Country Guide • Mali
Mali is a landlocked republic in West Africa. It is bound by Algeria to the north east, Mauritania to the north west, Senegal to the west, Guinea to the south west, Ivory Coast to the south, Burkina Faso to the south east and Niger to the east. It is a vast land of flat plains fed by two major rivers, the Senegal on its western edge and the great River Niger.
| Official Name | Republic of Mali |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,240,021km² (478,775mile²) |
| Population | 11,600,000 |
| Continent | Africa |
| Population per mile² | 24 |
| Capital City | Bamako |
| Religions | 90% Muslims, 9% follow local native tribal beliefs and 1% Christians |
| Language | French. The main African languages are Bambara, Songhaï, Tuareg and Arabic |
| Government | Republic |
| Currency | Cfa Franc |
| GDP | $9.8 billion |
| GDP per Head | $860 |
| Natural Resources | Gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, hydropower. Bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited |
| Land Use | Arable Land 4% |
| Agriculture | Cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts and cattle, sheep, goats |
| Industry | Agriculture, Fishing, Processed Foods and Gold Mining |
| Tourism | Mali is one of the five poorest countries in the world with a high infant mortality rate, extensive malnutrition, low levels of literacy, and a short life expectancy. It does have surreal landscapes mosques made entirely of mud, pink sandstone villages carved into cliff faces, and endless desert scenes plus of course you might be able to say you've been to Timbuktu and back if you decide to go there too |
| Natural Hazards | Hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons, recurring droughts and occasional Niger River flooding |
| Health Risks | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, and one for cholera is strongly advised. Malaria precautions should be taken |
| Climate | Mali has three main seasons which vary according to latitude. Rainy season runs between June and October, diminishing further north. The cooler season (October to February) is followed by extremely hot, dry weather until June. Average temperature ranges in Bamako are from 16 to 32°C in January to 24 to 39°C in April |
| Time | GMT/UTC hours- No UTC/GMT offset |
| National Days | September 22 |
| Visas | Visas are required for all visitors except French nationals |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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