11,367 sq km / 4,389 sq mi (slightly smaller than Connecticut)1,240,190 sq km / 478,840 sq mi (almost twice the size of Texas)
Capital City
The capital city, Bamako, is located on the Niger River in the southwest of the country.
Ethnic Groups
34.1% Bambara 14.7% Fulani (Peul) 10.8% Soninke 10.5% Senufo 8.9% Dogon 14.1% Other
Religion', 2.8% Christian 3.3% Other / Nonreligious
Languages
French Bambara
Mali has 13 national languages that are widely spoken.
Geography
Mali is a landlocked country in northwest Africa. The north of Mali extends into the south of the Sahara Desert, with 60% of Mali’s area being desert or semi desert. The south of the country also consists of savannas.
Economy
Mali is among the 25 poorest nations in the world. The economy is mainly agricultural, also depending on gold mining for revenue.
Interesting Fact
Mali is one of the largest countries in Africa but has a small population relative to its size.
Important Facts
Mali is one of three great precolonial Sudanic empires. In the 19th century the French took control making it a part of French West Africa. On June 20, 1960, Mali gained independence.
