Everything you need to know about Mali: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Mali: Africa’s Seventh Largest Country

Mali was an important point of caravan routes during 300AD and later on came under strong influence of Malinke Empire from 12th to the 16th century. In the 15th century the Songhai Empire reigned over the Timbuktu-Gao. In 1591 Morocco conquered Timbuktu and ruled Mali for two centuries. By the end of the 19th century France conquered Mali and renamed it French Sudan in 1920. In 1960 the Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent from the French domination and formed the Mali Federation. After Senegal withdrew from the federation Sudanese Republic was renamed as Mali.

· National Name: The Republic of Mali
· Capital: Bamako
· Total area: 1.25 million sq km (482,077 sq miles)
· Population: 12.7 million (UN, 2008)
· Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine
· Languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages
· Ethnicity/ Races: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%
· Religion: Muslim 90%, Christian 1%, indigenous beliefs 9%
· GDP (Per Capita): $1,200 (2008 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 48 years, Female: 51.94 years (2008 est.)
· Literacy Rate: Male: 53.5%, Female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

The climate of Mali varies from subtropical in the south to arid in the north. Most of the country receives negligible amount of rainfall so droughts are frequent throughout the country.

Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Mali:
Mali remains the place of cultural crossroad due to its location in between the Arab world to the north and the black African nations to the south. Music and dancing are the most common cultural activities. The major tribal groups are Malinke, Songhai, Bambara and Voltaic forms the population of Mali.

The woodcarvings on masks, statues and tables are famous among the Bambara and the Voltaic tribal groups. Architecture is well developed in the Niger valley. The Sudanic style finds typical expression in the storied houses and mosques of Djenné and Timbuktu. Localized handicrafts include jewelry making by the Mandingo people, leatherworking around the Niger Bend, the weaving of geometric designs into cotton cloth, and the carving of statues for the tourist trade.

Rice and millet are the staple diet of Malian cuisine. The cuisine of Mali is heavily based on cereal grains. Grains are generally prepared with a sauce that is made from leaves such as spinach or baobab leaves with tomato or with peanut sauce. And served with grilled meat of chicken, mutton, beef, or goat. Malian cuisine varies regionally due its delicate way of preparations, which varies with different tribal groups.

Economy of Mali:
The vast majority of Malians are employed in farming, herding, or fishing. Cotton and peanuts are Mali’s significant cash crops. While millet, rice, corn, sorghum, and vegetables are other major food crops that are cultivated for the domestic purpose. Gold, phosphate, kaolin, salt, limestone, and uranium are mined and exported. Mali also has vast deposits of mineral resources like bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper. Remittances from Malians working abroad are also an important source of income for the Mali economy.

Tourist Attractions of Mali:
The landlocked nation of Mali has abundant of places that attract tourists. Mali is the place known for its adventure-filled excursions to its stunning deserts, hiking along the world-renowned Bandiagara Escarpment, and camel treks.

Bamako: is the capital city of the Mali. The Musee National Museum, the colorful markets, zoo and botanical gardens and the Maison des Artisans in Bamako gives lively preface to the country.

Major Sight-seeing Places in Mali include:

· The Dogon Cliffs
· The Niger River
· Kabalakoro rocks
· Mopti-Sevaré
· Timbuktu
· Yanfolila