Mali

West Africa

Mali is a country in West Africa, home to 24.5 million people, with an area of 1,240,192 km². Its capital is Bamako.

Capital: Bamako
Population: 24.5 million
Area: 1,240,192 km²
Region: West Africa
Density: 19.8 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Mali · West Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Mali is known for

Mali is best known for Timbuktu, Djenné and Dogon Country.

Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered by Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the southwest, Senegal and Mauritania to the west, and Algeria to the north. The country’s terrain is largely flat, with the Sahel region to the south and the Sahara desert to the north. Mali has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art, and is known for its unique mud-brick architecture.

Mali at a glance

Language: French is the official language, but Bambara is also widely spoken
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Mali, with traditional African religions and Christianity also practiced
National dish: Tô, a starchy porridge made from millet or corn, served with various sauces and stews
Climate: Mali has a subtropical to arid climate, with hot, dry winters and hot, wet summers
Main industries: Agriculture, including cotton, rice, and livestock production; mining, including gold and salt; and tourism
GDP: $18.4 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Mali is considered a least developed country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 184 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Mali

Some of the main tourist attractions in Mali include:

Timbuktu an ancient city in the Sahara desert known for its historic mosques and libraries.
Djenné a town known for its unique mud-brick architecture and the Great Mosque of Djenné.
Dogon Country a region in central Mali known for its rugged landscapes and traditional Dogon villages.
Bamako the capital city of Mali, known for its bustling markets, street vendors, and lively music scene.
Bandiagara Escarpment a sandstone cliff in central Mali, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and natural significance.
Ségou a city on the Niger River known for its colonial architecture, pottery, and textiles.
Tomb of Askia a pyramid-shaped tomb in Gao, northern Mali, built in the 15th century.
Mopti a town on the Niger River known for its vibrant markets and traditional fishing villages.
Hombori Mountains a range of mountains in central Mali known for their stunning scenery and hiking trails.
Boucle du Baoulé National Park a national park in southwestern Mali known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and antelope.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Mali has to offer. The country's rich history, culture, and natural beauty make it a unique and fascinating destination to explore.

Mali in pictures

Mali on video

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Mali compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of West Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Niger	27.2 million	1,267,000 km²	Niamey
Mali	24.5 million	1,240,192 km²	Bamako
Burkina Faso	23.5 million	274,200 km²	Ouagadougou
Senegal	18.4 million	196,722 km²	Dakar