Country Profile: Mali

Mali, located in interior Western Africa, is known for its rich historical legacy stemming from the Mali Empire, which thrived in the 13th to 16th centuries. The country is landlocked, bordered by several nations, and characterized by diverse geography that includes flat northern plains and rugged northeast hills. With a population of approximately 22.6 million, Mali faces significant economic challenges, including high public debt and a reliance on agriculture and gold mining. The governance structure has experienced instability, particularly following military coups, leading to a fragile democratic process.

Geography

Mali is situated in the heart of Western Africa, surrounded by Algeria to the north and bordered by several countries, including Guinea and Burkina Faso. The terrain features a mix of arid regions and savanna, with the Niger and Senegal rivers serving as major water sources. The climate varies from subtropical in the south to arid in the north, impacting the agricultural landscape and water availability.

Total area: 1,240,192 sq km, slightly less than twice the size of Texas.
Land boundaries: 7,908 km, sharing borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mauritania, Niger, and Senegal.
Natural resources: Wealthy in gold, phosphates, and uranium.
Irrigated land: 3,780 sq km (2012).
Climate: Characterized by hot, dry periods from February to June and rainy seasons from June to November.

People and Society

Mali's population is estimated at 22,634,423 in 2025, with a youthful demographic where 46.8% are aged 0-14 years. The majority of residents are concentrated in the southern region, particularly near the border with Burkina Faso. The country features a rich tapestry of ethnic groups and languages, with Bambara as the official language and Islam as the dominant religion.

Urban population: 46.2% (2023).
Literacy rate: 35.5% (2018).
Life expectancy: 63.2 years (2024).
Infant mortality rate: 55.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025).
Total fertility rate: 5.26 children/woman (2025).
Major ethnic groups: Includes Bambara (33.3%), Fulani (13.3%), and** Dogon** (8.7%).

Economy

Mali's economy is classified as low-income and heavily dependent on agriculture and gold exports. The country has faced recession attributed to political instability and the COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture employs a significant portion of the population, but high public debt and terrorism pose ongoing challenges.

GDP (PPP): $71.253 billion (2024).
Real GDP growth: 5% (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 3.1% (2024).
Exports: $6.13 billion (2023), primarily gold and cotton.
Imports: $8.066 billion (2023).
Population below poverty line: 44.6% (2021).

Government

Mali operates as a semi-presidential republic, experiencing significant political upheaval in recent years due to military coups. The transitional government has faced criticism for its extended control after electoral delays resulting in indefinite postponement of elections.

Capital: Bamako.
Executive leader: Transition President Assimi GOITA (since June 2021).
Legislative structure: Transitional National Council, with 147 appointed members.
Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Independence: Achieved on 22 September 1960 from France.

Military and Security

Mali's military forces include the Army, Air Force, National Guard, and Gendarmerie. The nation faces security challenges from various insurgent groups and terrorism, which significantly impacts internal stability.

Military personnel: Estimated 35-40,000 active members (2025).
Military expenditures: 4.3% of GDP (2024).
Mandatory military service: Required from age 18 for both genders.
Terrorist groups: Includes Ansar al-Dine and ISIS-GS.
Foreign military assistance: Increased ties with Russia for military support.

Energy

Mali's energy sector is characterized by limited electrification and a reliance on various generation sources, including hydroelectric and fossil fuels.

Electrification rate: 53% (total population in 2022).
Installed electricity capacity: 1.222 million kW (2023).
Electricity consumption: 4.261 billion kWh (2023).
Renewable energy sources: 37.6% hydroelectricity contribution.

Environment

Mali faces significant environmental issues, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity, which are exacerbated by climate change.

Total water withdrawal: 107 million cubic meters (municipal, 2022).
Municipal solid waste generated: 1.937 million tons (2024).
Carbon dioxide emissions: 6.858 million metric tons (2023).
Urbanization rate: 4.57% annual change.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Mali includes both air and rail services, though the network is limited.

Airports: 30 (2025).
Railways: Total of 593 km (2014).
Heliports: 4 (2025).

Communications

Mali's communication sector is evolving, with increasing mobile and internet penetration rates.

Mobile subscriptions: 25.9 million (2022).
Internet users: 35% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line subscriptions: 307,000 (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	22,634,423	Estimate for 2025
Area	1,240,192 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$71.253 billion	Estimate for 2024
Unemployment rate	3.1%	Estimate for 2024
Birth rate	39.44 births/1,000 population	Estimate for 2025
Life expectancy	63.2 years	Estimate for 2024
Urban population	46.2%	Of total population (2023)
Total fertility rate	5.26 children/woman	Estimate for 2025
Military expenditures	4.3% of GDP	Estimate for 2024
Literacy rate	35.5%	Estimate for 2018