Mali

Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa and the 23rd largest country in the world. Mali shares borders with Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Mauritania to the northwest, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast to the south, and Guinea and Senegal to the west.

The country has a young population, with about half under the age of 15. Its capital and largest city is Bamako. Mali has many languages, with Bambara being the most widely spoken. The north of Mali reaches into the Sahara Desert, while the south, where most people live, lies in the Sudanian savanna and is home to the Niger and Senegal rivers.

Historically, Mali was part of powerful West African empires such as the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire. The city of Timbuktu became a famous center for learning and culture.

In the late 1800s, France took control of Mali. Mali gained independence in 1960. Since then, the country has faced political changes. Despite challenges, Mali remains important for its natural resources like gold and its rich cultural history.

Etymology

The name Mali comes from the old Mali Empire. It means "the place where the king lives" and suggests strength.

A famous traveler from the 1300s named Ibn Battuta wrote that the empire’s capital was called Mali. Some stories from the Mandinka people say that the first emperor, Sundiata Keita, turned into a hippopotamus when he died in the Sankarani River. There are also villages near that river called “old Mali.” Another idea is that the name Mali comes from the language of the Fulani people, who are related to the Mande peoples.

History

Main article: History of Mali

Before colonization

The rock art in the Sahara shows that northern Mali has been home to people since 10,000 BC. Early farming started by 5000 BC and iron was used by 500 BC. Early cities and towns were created by Mande peoples along the Niger River, including Dia and Djenne-Djenno.

Mali was once part of three great West African empires. The earliest was the Ghana Empire, which was ruled by the Soninke people. The empire grew until 1078 when it was taken over.

The Battle of Kirina in 1235 was a big victory for the Mandinka people led by Sundiata Keita.

The Mali Empire became very powerful in the 14th century. Cities like Djenné and Timbuktu were centers of trade and learning. The empire later weakened and was taken over by the Songhai Empire.

In the late 14th century, the Songhai became independent from Mali and grew stronger. The Songhai Empire ended after the Moroccan invasion in 1591. After that, the important trade routes lost their importance.

One of the worst famines in the area happened in the 18th century.

French colonial rule

See also: French West Africa

Mali became part of France during the late 19th century. By 1905, most of the area was under French control as part of French Sudan.

In November 1915, a big anti-French uprising happened. The fighting stopped in September 1916.

On 24 November 1958, French Sudan became an autonomous republic. In January 1959, Mali and Senegal joined to form the Mali Federation.

Independence

The Mali Federation became independent from France on 20 June 1960. Senegal left in August 1960, and Mali became independent on 22 September 1960. This date is now the country's Independence Day.

Modibo Keïta was the first president. He made Mali a one-party state and focused on being independent from other countries. On 19 November 1968, a military coup led by Moussa Traoré took over.

Socialism under President Modibo Keïta, 1960-1968

After Modibo Keïta became president, Mali followed socialist ideas. The government made education mandatory for all children.

Keïta created a new bank for Mali and introduced the Malian franc as the country's money.

Some people who disagreed with Keïta were arrested or sent to prison.

Moussa Traoré regime

The new government under Traoré tried to improve the economy. But there were problems like drought and protests. In 1991, big protests happened asking for democracy. Soldiers fired on protesters, and later a coup took place. Amadou Toumani Touré took over and Traoré was arrested.

Multi-party democracy

New political parties were allowed, and a new constitution was made. In 1992, Alpha Oumar Konaré was elected as president. Later, Amadou Toumani Touré became president in 2002.

Northern Mali conflict

See also: International Criminal Court investigation in Mali

In 2012, a rebellion began in northern Mali. Later, Islamist groups took control of the area.

In January 2013, French troops helped to take back the north.

Conflict in Central Mali

In central Mali, there have been fights between different groups over land and water. The government is accused of supporting some groups.

2020s coups and Assimi Goïta junta

Main articles: 2020 Malian coup d'état and 2021 Malian coup d'état

See373 people died in protests in June 2020. On 18 August 2020, soldiers took over and the president resigned. Later, Colonel Assimi Goïta became the new leader. In 2021, he took full control again after another coup.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Mali

Mali is a country in West Africa with no oceans or seas nearby. It shares borders with Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso to the southeast, Ivory Coast to the south, Guinea to the southwest, Senegal to the west, and Mauritania to the northwest. Mali is the 24th-largest country in the world and the eighth-largest in Africa.

The climate in Mali is very hot, especially in the north, which is part of the Sahara Desert. The south receives more rain, particularly from late April to early October. During this time, the Niger River can flood and create a large delta area. Mali has valuable resources like gold and uranium. However, it also faces challenges such as desertification and a lack of clean water. The country features many different landscapes, including savannas, woodlands, and steppe areas.

Politics and government

Main article: Politics of Mali

Mali is led by a president who works with a prime minister and a group of leaders called the National Transitional Council. However, a group of military leaders took control in 2020 and now make most decisions.

Mali has relationships with many countries. For many years, it worked closely with Western nations and groups like the United Nations. After military changes in 2020 and 2021, Mali has built stronger ties with Russia. Mali also works with nearby countries to help keep peace in the area.

Mali's military includes soldiers and police. The army and air force are the main fighting forces, while other groups help keep order. Russia also has troops in Mali to support the country.

The country is divided into regions, smaller areas called cercles, and even smaller units called arrondissements and communes. There are 19 regions and the capital district of Bamako. These areas help organize government services, though some places are hard to reach.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Mali

Mali is a poorer country, and many people work in jobs that are not officially counted. Farming, fishing, and raising animals are the main ways people earn a living. These activities help create most of the country’s money. Gold mining is very important for Mali and makes up most of what the country sells to others. Cotton is also sold, but not as much as gold.

The country’s economy has challenges, like changes in world prices for gold and cotton. There are also problems with infrastructure and leadership. Even with these issues, Mali has been growing again after facing difficulties like the COVID-19 pandemic and other problems in 2022. Mali uses a special money called the CFA franc, which helps keep prices steady. However, getting money for businesses has been hard in recent years.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Mali

Mali has a large and growing population. In 2021, about 22 million people lived there. Most people live in the south, especially in the capital city, Bamako, which has over 2 million residents. The country has many different ethnic groups, with the Bambara being the largest.

Mali has several official languages, with Bambara being widely spoken. Most people practice Islam, but there are also Christians and people who follow traditional beliefs. The country faces challenges in education and health, with many children not attending school and health services being limited. Efforts are being made to improve these areas.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Mali

Mali has a colorful culture shaped by many different groups of people. Traditional clothing often includes bright robes called boubous. Malians enjoy festivals, dances, and ceremonies that bring communities together.

Music is very important in Mali. Famous Malian musicians include Toumani Diabaté, a master of the kora, and the Tuareg band Tinariwen. Dance is popular at both fun gatherings and special ceremonies.

Football is the most popular sport in Mali. Basketball and traditional wrestling are also enjoyed. In meals, rice and millet are common, often served with sauces made from leaves or tomatoes, and sometimes with grilled meat.

Main article: Music of Mali

Main article: Media of Mali