako. Population: 1.2 million (UN estimate 2003).

Geography

Mali is a landlocked republic, sharing borders with Mauritania, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Senegal. It is a vast land of flat plains fed by two major rivers, the Senegal on its western edge and the great River Niger. On its journey north the Niger converges with the River Bani, and forms a rich inland delta, the marshlands of the Macina, stretching for some 450km (280 miles) along the river’s length, in some places 200km (124 miles) wide. The central part of the country is arid grazing land, called the Sahel, which has suffered great drought.

At Timbuktu, the Niger reaches the desert and here it turns first to the east, then to the southeast at Bourem, where it heads for the ocean. In the desert, near the Algerian and Niger borders in the northeast, the Adrar des Iforas massif rises 800m (2,625ft). The north of the country is true desert except for the few oases along the ancient trans-Saharan camel routes. Tuaregs still live around these oases and camel routes. Further south live the Peulh cattle-raising nomads. The majority of the population lives in the savannah region in the south. The peoples of this region comprise Songhai, Malinke, Senoufou, Dogon and the Bambara (the largest ethnic group).

Government

Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960. 

Head of State

President Amadou Toumani Touré since 2002.

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ousmane Issoufi Maïga since 2004.

Recent History

The Republic of Mali, under President Modibo Keita, gained full independence from France in 1960. Keita was victim of a coup in 1968 after which Mali was ruled by Moussa Traoré until 1991. Anti-government protests in 1991 led to a coup, and a new constitution. In 1992, Alpha Oumar Konaré won Mali's first democratic, multiparty presidential election. Upon re-election in 1997, President Konaré pushed through political and economic reforms and fought corruption. In 2002 he was succeeded in democratic elections by Amadou Toumani Touré, a retired general who had been the leader of the military aspect of 1991 democratic uprising.

Language

The official language is French. There are a number of local languages.

Religion

Majority Muslim, with indigenous and Christian minorities.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Larger towns in Mali have their own locally-generated supply. European-style plugs with two circular metal pins are used. 

Social Conventions

Malians are hospitable people and will welcome visitors gracefully into their homes. Visitors must remember that this is a Muslim country and the religious customs and beliefs of the people should be respected. Modesty in dress, particularly for women, is essential.

Photography: This is no longer restricted, except for military subjects. However, interpretation of what is considered off limits tends to vary. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious point of view and it is advisable to obtain permission before taking photographs in Mali.
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