Mali - Country facts
Location
Western Africa, southwest of Algeria
Background
The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 with a transitional government and in 1992 when Mali's first democratic presidential election was held. After his reelection in 1997, President Alpha KONARE continued to push through political and economic reforms and to fight corruption. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE.
Climate
subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February
Terrain
mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast
Population
12,291,529 (July 2005 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%
Religions
Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%
Languages
French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages
Map of Mali
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