Mali

Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the southwest, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west. The Niger River runs through the country, providing a crucial source of water for agriculture, transportation, and fishing.

Mali’s terrain includes the Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahel region in the central part, and savannah in the south. Bamako is the capital and largest city, located on the Niger River and is the administrative and economic center of Mali, known for its vibrant markets, music scene, and cultural institutions. While Timbuktu is an ancient city with a rich history as a centre of trade and Islamic scholarship.

Mali has a population of approximately 20 million people and is ethnically diverse, with major groups including the Bambara, Fulani, Dogon, and Tuareg.

French is the official language of Mali, used in government, education, and media. Bambara is the most widely spoken language, serving as a lingua franca among different ethnic groups. Other languages include Fulfulde, Songhai, and Tamasheq.

Mali has a rich history that includes the powerful empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. The Mali Empire, which reached its peak in the 14th century under Mansa Musa, was known for its wealth, extensive trade networks, and centres of learning. 

Malian cuisine includes staples such as millet, rice, sorghum, and maize, often served with sauces made from peanuts, tomatoes, or okra. Popular dishes include jollof rice, tô (a millet-based dish), and various grilled meats.

Mali is known for its traditional crafts, including textiles (such as bogolanfini or mud cloth), pottery, wood carvings, and jewelry. These crafts are often produced using age-old techniques and are important cultural expressions.