Country guide - Mali  

 
 

Introduction: 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: 1,240,021 Sq Km (478,775 Sq Miles)
Population: 11,600,000
Continent: Africa
Density per square mile: 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
Note: 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 & cattle, sheep, goats
Industry: Agriculture, Fishing, Processed Foods & 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 & 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 degrees Celsius in January to 24 to 39 degrees Celsius 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 Details

 

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