Mali
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 23
Currency
💱 West African CFA franc
Languages
🗣️ French
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Mali
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Malian
Independence
September 22, 1960 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.ml
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+223
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Bamako
ISO Alpha-2
ML
ISO Alpha-3
MLI
UN Code
466
Geographic Coordinates
17,-4
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
1,240,192#25 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
23,929,000#58 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
19.48
Highest Point (m)
Mount Hombori, 1,155 m
Lowest Point (m)
Niger River, 23 m
Land Use
Agricultural land: 34.8%; forest: 11.2%; other: 54%
Irrigated Land
1,190 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Tropical; hot and dry, with a rainy season from June to September in the south
Natural Resources
Gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum, granite, hydropower
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Algeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal
Major Rivers
Niger River, Senegal River
Major Lakes
Lake Débo
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
10 regions and the capital district (Bamako)
Legal System
Based on French civil law and customary law
Chief of State
President Assimi Goïta
Head of Government
Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Presidential elections are held every five years. Legislative elections are held regularly.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal
Legislative Branch
National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale)
Major Political Parties
Rassemblement pour le Mali (RPM); Alliance pour la démocratie au Mali-Parti africain pour la solidarité et la justice (ADEMA-PASJ); Parti pour le développement économique et social (PDES)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
West African CFA franc
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
30.07#115 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
88.27#109 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,193.28#188 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
33.02
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
23.35
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
36.56
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.28#89 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9,156,646
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.83#151 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Mali's public debt is roughly 40% of GDP.
Budget
Mali's annual budget is approximately $4 billion.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.64#122 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.03#125 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are estimated to be approximately $1.6 billion.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online from various financial services and banks.
GDP by Sector
Agriculture accounts for about 35% of GDP, services 40%, and industry 25%.
Major Industries
Major industries include gold mining, agriculture, and construction.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Switzerland, Burkina Faso, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include France, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
35.63#166 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
39.5
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.5
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is approximately -1 per 1,000 people.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 17 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32.21#187 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is estimated to be around 3.5% annually.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
60.7#208 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is estimated to be around 0.9%.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.81
Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups include Bambara, Peul, Senufo, and Songhai.
Religions
Islam is the predominant religion, with a small Christian population.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French
Education
Education System
The Malian education system is structured into primary, secondary, and higher education. Challenges include low enrollment rates, particularly for girls, and resource limitations. French is the primary language of instruction.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
7.5
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education in Mali is a significant portion of the budget, but often remains insufficient to meet the needs of the system. Spending levels fluctuate.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities in Mali include the University of Bamako (various campuses) and other specialized institutions.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Mali's culture is rich and diverse, influenced by various ethnic groups like the Bambara, Fulani, and Tuareg. Music, storytelling, and traditional crafts are central.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Armed Forces Day (2026-01-20)
- Leylatoul Qadr (Roughly Date) (2026-03-15)
- Korité (Roughly Date) (2026-03-19)
- Martyrs' Day (2026-03-25)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Workers' Day (2026-05-01)
- Africa Day (2026-05-25)
- Tabaski (Roughly Date) (2026-05-26)
- Ashura (Roughly Date) (2026-06-25)
- Mawloud (Roughly Date) (2026-08-25)
- Baptism of the Prophet (Roughly Date) (2026-09-01)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include West African music styles, with influences from traditional instruments like the kora and ngoni, and contemporary influences.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes dishes like rice with sauces, meat stews, and various dishes made with millet, fonio, and other local grains.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport. Other sports include basketball and athletics. Mali has participated in international competitions.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Festival au Désert (formerly), now held in other locations after security issues, and other regional cultural festivals.
Famous People
Famous people include musicians like Salif Keita, Ali Farka Touré, and actors.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Mali has significant cultural heritage sites that are not all UNESCO listed.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Old Towns of Djenné, the Tomb of Askia, and the Bandiagara Escarpment (Land of the Dogons).
Annual Tourist Visits
Low number of annual tourist visits due to security concerns.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is limited due to security concerns and instability.
Top Tourist Attractions
Djenné Mosque, Timbuktu, Bandiagara Escarpment (Dogon Country).
Famous Cities
Bamako, Ségou, Mopti, Gao, Tombouctou.
National Parks
Several national parks, including Parc National de la Boucle du Baoulé.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist, but facing challenges in conservation.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa required for many nationalities; consult the Malian embassy or consulate.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
High travel advisory due to security threats, including terrorism and armed conflict.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is relatively low, reflecting challenges in the healthcare system.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively low compared to developed countries.
Number of Hospitals
There are approximately 100 hospitals in Mali.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare in Mali faces significant challenges with limited access, especially in rural areas, and struggles with funding and infrastructure. Efforts are underway to improve healthcare delivery.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are limited in many areas, with a concentration of resources in urban centers.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is limited, particularly in rural areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
17
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
18
Emergency Number (Fire)
18
Crime Rate
High crime rate, particularly in urban areas and related to petty theft.
Safety Index
Low safety index due to security concerns, including terrorism and armed conflict.
Military Expenditure
Significant military expenditure due to security challenges and international support.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available but may be limited in resources and response times.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Army, Air Force, and Gendarmerie.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Low electricity access rates, particularly in rural areas.
Water Access
Access to improved water sources is variable; challenges with water quality and infrastructure.
Sanitation Access
Low sanitation access, with a significant portion of the population lacking access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
Mali has a railway line, primarily serving freight transport, connecting to Senegal. Passenger services are limited.
Roadways
Limited paved roads, significant unpaved roads, and challenges with road maintenance.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, railways (limited), and air transport. Road infrastructure varies in quality. River transport is also important in some areas.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO), Tombouktou Airport (TOM), Gao International Airport (GAQ), Kayes Dag Dag Airport (KYS), Mopti Airport (MZI)
Ports
River ports on the Niger River are significant for trade; no major ocean ports.
Public Transit
Limited public transit options, primarily in urban areas, including buses and taxis.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
36.8#172 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Moderate mobile subscription rate; mobile phones are more prevalent than internet access.
Tech Startups
Nascent tech startup ecosystem.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT Development Index ranking.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.3#172 of 202
Air Quality Index
Poor air quality, particularly in urban areas; data often lacking.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of water pollution from various sources, including sewage and industrial waste.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage, primarily solar; significant potential.
Environmental Issues
Desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and pollution.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, and sandstorms.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management infrastructure; open dumping and burning are common.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Major treaties related to trade, human rights, and the environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel to a limited number of countries.