Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, with a population of around 22 million people. Much of northern Mali consists of the Sahara Desert, while the south has more fertile land suitable for agriculture. The economy relies on agriculture, livestock, and gold mining, with cotton being a major export crop.
Malian historic city of Timbuktu was once a major center of Islamic learning and trans-Saharan trade. The population is predominantly Muslim, with various ethnic groups including the Bambara, Fulani, and Tuareg peoples.
French is the official language due to Mali’s colonial history, though many local languages are widely spoken. The country gained independence from France in 1960 but has faced political instability in recent years, including military coups and insurgency issues in the northern regions.
