Country Profile: Mali
Mali, located in interior Western Africa, has a diverse geography ranging from flat plains to rugged hills. With a population of approximately 21.99 million, the nation is characterized by a youthful demographic and a rich cultural heritage stemming from the historic Mali Empire. Economically, Mali is classified as a low-income nation, primarily reliant on agriculture and gold exports, but faces challenges such as poverty, political instability, and security threats from terrorism. Governance has evolved through a mix of military and democratic rule, culminating in a transition government after recent coups.
Geography
Mali is a landlocked country bordered by Algeria to the north, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso to the south, and Senegal and Niger to the west. The vast landscape is predominantly flat to rolling plains, with the Niger and Senegal rivers serving as critical water sources. The nation experiences a climate that varies from subtropical to arid, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Total area: 1,240,192 sq km
- Borders: Shares borders with 7 countries, totaling 7,908 km
- Highest point: Hombori Tondo at 1,155 m
- Natural resources: Rich in gold, phosphates, uranium, and limestone
- Climate: Ranges from hot and dry (February to June) to rainy and mild (June to November)
People and Society
Mali's population is approximately 21,990,607 as of 2024, with a significant youth demographic; nearly half of the population is under 15 years old. The nation is ethnically diverse, featuring groups such as the Bambara and Fulani among others. The primary languages spoken are Bambara and French, with Islam being the predominant religion.
- Median age: 16.4 years
- Urban population: 46.2% of total population (2023)
- Literacy rate: Only 35.5% (2018), with a notable gender gap
- Birth rate: 40 births per 1,000 population (2024)
- Life expectancy: 63.2 years at birth (2024)
Economy
Mali's economy is classified as low-income, heavily reliant on agriculture and exports of gold. The country faces significant challenges, including extreme poverty and high public debt, exacerbated by political instability and terrorism.
- GDP (PPP): $71.253 billion (2024 est.)
- Real GDP growth rate: 5% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% (2024 est.)
- Agriculture's contribution: 33.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Population below poverty line: 44.6% (2021 est.)
Government
Mali operates as a semi-presidential republic with a history of political turmoil, marked by military coups. The current transition government follows a series of upheavals starting in 2020, with an interim president and a constitution that was recently ratified in 2023.
- Capital: Bamako
- Transition President: Assimi GOITA (since June 2021)
- Administrative divisions: Comprises 19 regions and 1 district
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
- National holiday: Independence Day, September 22 (1960)
Military and Security
Mali faces significant security challenges, including threats from various armed groups. The military and gendarmerie are involved in ongoing operations against insurgents and terrorists, and the government has recently strengthened ties with foreign military partners.
- Military expenditures: 4.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Active personnel: Estimated 35,000 across military branches (2025)
- Military service obligation: Compulsory service of 24 months starting at age 18
- Terrorist groups: Notable presence of groups such as Ansar al-Dine and ISIS-GS
- Joint operations: Recently announced a joint task force with Burkina Faso and Niger to combat extremism
Energy
Access to electricity in Mali remains limited, especially in rural areas, with the majority of urban residents having access. The country's energy production is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, with some capacity from hydroelectric sources.
- Total population with electricity access: 53% (2022 est.)
- Installed electricity generating capacity: 1.222 million kW (2023 est.)
- Consumption: 4.261 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Electricity imports: 880 million kWh (2023 est.)
- Renewable sources: Hydroelectricity accounts for 37.6% of capacity
Environment
Mali grapples with significant environmental issues including deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. The country is party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
- Total agricultural land: 35.5% as of 2023
- Urbanization rate: 4.57% annual growth (2020-2025)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 6.858 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Water withdrawal for agriculture: 5.075 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Municipal solid waste recycled: Only 10.4% (2022 est.)
Transportation
Mali's transportation infrastructure includes a modest network of railways and airports, facilitating connectivity within this vast landlocked nation.
- Airports: 30 planned by 2025
- Railways: Total of 593 km operational (2014)
- Heliports: 4 by 2025
Communications
In terms of communications, Mali has a growing number of mobile and internet users, although fixed-line subscriptions are relatively low.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 25.9 million (2022)
- Internet penetration: 35% of the population (2023 est.)
- Fixed broadband subscriptions: 179,000 (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,990,607 (2024 est.) | |
| Area | 1,240,192 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $71.253 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption | 4.307 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 40 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment | 3.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 63.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity access | 53% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban population | 46.2% | 2023 estimate |
| Population below poverty | 44.6% | 2021 estimate |
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