Mali

About Mali

Capital

Bamako

Continent

Independence Date

22 September 1960

Official Language	French
Second Language	Bambara, Fulfulde
Population	~23 million
Passport Color	Green
Passport Rank	#87
Dialing Code	223
Country TLD	.ml

Mali Overview

Mali, officially the Republic of Mali (French: République du Mali), is a vast, landlocked country in West Africa. It shares borders with 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 capital and largest city is Bamako.

Once home to powerful empires such as the Mali Empire and Timbuktu’s medieval centers of learning, Mali has a rich history as a hub of trade, scholarship, and culture. Today, its economy is primarily based on agriculture, gold mining, and livestock, making it one of Africa’s top gold producers.

The official language is French, while Bambara is widely spoken. The currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Despite challenges such as desertification and regional instability, Mali remains known for its music, traditions, and cultural resilience.

Quick Facts About Mali

Coordinates	17.5707° N, 3.9962° W
Bordering Countries	Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania
Region / Continent	Africa (West Africa)
Total Area	~1,240,192 sq km
Population Density	~17 people per sq km
Highest Point	Hombori Tondo – 1,155 m
Major Rivers	Niger River, Senegal River
Climate Type	Subtropical to arid; hot and dry with a short rainy season
Famous For	Timbuktu, Sahara Desert, ancient empires, gold mining, music
Major Landmarks	Great Mosque of Djenné, Timbuktu, Niger River, Dogon Country
Official Language	French
Currency	West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Government Type	Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic
Time Zone	UTC+0 (GMT)
Major Exports	Gold, cotton, livestock
Visitor Entry	Visa required for most visitors; check embassy for latest updates