Mali

Mali is a country in west Africa, formerly a French colony.

Table of contents

1 History 2 Politics 3 Regions 4 Geography 5 Economy 6 Demographics 7 Culture 8 Miscelleanous topics 9 External link

History

The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France on September 22 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, 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. Since his reelection in 1997, President Konare has continued to push through political and economic reforms and to fight corruption. In 1999 he indicated he would not run for a third term.

Politics

Regions

Mali is divided into nine regions, including the capital district of Bamako:

• Bamako Capital District
• Gao
• Kayes
• Kidal
• Koulikoro
• Mopti
• Ségou
• Sikasso
• Tombouctou

• List of cities in Mali

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export. In 1997, the government continued its successful implementation of an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program that is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali's adherence to economic reform, and the 50% devaluation of the African franc in January 1994, has pushed up economic growth. Several multinational corporations increased gold mining operations in 1996-98, and the government anticipates that Mali will become a major Sub-Saharan gold exporter in the next few years.

Demographics

Culture

• Architecture of Mali- Great Mosque of Djenné
• List of writers from Mali
• Music of Mali

• Communications in Mali
• Transportation in Mali
• Military of Mali
• Foreign relations of Mali
• Reporters without borders Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2002: Rank 43 out of 139 countries (2 way tie)

• Mali Banknotes