About Mali

Mali is a sub-Saharan country, perhaps best known for the town Timbuktu. Mali has suffered from long-standing drought since the mid-1980s and is among the five poorest countries in the world.

Land

Most regions of Mali are considered desert or semi-desert. The Sahara Desert covers much of the northern territories, with the Sahel bushlands or savannah further south. Only in the deep south can one find forests and some jungles.

Living

About ninety percent of Malians reside in the more fertile southern third of the country, while ten percent (mostly nomadic people) live in the arid north that comprises two-thirds of Mali. Seventy-five percent of all Malian people live in rural areas.

Water

The Niger River provides an important trade route and water for irrigation. Most of the large cities have developed along the river.

Weather

Mali has three seasons: the hot season (hot and dry) from mid-February to June; the rainy season (hot and humid) from June to September; and the dry season (pleasant with temperatures in the mid-80's) from October to mid-February.

Communication

Communication is mainly oral. Books are published in at least four Malian languages, but history is more commonly transmitted by narration from generation to generation, from parent to child.

Clothing

Western clothing and traditional clothing are both commonly worn in urban areas. Women tend to wear traditional clothing more often than men.

Food

Malnutrition is widespread in Mali. The dietary staple is millet. Milk, dates, and wheat are important supplemental foods in the north.

Government

Multi-party Democracy
Head of State: Can be elected for up to two 5-year terms of office.
Currently: Amadou Toumani Toure

Prime Minister: Head of Government. Appointed by President
Currently: Ousmane Issoufi Maiga

Economics

Currency: CFA Franc (XOF); officially Communaute Financiere Africaine franc.
GDP (per capita): $930 USD
Exports: cotton, gold, livestock; peanuts
Imports: petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs, textiles
Human Index Report: 174 out of 177 countries (adjusted for women; 142 out of 144)
(Based on United Nations Development Program 2004 Human Development Report)