Mali

World Book Index

Introduction

Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, is steeped in a rich historical tapestry that traces back to the Mali Empire, which flourished in the 14th century and was known for its wealth and cultural achievements. The empire's influence extended across a vast territory, approximately twice the size of modern-day France, showcasing its significance in trade and scholarship. Following the colonial period in the late 19th century, Mali was integrated into French West Africa. The path to independence was marked by the formation of the Mali Federation with Senegal in 1960, although this union was short-lived, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Mali. Today, Mali is recognized for its diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, which reflect its historical legacy and the resilience of its people.

Neighboring countries

Algeria - Burkina Faso - Cote d'Ivoire - Guinea - Mauritania - Niger - Senegal

Geography

Area
Total: 1,240,192 sq km
Land: 1,220,190 sq km
Water: 20,002 sq km

Mali's geography is characterized by its vast and varied landscape, which includes the Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahel region, and the fertile banks of the Niger River. The country experiences a range of climatic conditions, from subtropical in the south to arid in the north. The climate is marked by three distinct seasons: a hot and dry period from February to June, a rainy and humid season from June to November, and a cool and dry season from November to February. This climatic diversity supports a variety of ecosystems and influences agricultural practices, which are vital for the livelihoods of many Malians. The country is rich in natural resources, including gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum, granite, and hydropower, which play a crucial role in its economy and development.

People and Society

Population
Total: 21,990,607 (2024 estimated)

Mali is home to a diverse population that reflects a rich tapestry of ethnicities and cultures. The largest ethnic group, the Bambara, constitutes 33.3% of the population, followed by the Fulani (Peuhl) at 13.3%, and several other groups including the Sarakole/Soninke/Marka, Senufo/Manianka, and Malinke. This ethnic diversity is accompanied by a multitude of languages, with Bambara serving as the official language, while French is also widely spoken. The population is predominantly Muslim, with 93.9% adhering to Islam, which significantly influences the cultural and social fabric of the nation. The population growth rate of 2.9% indicates a youthful demographic, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the country's development. The interplay of these ethnic and cultural dynamics shapes Mali's identity and societal interactions, contributing to its unique character in the region.

Government

Government type
Semi-presidential republic

Capital
Name: Bamako

Mali operates under a semi-presidential republic framework, which combines elements of presidential and parliamentary systems. The head of state is the Transition President, Assimi GOITA, who has been in office since June 7, 2021. The head of government is the Transition Prime Minister, Abdoulaye MAIGA, who assumed office on November 22, 2024. This transitional government structure reflects the ongoing political changes and challenges that Mali faces. The capital city, Bamako, serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country, playing a vital role in governance and administration. Mali's diplomatic representation in the United States is led by Ambassador Sékou BERTHE, who has been in position since September 16, 2022, while the U.S. is represented by Ambassador Rachna KORHONEN since March 16, 2023.

Economy

Economic overview
Mali's economy is classified as a low-income Saharan economy, grappling with significant challenges such as recession due to the impacts of COVID-19 and ongoing political instability. The country faces extreme poverty and is characterized by an environmentally fragile landscape, which complicates agricultural production and resource management. High public debt further exacerbates these economic difficulties. Despite these challenges, Mali is an agricultural and gold exporter, with gold mining being a critical sector for its economy. However, the persistent threats of terrorism and warfare pose serious risks to economic stability and growth.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$71.253 billion (2024 estimated)
$67.857 billion (2023 estimated)
$64.8 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$2,900 (2024 estimated)
$2,900 (2023 estimated)
$2,800 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$6.13 billion (2023 estimated)
$5.855 billion (2022 estimated)
$5.381 billion (2021 estimated)

Exports - partners
UAE 73%, Switzerland 15%, Australia 5%, China 1%, Uganda 1% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Gold, cotton, oil seeds, fertilizers, gum resins (2023)

Imports
$8.066 billion (2023 estimated)
$7.942 billion (2022 estimated)
$7.596 billion (2021 estimated)

Imports - partners
Cote d'Ivoire 25%, Senegal 19%, China 12%, France 5%, Burkina Faso 4% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cement, cotton fabric, plastic products (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.419, ranking it 188th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 135th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 4.054. (more information)