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Mali, officially known as the Republic of Mali, is located in West Africa. It has borders with Mauritania to the northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Niger and Burkina Faso to the east, Ivory Coast to the south, Guinea to the southwest, and Senegal to the west. Mali's history dates back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages.
In the 13th century, the country was known as the Mali Empire and was notable for its conquests to expand its territories between 1200 and 1400. The country's first president, Modibo Keita, declared the independent Republic of Mali on September 22, 1960.
With a population of around 21 million, Mali is divided into eight local regions. The capital of Mali is Bamako, with approximately 2 million inhabitants, making it the largest and most developed city in the country. Bamako is situated along the Niger River and is known for its architecture, attracting considerable attention from tourists. Other important cities include Timbuktu, Gao, and Tombouctou.
Approximately 40% of the country's population is from the Bambara ethnic group. Other ethnic groups include the Dogon, Moors, Fulani, Tuareg, Songhai, and Senufo. While French is the official language of Mali, the local population often prefers Bambara, their local language. In addition to these, various tribal languages are also spoken. The official currency used in the country is the Malian Franc.
Agriculture plays a significant role in Mali's economy. About 75% of the population is engaged in farming, while 10% are involved in livestock farming, and 2% in fishing. Major crops grown and consumed in Mali include millet, corn, and rice. Cotton and peanuts are also considered essential sources of livelihood.
Mali's most fertile agricultural region, Segu, primarily cultivates rice and sugar. The most economically valuable minerals in the country are marble and limestone. Mali's underdeveloped transportation infrastructure due to its surrounded borders by foreign nations significantly hinders economic growth.
Mali has a hot and arid climate, with a tropical forest zone with heavy rainfall. The period between June and September is rainy, while between October and November is hot and humid. Starting from January, it becomes cold and dry, lasting until June. Annual rainfall decreases from the south to the north, with almost no rain in the Sahara Desert. The northern part of the country has a desert climate, with dry air. The period between November and February is the most suitable time to visit the country. Additionally, Mali is categorized into three distinct regions: savanna, steppe (Sahel), and desert. The Sahara Desert extends over all the northern territories of Mali within the Sahel region.
Mali's traditional cuisine, similar to Senegalese cuisine, is known for its fish and meat dishes. They use hot pepper sauce in almost all their dishes. Couscous served with tomato sauce, vegetables, and meat, is one of the most preferred Mali dishes. Additionally, grilled, roasted, or fried Malian sole is known for its delicious taste.