Country	Mali
Capital	Bamako
Continent	Africa
Currency	West African CFA franc(XOF)
Languages	French & Bambara

Locaion

Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Geographic Co ordinates

17 00 N, 4 00 W

Land Boundries

Total:7,243 km
Border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km

Geography - note

landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern, cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the northern, arid Saharan

Population

13,796,354 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:68

Nationality

Noun:Malian(s)
Adjective:Malian

Ethnic groups

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Religions

Muslim 90%, Christian 1%, indigenous beliefs 9%

Languages

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Country Name

Conventional long form:Republic of Mali
Conventional short form:Mali
Local long form:Republique de Mali
Local short form:Mali
Former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic

Government Type

republic

Capital

Name:Bamako
Geographic coordinates:12 39 N, 8 00 W
Time difference:UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions

8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Independence

22 September 1960 (from France)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

Constitution

adopted 12 January 1992

Legal system

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

Chief of state:President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June 2002)
Head of government: Prime Minister Modibo SIDIBE (since 28 September 2007)
Cabinet:Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
Election results:Amadou Toumani TOURE reelected president; percent of vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 71.2%, Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA 19.2%, other 9.6%

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
Elections:last held on 1 and 22 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)
Election results:percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ADP coalition 113 (ADEMA 51, URD 34, MPR 8, CNID 7, UDD 3, and other 10), FDR coalition 15 (RPM 11, PARENA 4), SADI 4, independent 15

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political Parties and Leaders

African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence or SADI [Oumar MARIKO, secretary general]; Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA [Diounconda TRAORE]; Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP (a coalition of political parties including ADEMA and URD formed in December 2006 to support the presidential candidacy of Amadou TOURE); Alliance for Democratic Change (political group comprised mainly of Tuareg from Mali's northern region); Convergence 2007 [Soumeylou Boubeye MAIGA]; Front for Democracy and the Republic or FDR (a coalition of political parties including RPM and PARENA formed to oppose the presidential candidacy of Amadou TOURE); National Congress for Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL]; Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Mady KONATE]; Party for National Renewal or PARENA [Tiebile DRAME]; Patriotic Movement for Renewal or MPR [Choguel MAIGA]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT [Amadou Ali NIANGADOU]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA]; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou Basir GOLOGO]; Union for Democracy and Development or UDD [Moussa Balla COULIBALY]; Union for Republic and Democracy or URD [Soumaila CISSE]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Other: the army; Islamic authorities; rebels in the northern region; state-run cotton company CMDT; tuaregs

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US

Chief of mission:Ambassador Mamadou TRAORE
Chancery:2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950
FAX:[1] (202) 332-6603

Diplomatic representation from the US

Chief of mission:Ambassador Gillian A. MILOVANOVIC
Embassy:located just off the Roi Bin Fahad Aziz Bridge just west of the Bamako central district
Mailing address: ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297, Bamako
Telephone:[223] 270-2300
FAX:[223] 270-2479

Flag description

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

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Russia sends weapons to help Mali’s government hold off rebel siege - Al JazeeraRussia sends weapons to help Mali’s government hold off rebel siege  Al Jazeera What is the fallout of the increasing violence in Mali? - Al JazeeraWhat is the fallout of the increasing violence in Mali?  Al Jazeera What to know about the renewed coordinated attacks across Mali - Al JazeeraWhat to know about the renewed coordinated attacks across Mali  Al Jazeera Mali Battles New Wave of Coordinated Attacks Across North and Central Regions | Firstpost Africa - FirstpostMali Battles New Wave of Coordinated Attacks Across North and Central Regions | Firstpost Africa  Firstpost Mali government reports rebel attacks targeting northern towns - The HinduMali government reports rebel attacks targeting northern towns  The Hindu Rebels seize key town of Anéfis as they tighten grip on northern Mali - RFIRebels seize key town of Anéfis as they tighten grip on northern Mali  RFI Mali government reports rebel attacks targeting northern towns - The New Indian ExpressMali government reports rebel attacks targeting northern towns  The New Indian Express Jihadists launch fresh offensive across Mali - africanews.comJihadists launch fresh offensive across Mali  africanews.com Statement by the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties on the withdrawals from the Rome Statute by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger - | International Criminal CourtStatement by the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties on the withdrawals from the Rome Statute by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger  | International Criminal Court Mali’s security crisis holds warnings for Nigeria: here’s why - The ConversationMali’s security crisis holds warnings for Nigeria: here’s why  The Conversation Dozens of vehicles burnt as Mali jihadists enforce blockade ahead of Eid holiday - BBCDozens of vehicles burnt as Mali jihadists enforce blockade ahead of Eid holiday  BBC The Mali crisis could have a dangerous spillover effect - Al JazeeraThe Mali crisis could have a dangerous spillover effect  Al Jazeera Burkina Faso, Mali and Western Niger - Humanitarian Overview – 2026 (as of 29 June 2026) - ReliefWebBurkina Faso, Mali and Western Niger - Humanitarian Overview – 2026 (as of 29 June 2026)  ReliefWeb Vaccine myth-busting takes centre stage in southern Mali - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceVaccine myth-busting takes centre stage in southern Mali  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Mali rebels target army bases, prison in fresh attacks - DWMali rebels target army bases, prison in fresh attacks  DW Mali insurgents attack multiple towns and a prison, army says - France 24Mali insurgents attack multiple towns and a prison, army says  France 24 Mali Approves $190M Power Grid Project for Bamako - DabafinanceMali Approves $190M Power Grid Project for Bamako  Dabafinance Insurgents launch coordinated attacks across Mali as security crisis worsens - India TodayInsurgents launch coordinated attacks across Mali as security crisis worsens  India Today Video of EUCAP Sahel Mali - EEASVideo of EUCAP Sahel Mali  EEAS Ranjeet Mali Profile - CricinfoRanjeet Mali Profile  Cricinfo Insurgents attack multiple towns in northern and central Mali, army says - RFIInsurgents attack multiple towns in northern and central Mali, army says  RFI ICC Trust Fund for Victims Completes Reparations Programme in Mali in relation to the Al Mahdi Case - | International Criminal CourtICC Trust Fund for Victims Completes Reparations Programme in Mali in relation to the Al Mahdi Case  | International Criminal Court Mali Creates Gold Agency to Tighten Control of Exports - DabafinanceMali Creates Gold Agency to Tighten Control of Exports  Dabafinance Mali hit by new wave of coordinated rebel attacks - France 24Mali hit by new wave of coordinated rebel attacks  France 24 Tuareg fighters claim to have shot down a Russian helicopter in Mali - Al JazeeraTuareg fighters claim to have shot down a Russian helicopter in Mali  Al Jazeera Mali’s army says rebels launch new attacks on towns and cities - Al JazeeraMali’s army says rebels launch new attacks on towns and cities  Al Jazeera Mali attacks: Militants target five cities, attackers kpai, AU chook mouth - Wetin dey happun for Mali? - BBCMali attacks: Militants target five cities, attackers kpai, AU chook mouth - Wetin dey happun for Mali?  BBC How Malian jihadists and pro-independence groups joined forces to overthrow the junta - Le Monde.frHow Malian jihadists and pro-independence groups joined forces to overthrow the junta  Le Monde.fr Insurgents launch coordinated attacks across five locations in Mali, targeting army positions - FirstpostInsurgents launch coordinated attacks across five locations in Mali, targeting army positions  Firstpost Insurgents stage coordinated attacks on army positions across Mali - ReutersInsurgents stage coordinated attacks on army positions across Mali  Reuters Mali: Rebels Seize Key-Town of Anéfis As Rebels Tighten Grip On Northern Mali - allAfrica.comMali: Rebels Seize Key-Town of Anéfis As Rebels Tighten Grip On Northern Mali  allAfrica.com ICC confirms Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger move to leave court - ReutersICC confirms Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger move to leave court  Reuters Amnesty International warns of waning rights for victims as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger exit ICC - Jurist.orgAmnesty International warns of waning rights for victims as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger exit ICC  Jurist.org Mali Hit by Several Attacks Targeting Major Towns, Army Says - Bloomberg.comMali Hit by Several Attacks Targeting Major Towns, Army Says  Bloomberg.com West Africa al Qaeda affiliate claims attacks on army positions in Mali - ReutersWest Africa al Qaeda affiliate claims attacks on army positions in Mali  Reuters Mali army says situation 'under control' after new wave of coordinated terror attacks - TRT WorldMali army says situation 'under control' after new wave of coordinated terror attacks  TRT World Insurgent groups target Malian military installations in fresh attacks - africanews.comInsurgent groups target Malian military installations in fresh attacks  africanews.com Africa Corps Shifts Tactics in Mali - Africa Defense ForumAfrica Corps Shifts Tactics in Mali  Africa Defense Forum New wave of coordinated rebel attacks hits Mali - France 24New wave of coordinated rebel attacks hits Mali  France 24 MALI: Nin d?g?kun furanc? in na JNIM ni FLA m?g?w b? ka binkanniw ??sin jamana in fan caman ma - RFIMALI: Nin d?g?kun furanc? in na JNIM ni FLA m?g?w b? ka binkanniw ??sin jamana in fan caman ma  RFI Mali: Civilians impacted amid clashes - ohchrMali: Civilians impacted amid clashes  ohchr Al Qaeda-linked militants curb their brutality in seized Malian territory - ReutersAl Qaeda-linked militants curb their brutality in seized Malian territory  Reuters Inside the Sahel power race: Russia counters U.S.' $2.3 million Niger security package with major arms shipment to Mali - Business Insider AfricaInside the Sahel power race: Russia counters U.S.' $2.3 million Niger security package with major arms shipment to Mali  Business Insider Africa Rebels fighting for control of camp in northern Mali - Macau BusinessRebels fighting for control of camp in northern Mali  Macau Business Mali hit by new wave of coordinated attacks - The New ArabMali hit by new wave of coordinated attacks  The New Arab AU condemns coordinated armed attacks in Mali - XinhuaAU condemns coordinated armed attacks in Mali  Xinhua Could the United States Make a Difference in Mali? - Just SecurityCould the United States Make a Difference in Mali?  Just Security Russian forces face setbacks in Mali amid rebel offensive - EUaliveRussian forces face setbacks in Mali amid rebel offensive  EUalive Mali: What Were the Reasons and the Consequences of the 25 April Attacks? - International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - ICCTMali: What Were the Reasons and the Consequences of the 25 April Attacks?  International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - ICCT Tuareg shoot down a Russian helicopter in Mali - commonspace.euTuareg shoot down a Russian helicopter in Mali  commonspace.eu MALI : K?l?w b? ka taa ?? halisa Anéfis dugu la s?rasiw n'u k?l???g?nw c? - RFIMALI : K?l?w b? ka taa ?? halisa Anéfis dugu la s?rasiw n'u k?l???g?nw c?  RFI Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali withdraw from ICC: Ibrahim Traoré, Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tchiani get ICC reply - BBCBurkina Faso, Niger and Mali withdraw from ICC: Ibrahim Traoré, Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tchiani get ICC reply  BBC Humanitarian Service Points Provide Lifeline for Malian Refugees Arriving in Mauritania - fundsforNGOs NewsHumanitarian Service Points Provide Lifeline for Malian Refugees Arriving in Mauritania  fundsforNGOs News Mali: Avoiding the Trap of Military Escalation - International Crisis GroupMali: Avoiding the Trap of Military Escalation  International Crisis Group Mali rebels say they shot down helicopter from Russia’s Africa Corps after attacking army positions across the country - theins.pressMali rebels say they shot down helicopter from Russia’s Africa Corps after attacking army positions across the country  theins.press Mali government says rebels attacking northern towns - France 24Mali government says rebels attacking northern towns  France 24 Armed fighters kill at least 30 people in attacks in central Mali - Al JazeeraArmed fighters kill at least 30 people in attacks in central Mali  Al Jazeera From filter coffee to flute: Mali tribute concert at a Chennai roastery strikes a new note - The HinduFrom filter coffee to flute: Mali tribute concert at a Chennai roastery strikes a new note  The Hindu IFC Invests in Orange Mali to Expand Digital Connectivity and Support Women's Digital Inclusion - International Finance Corporation (IFC)IFC Invests in Orange Mali to Expand Digital Connectivity and Support Women's Digital Inclusion  International Finance Corporation (IFC) AU Condemns Coordinated Terror Attacks in Mali - Dawan AfricaAU Condemns Coordinated Terror Attacks in Mali  Dawan Africa Timeline: How Mali went from democracy beacon to instability - Al JazeeraTimeline: How Mali went from democracy beacon to instability  Al Jazeera Violent Extremism in the Sahel | Global Conflict Tracker - Council on Foreign RelationsViolent Extremism in the Sahel | Global Conflict Tracker  Council on Foreign Relations Rebel attacks in northern Mali: Some targets meant as 'diversions', expert says - France 24Rebel attacks in northern Mali: Some targets meant as 'diversions', expert says  France 24 Mali: Guterres calls for international solutions to curb spread of violent extremism in the Sahel - UN NewsMali: Guterres calls for international solutions to curb spread of violent extremism in the Sahel  UN News The Limits of the FLA-JNIM Alliance in Mali: Is Success Against the Goita Administration Possible? - Politics TodayThe Limits of the FLA-JNIM Alliance in Mali: Is Success Against the Goita Administration Possible?  Politics Today Following nomadic paths: on the road to hope in Mali - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceFollowing nomadic paths: on the road to hope in Mali  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance JNIM Takes Aim at Illegal Chinese Miners in Mali - Africa Defense ForumJNIM Takes Aim at Illegal Chinese Miners in Mali  Africa Defense Forum Assimi Goïta: Mali junta leader names himself defence minister after predecessor killed - BBCAssimi Goïta: Mali junta leader names himself defence minister after predecessor killed  BBC Mali Is the Linchpin of West Africa—Now It’s Under Jihadist Siege - Council on Foreign RelationsMali Is the Linchpin of West Africa—Now It’s Under Jihadist Siege  Council on Foreign Relations Mapping Mali’s gold and natural resource wealth - Al JazeeraMapping Mali’s gold and natural resource wealth  Al Jazeera How Mali's New Gold Oversight Body Could Reshape Mining Revenue and Trade Transparency - DevdiscourseHow Mali's New Gold Oversight Body Could Reshape Mining Revenue and Trade Transparency  Devdiscourse Mali’s crisis plays to Algeria’s advantage - Le Monde diplomatique - English editionMali’s crisis plays to Algeria’s advantage  Le Monde diplomatique - English edition Mali's unbeaten run continues - FIBAMali's unbeaten run continues  FIBA Mali: Junta govment offer $3.5 million bounty to capture JNIM leader Iyad Ag Ghaly wit six odas as dem ban motorcycles - BBCMali: Junta govment offer $3.5 million bounty to capture JNIM leader Iyad Ag Ghaly wit six odas as dem ban motorcycles  BBC The Malian Army assures that it has managed to "regain the initiative" after the latest offensive by the Tuareg group FLA - DemócrataThe Malian Army assures that it has managed to "regain the initiative" after the latest offensive by the Tuareg group FLA  Demócrata Mali’s Post-Alignment Strategy: Sovereignty, Partnerships, and the Limits of Stabilization - Stimson CenterMali’s Post-Alignment Strategy: Sovereignty, Partnerships, and the Limits of Stabilization  Stimson Center UN warns of worsening human rights crisis in Mali after deadly attacks - UN NewsUN warns of worsening human rights crisis in Mali after deadly attacks  UN News West Africa Al Qaeda Affiliate Claims Attacks on Army Positions in Mali - U.S. News & World ReportWest Africa Al Qaeda Affiliate Claims Attacks on Army Positions in Mali  U.S. News & World Report Mali leader Goita takes defence post after minister killed - Al JazeeraMali leader Goita takes defence post after minister killed  Al Jazeera Rebels Mount Pressure As Mali’s Junta Struggles For Control - Channels TelevisionRebels Mount Pressure As Mali’s Junta Struggles For Control  Channels Television Mali government reports rebel attacks targeting northern towns - AP NewsMali government reports rebel attacks targeting northern towns  AP News Mali: a breaking point - or not (yet)? - European Union Institute for Security Studies |Mali: a breaking point - or not (yet)?  European Union Institute for Security Studies | Lessons for the United States in the Militant Attacks that Killed Mali’s Defense Minister - CSIS | Center for Strategic and International StudiesLessons for the United States in the Militant Attacks that Killed Mali’s Defense Minister  CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies Rebels fighting for control of camp in northern Mali - African InsiderRebels fighting for control of camp in northern Mali  African Insider Mali rebels target army bases, prison in fresh attacks - The Business StandardMali rebels target army bases, prison in fresh attacks  The Business Standard Mali Junta and Russian Forces Hit in Widespread Assault in the Sahel - Novinite.comMali Junta and Russian Forces Hit in Widespread Assault in the Sahel  Novinite.com Rebels in Mali claim to have shot down a Russian military helicopter - ?????????? ??????????? ?????? (???)Rebels in Mali claim to have shot down a Russian military helicopter  ?????????? ??????????? ?????? (???) What is behind the new wave of attacks across Mali? - Latest news from AzerbaijanWhat is behind the new wave of attacks across Mali?  Latest news from Azerbaijan World Report 2026: Rights Trends in Mali - Human Rights WatchWorld Report 2026: Rights Trends in Mali  Human Rights Watch What’s happening in Mali one week after attack by armed groups? All we know - Al JazeeraWhat’s happening in Mali one week after attack by armed groups? All we know  Al Jazeera FLA Gains Ground in Mali After Peace Deal Falls Apart - Africa Defense ForumFLA Gains Ground in Mali After Peace Deal Falls Apart  Africa Defense Forum Is Mali’s military government losing control? - Al JazeeraIs Mali’s military government losing control?  Al Jazeera Mali Defence Minister Sadio Camara killed as country hit by rebel attacks - BBCMali Defence Minister Sadio Camara killed as country hit by rebel attacks  BBC Building Peace and Prosperity through Climate Action in Mali - United Nations Sustainable Development GroupBuilding Peace and Prosperity through Climate Action in Mali  United Nations Sustainable Development Group Mali crisis: Who are the key leaders to know about? - Al JazeeraMali crisis: Who are the key leaders to know about?  Al Jazeera Al-Qaeda-linked fighters storm Mali prison, block food supplies to Bamako - Al JazeeraAl-Qaeda-linked fighters storm Mali prison, block food supplies to Bamako  Al Jazeera Mali in turmoil after insurgents seize towns and kill defence minister - The GuardianMali in turmoil after insurgents seize towns and kill defence minister  The Guardian Russia loses Mi-24 in Mali rebel offensive - Latest news from AzerbaijanRussia loses Mi-24 in Mali rebel offensive  Latest news from Azerbaijan One year after replacing Wagner, Russia's Africa Corps struggles in Mali - Le Monde.frOne year after replacing Wagner, Russia's Africa Corps struggles in Mali  Le Monde.fr Mali: Insurgents Attack Multiple Towns in Northern and Central Mali, Army Says - allAfrica.comMali: Insurgents Attack Multiple Towns in Northern and Central Mali, Army Says  allAfrica.com Mali’s Instability and the Limits of External Security: Implications for the Maghreb - IRIS - Institut de relations internationales et stratégiquesMali’s Instability and the Limits of External Security: Implications for the Maghreb  IRIS - Institut de relations internationales et stratégiques Mali probes soldiers suspected of involvement in military base attacks - Al JazeeraMali probes soldiers suspected of involvement in military base attacks  Al Jazeera