Mali
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{{Infobox Country
|native_name = ''République du Mali''
|conventional_long_name = Republic of Mali
|common_name = Mali
|image_flag = Flag of Mali.svg
|image_coat = Mali coa.gif
|image_map = LocationMali.svg
|national_motto = "Un peuple, un but, une foi"<br/><small>"One people, one goal, one faith"</small>
|national_anthem = ''[[Pour l'Afrique et pour toi, Mali]]''<br/><small>"For Africa and for you, Mali"</small>
|official_languages = [[French language|French]]
|demonym = Malian
|capital = [[Bamako]]
|latd=12 |latm=39 |latNS=N |longd=8 |longm=0 |longEW=W
|largest_city = Bamako
|government_type = [[semi-presidential system|semi-presidential]] [[republic]]
|leader_title1 = [[List of Presidents of Mali|President]]
|leader_title2 = [[Heads of Government of Mali|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name1 = [[Amadou Toumani Touré]]
|leader_name2 = [[Modibo Sidibé]]
|area_rank = 24th
|area_magnitude = 1 E12
|area_km2 = 1,240,192 <!--UN DYB-->
|area_sq_mi = 478,839 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water = 1.6
|population_estimate = 11,995,402 <!--CIA-->
|population_estimate_rank = 73rd
|population_estimate_year = July 2007
|population_census =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 11
|population_density_sq_mi = 28 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 207th
|GDP_PPP = $14.400 billion <!--IMF -->
|GDP_PPP_rank = 125th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2005
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $1,154
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 166th
|sovereignty_type = [[History of Mali|Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from [[France]]
|established_event1 = Declared
|established_date1 = [[September 22]] [[1960]]
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.380
|HDI_rank jdkfhg = 173rd
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI_category = <font color="#e0584e">low</font>
|Gini = 50.5
|Gini_year = 1994
|Gini_category = <font color="red">high</font>
|currency = [[CFA franc]]
|currency_code = XOF
|country_code = MLI
|time_zone = [[GMT]]
|utc_offset = +0
|cctld = [[.ml]]
|calling_code = 223
|footnotes =
}}
'''Mali''', officially the '''Republic of Mali''' ([[French language|French]]: ''République du Mali''), is a [[landlocked]] nation in [[West Africa|Western Africa]]. Mali is the seventh largest country in [[Africa]], bordering [[Algeria]] on the north, [[Niger]] on the east, [[Burkina Faso]] and the [[Côte d'Ivoire]] on the south, [[Guinea]] on the south-west, and [[Senegal]] and [[Mauritania]] on the west.
Consisting of eight regions, Mali's borders on the north reach deep into the middle of the [[Sahara]], while the country's southern region, where the majority of inhabitants live, features the [[Niger river|Niger]] and [[Senegal river|Senegal]] rivers. The country's economic structure centers around [[agriculture]] and [[fishing]]. Some of Mali's natural resources include [[gold]], [[uranium]], and [[salt]]. Due to a high incidence of poverty, Mali is considered to be one of the poorest nations in the world.
Present-day Mali was once part of three West African empires that controlled [[trans-Saharan trade]]: the [[Ghana Empire]], the [[Mali Empire]] (from which Mali is named), and the [[Songhai Empire]]. In the late 1800s, Mali fell under French control, becoming part of [[French Sudan]]. Mali gained independence in 1959 with Senegal, as the [[Mali Federation]] in 1959. A year later, the Mali Federation became the independent nation of Mali in 1960. After a long period of one-party rule, a 1991 coup led to the writing of a new constitution and the establishment of Mali as a democratic, multi-party state.
==History==
{{main|History of Mali}}
Mali was once part of three famed West African empires which controlled [[trans-Saharan trade]] in [[gold]], [[salt]], and other precious commodities.<ref name=p1>Mali country profile, p. 1.</ref> These [[Sahelian kingdom]]s had neither rigid geopolitical boundaries nor rigid ethnic identities.<ref name=p1/> The earliest of these empires was the [[Ghana Empire]], which was dominated by the [[Soninke people|Soninke]], a [[Mande languages|Mande]]-speaking people.<ref name=p1/> The nation expanded throughout West Africa from the 8th century until 1078, when it was conquered by the [[Almoravids]].<ref name=p2>Mali country profile, p. 2.</ref>
[[Image:MALI empire map.PNG|The extent of the [[Mali Empire]]'s peak|thumb|left]]
The [[Mali Empire]] later formed on the upper [[Niger River]], and reached the height of power in the [[fourteenth century]].<ref name=p2/> Under the Mali Empire, the ancient cities of [[Djenné]] and [[Timbuktu]] were centers of both trade and [[Islam|Islamic]] learning.<ref name=p2/> The empire later declined as a result of internal intrigue, ultimately being supplanted by the [[Songhai Empire]] in the 15th century.<ref name=p2/> The Songhai people originated in current northwestern [[Nigeria]]. The Songhai Empire long been a major power in West Africa and remained subject to the Mali Empire's rule.<ref name=p2/> In the late 14th century, the Songhai gradually gained independence from the Mali Empire and expanded, ultimately subsuming the entire eastern portion of the Mali Empire.<ref name=p2/> The empire's eventual collapse was largely the result of a [[Berber people|Berber]] invasion in 1591.<ref name=p2/> The fall of the Songhai Empire marked the end of the region's role as a trading crossroads.<ref name=p2/> Following the [[European exploration of Africa|establishment of sea routes by the European powers]], the trans-Saharan trade routes lost significance.<ref name=p2/>
In the colonial era, Mali fell under the control of the French beginning in the late 1800s.<ref name=p2/> By 1905, most of the area was under firm French control as a part of [[French Sudan]].<ref name=p2/> In early 1959, Mali (then the Sudanese Republic) and [[Senegal]] united to become the [[Mali Federation]]. The Mali Federation gained independence from [[France]] on [[June 20]], [[1960]].<ref name=p2/> Senegal withdrew from the federation in August 1960, which allowed the Sudanese Republic to form the independent nation of Mali on [[September 22]], [[1960]]. Modibo Keïta was elected the first president.<ref name=p2/> Keïta quickly established a one-party state, adopted an independent African and socialist orientation with close ties to the East, and implemented extensive nationalization of economic resources.<ref name=p2/>
In November 1968, following progressive economic decline, the Keïta regime was overthrown in a bloodless military coup led by [[Moussa Traoré]].<ref name=p3>Mali country profile, p. 3.</ref> The subsequent military-led regime, with Traoré as president, attempted to reform the economy. However, his efforts were frustrated by political turmoil and a devastating drought between 1968 to 1974.<ref name=p3/> The Traoré regime faced student unrest beginning in the late 1970s and three coup attempts. However, the Traoré regime repressed all dissenters until the late 1980s.<ref name=p3/> The government continued to attempt economic reforms, and the populace became increasingly dissatisfied.<ref name=p3/> In response to growing demands for multi-party democracy, the Traoré regime allowed some limited political liberalization, but refused to usher in a full-fledged democratic system.<ref name=p3/> In 1990, cohesive opposition movements began to emerge, and was complicated by the turbulent rise of ethnic violence in the north following the return of many [[Tuareg]]s to Mali.<ref name=p3/>
Anti-government protests in 1991 led to a coup, a transitional government, and a [[Constitution of Mali|new constitution]].<ref name=p3/> In 1992, [[Alpha Oumar Konaré]] won Mali's first [[democracy|democratic]], multi-party presidential election. Upon his reelection in 1997, President Konaré pushed through political and economic reforms and fought corruption. In 2002, he was succeeded in democratic elections by [[Amadou Toumani Touré]], a retired general, who had been the leader of the military aspect of the 1991 democratic uprising.<ref name=p4>Mali country profile, p. 4.</ref> Today, Mali is one of the most politically and socially stable countries in Africa.<ref>[http://www.usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/countries/mali/ USAID Africa: Mali]. USAID. Last accessed: [[May 15]], [[2008]]. Retrieved on: [[June 3]], [[2008]].</ref>
==Geography==
[[Image:Mali sat.png|Satellite image of Mali|thumb]]
{{main|Geography of Mali}}
{{See also|List of cities in Mali}}
Mali is a landlocked nation in [[West Africa]], located southwest of [[Algeria]]. At {{convert|1240000|km2|sqmi|-3}}, Mali is the world's [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|24th-largest country]] and is comparable in size to [[South Africa]] or [[Peru]]. Most of the country lies in the southern [[Sahara]], which produces a hot, dust-laden [[harmattan]] haze common during dry seasons.<ref name=geography>Mali country profile, p. 5.</ref> The country extends southwest through the [[subtropical]] [[Sahel]] to the [[Sudan (region)|Sudanian savanna]] zone.<ref name=geography/> Mali is mostly flat, rising to rolling northern plains covered by [[sand]]. The [[Adrar des Ifoghas]] lies in the northeast.
The country's climate ranges from [[subtropical]] in the south to [[arid]] in the north.<ref name=geography/> Most of the country receives negligible rainfall; [[drought]]s are frequent.<ref name=geography/> Late June to early December is the rainy season. During this time, flooding of the Niger River is common.<ref name=geography/> The nation has considerable natural resources, with gold, uranium, [[phosphates]], [[kaolinite]], salt and [[limestone]] being most widely exploited. Mali faces numerous environmental challenges, including [[desertification]], [[deforestation]], [[soil erosion]], and inadequate [[Water supply|supplies]] of [[potable water]].<ref name=geography/>
==Regions and cercles==
[[Image:Mali Regions.png|right|300px]]
{{main|Regions of Mali|Cercles of Mali}}
Mali is divided into eight [[region]]s (''régions'') and one [[district]].<ref>Martin, p. 134.</ref> Each region has a governor.<ref name=pictures>DiPiazza, p. 37.</ref> Since Mali's regions are huge, the country is subdivided into 49 [[Cercle (Mali)|cercle]]s, totaling 288 [[arrondissement]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haverford.edu/publications/Fall%2006/Timbuctoo.htm |title=From Here to Timbuctoo: A story of discovery in West Africa |accessdate=2008-06-03 |last=Imperato |first=Gavin |date=2006 |publisher=[[Haverford]] }}</ref> Mayors and elected members of the city councils officiate the arrondissements.<ref name=pictures/>
The [[Regions of Mali|regions]] and district are:
*[[Gao Region|Gao]]
*[[Kayes Region|Kayes]]
*[[Kidal Region|Kidal]]
*[[Koulikoro Region|Koulikoro]]
*[[Mopti Region|Mopti]]
*[[Ségou Region|Ségou]]
*[[Sikasso Region|Sikasso]]
*[[Tombouctou Region|Tombouctou]] (Timbuktu)
*[[Bamako Capital District|Bamako (capital district)]]
==Politics and government==
{{main|Politics of Mali}}
Mali is a constitutional democracy governed by the constitution of [[January 12]], [[1992]], which was amended in 1999.<ref name=p14/> The constitution provides for a separation of powers among the [[Executive (government)|executive]], [[legislative]], and [[judicial]] branches of government.<ref name=p14>Mali country profile, p. 14.</ref> The system of government can be described as "semi-presidential."<ref name=p14/>
[[Image:Toure-folklife2.jpg|Mali President Amadou Toumani Touré|thumb]]
Executive power is vested in a president, who is elected to a five-year term by universal suffrage and is limited to two terms.<ref name=p14/><ref>Constitution of Mali, Art. 30.</ref> The president serves as [[chief of state]] and [[commander in chief]] of the armed forces.<ref name=p14/><ref>Constitution of Mali, Art. 29 & 46.</ref> A prime minister appointed by the president serves as head of government and in turn appoints the Council of Ministers.<ref name=p14/><ref>Constitution of Mali, Art. 38.</ref> The unicameral National Assembly is Mali’s sole legislative body, consisting of deputies elected to five-year terms.<ref name=p15>Mali country profile, p. 15.</ref><ref>Constitution of Mali, Art. 59 & 61.</ref> Following the 2007 elections, the [[Alliance for Democracy and Progress (Mali)|Alliance for Democracy and Progress]] held 113 of 160 seats in the assembly.<ref>{{fr icon}} Koné, Denis. [http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200708131307.html Mali: "Résultats définitifs des Législatives"]. ''[[Les Échos (Mali)|Les Echos]]'' ([[Bamako]]) ([[August 13]], [[2007]]). Retrieved on [[June 24]], [[2008]].</ref> The assembly holds two regular sessions each year, during which it debates and votes on legislation that has been submitted by a member or by the government.<ref name=p15/><ref>Constitution of Mali, Art. 65.</ref>
Mali’s constitution provides for an independent judiciary,<ref name=p15/><ref>Constitution of Mali, Art. 81.</ref> but the executive continues to exercise influence over the judiciary by virtue of power to appoint judges and oversee both judicial functions and law enforcement.<ref name=p15/> Mali's highest courts are the Supreme Court, which has both judicial and administrative powers, and a separate Constitutional Court that provides judicial review of legislative acts and serves as an election arbiter.<ref name=p15/><ref>Constitution of Mali, Art. 83-94.</ref> Various lower courts exist, though village chiefs and elders resolve most local disputes in rural areas.<ref name=p15/>
==Foreign relations and military==
{{main|Foreign relations of Mali|Military of Mali}}
[[Image:George Bush and Amadou Toumani Toure.jpg|Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré with U.S. President [[George W. Bush]]|thumb]]
[[Foreign relations of Mali|Mali's foreign policy]] orientation has become increasingly pragmatic and pro-Western over time.<ref name=p17>Mali country profile, p. 17.</ref> Since the [[2000s in Mali|institution of a democratic form of government in 2002]], Mali’s relations with the West in general and [[Mali-United States relations|with the United States]] in particular have improved significantly.<ref name=p17/> Mali has a longstanding yet ambivalent relationship with France, a [[French Sudan|former colonial ruler]].<ref name=p17/> Mali is active in regional organizations such as the [[African Union]].<ref name=p17/> Working to control and resolve regional conflicts, such as in [[Côte d’Ivoire]], [[Liberia]], and [[Sierra Leone]], is one of Mali’s major foreign policy goals.<ref name=p17/> Mali feels threatened by the potential for the spillover of conflicts in neighboring states, and relations with those neighbors are often uneasy.<ref name=p17/> General insecurity along borders in the north, including cross-border [[banditry]] and [[terrorism]], remain troubling issues in regional relations.<ref name=p17/>
[[Military of Mali|Mali’s military forces]] consist of an army, which includes land forces and a small navy and air force, as well as the paramilitary Gendarmerie and Republican Guard, all of which are under the control of Mali's Ministry of Defense and Veterans, [[Civilian control of the military|headed by a civilian]].<ref name=ns>Mali country profile, p. 18.</ref> The military is underpaid, poorly equipped, and in need of rationalization.<ref name=ns/> Organization has suffered from the incorporation of [[Tuareg]] irregular forces into the regular military following a [[First Tuareg Rebellion|1992 agreement between the government and Tuareg rebel forces]].<ref name=ns/> The military has generally kept a low profile since the democratic transition of 1992. The incumbent president, [[Amadou Toumani Touré]], is a former army [[general]] and as such reportedly enjoys widespread military support.<ref name=ns/> In the annual human rights report for 2003, the U.S. Department of State rated civilian control of security forces as generally effective but noted a few "instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of government authority."<ref name=ns/>
==Economy==
[[Image:Kati market street (and Amadu).jpg|thumb|right|Market scene in [[Kati]]]]
[[Image:Porter - Mali.jpg|thumb|right|A porter hauling hay]]
{{main|Economy of Mali}}
Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world.<ref name=factbook>[http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/ml.html CIA world factbook]. [[CIA]]. Retrieved on [[June 3]], [[2008]].</ref> The average worker's annual salary is approximately US$1,500.<ref name=state/> Between 1992 to 1995, Mali implemented an economic adjustment program that resulted in economic growth and a reduction in financial imbalances. The program increased social and economic conditions, and led to Mali joining the [[World Trade Organization]] on [[May 31]], [[1995]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mali|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2828.htm |accessdate=2008-06-04 |date=2008-05 |publisher=[[U.S. State Department]] }}</ref> The gross domestic product (GDP) has risen as a result. In 2002, the GDP amounted to US$3.4 billion,<ref name=p9>Mali country profile, p. 9.</ref> and increased to US$5.8 billion in 2005,<ref name="state">{{cite web|title=Mali|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2828.htm |accessdate=2008-06-04 |date=May 2008|publisher=[[U.S. State Department]] }}</ref> which amounts to approximately 17.6% annual growth rate.
Mali's key industry is agriculture. Cotton is the country's largest crop export and is exported west throughout Senegal and the Ivory Coast.<ref name=Goldenhope>{{cite news | first=Briony | last=Hale | coauthors= | title=Mali's Golden Hope | date=[[1998-05-13]] | publisher=BBC | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1945588.stm | work =[[BBC News]] | pages = | accessdate = 2008-06-04 | language = }}</ref><ref name=marshall>Cavendish, p. 1367.</ref> During 2002, 620,000 tons of cotton were produced in Mali but declining cotton prices in 2003 reduced demand for the crop.<ref name=marshall/><ref name=Goldenhope/> In addition to cotton, Mali produces [[rice]], [[millet]], [[corn]], [[vegetables]], [[tobacco]], and tree crops. Gold, livestock and agriculture amount to eighty percent of Mali's exports.<ref name="state"/> Eighty percent of Malian workers are employed in agriculture while fifteen percent work in the service sector.<ref name=marshall/> However, seasonal variations lead to regular [[temporary employment|temporary unemployment]] of agricultural workers.<ref>May, p. 291.</ref>
In 1991, with the assistance of the [[International Development Association]], Mali relaxed the enforcement of mining codes which led to renewed foreign interest and investment in the mining industry.<ref>Campbell, p. 43.</ref> Gold is mined in the southern region and Mali has the third highest gold production in Africa (after [[South Africa]] and [[Ghana]]).<ref name=Goldenhope/> The emergence of gold as Mali’s leading export product since 1999 has helped mitigate some of the negative impact of the cotton and Côte d’Ivoire crises.<ref>African Development Bank, p. 186.</ref> Other natural resources include [[kaolin]], [[salt]], [[phosphate]], and [[limestone]].<ref name="state"/>
Electricity and water are maintained by the Energie du Mali, or EDM, and textiles are generated by Industry Textile du Mali, or ITEMA.<ref name="state"/> Mali has made efficient use [[hydroelectricity]], consisting of over half of Mali's electrical power. In 2002, 700[[kWh]] of hydroelectric power were produced in Mali.<ref name=marshall/>
The Malian government participates in foreign involvement, concerning commerce and privatization. Mali underwent economic reform, beginning in 1988 by signing agreements with the [[World Bank]] and the [[International Monetary Fund]].<ref name="state"/> During 1988 to 1996, Mali's government largely reformed public enterprises. Since the agreement, sixteen enterprises were privatized, twelve partially privatized, and twenty liquidated.<ref name="state"/> In 2005, the Malian government conceded a railroad company to the Savage Corporation, which is based in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]], [[USA]].<ref name="state"/> Two major companies, Societé de Telecommunications du Mali (SOTELMA) and the Cotton Ginning Company (CMDT), are expected to be privatized in 2008.<ref name="state"/>
==Demographics==
[[Image:Mali - Bozo girl in Bamako.jpg|thumb|right|upright|A [[Bozo people|Bozo]] girl in Bamako]]
{{main|Demographics of Mali}}
In July 2007, Mali's population was an estimated 12 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.7%.<ref name=factbook/> The population is predominantly [[rural]] (68% in 2002), and 5–10% of Malians are [[nomadic]].<ref name=p6>Mali country report, p. 6.</ref> More than 90% of the population lives in the southern part of the country, especially in [[Bamako]], which has over 1 million residents.<ref name=p6/>
In 2007, about 48% of Malians were less than fifteen years old, 49% were 15–64 years old, and 3% were 65 and older.<ref name=factbook/> The median age was 15.9 years.<ref name=factbook/> The [[birth rate]] in 2007 was 49.6 births per 1,000, and the [[total fertility rate]] was 7.4 children per woman.<ref name=factbook/> The [[death rate]] in 2007 was 16.5 deaths per 1,000.<ref name=factbook/> [[Life expectancy]] at birth was 49.5 years total (47.6 for males and 51.5 for females).<ref name=factbook/> Mali has one of the [[List of countries by infant mortality rate|world's highest rates]] of [[infant mortality]],<ref name=p6/> with 106 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2007.<ref name=factbook/>
Mali’s population encompasses a number of [[sub-Saharan]] ethnic groups, most of which have historical, cultural, linguistic, and religious commonalities.<ref name=p6/> The [[Bambara people|Bambara]] are by far the largest single ethnic group, making up 36.5% of the population.<ref name=p6/> Collectively, the Bambara, [[Soninke people|Soninké]], and [[Malinké]], all part of the broader [[Mandé]] group, constitute 50% of Mali's population.<ref name=factbook/> Other significant groups are the [[Peul]] (17%), [[Voltaic]] (12%), [[Songhai]] (6%), and [[Tuareg]] and [[Moor]] (10%).<ref name=factbook/> Mali historically has enjoyed reasonably good inter-ethnic relations; however, some hereditary servitude relationships exist, as do ethnic tensions between the Songhai and the Tuareg.<ref name=p6/>
[[Image:Great Mosque of Djenné 3 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Great Mosque of Djenné]]]]
Mali’s official language is [[French language|French]], but numerous (40 or more) [[African languages]] also are widely used by the various ethnic groups.<ref name=p6/> About 80% of Mali’s population can communicate in [[Bambara language|Bambara]], which is the country’s principal [[lingua franca]] and marketplace language.<ref name=p6/> An estimated 90% of Malians are [[Islam in Mali|Muslim]] (mostly [[Sunni]]), 9% adhere to [[African traditional religion|indigenous or traditional animist beliefs]], and 1% are Christian (about two-thirds [[Roman Catholicism in Mali|Roman Catholic]] and one-third [[Protestant]]).<ref name=factbook/><ref name=p7/> [[Atheism]] and [[agnosticism]] are believed to be rare among Malians, most of whom practice their religion on a daily basis.<ref name=p7/> Islam as practiced in Mali is moderate, tolerant, and adapted to local conditions; relations between Muslims and practitioners of minority religious faiths are generally amicable.<ref name=p7/> The constitution establishes a [[secular state]] and provides for [[freedom of religion]], and the government largely respects this right.<ref name=p7/>
==Health and education==
{{main|Health in Mali|Education in Mali}}
Mali faces numerous health challenges related to [[poverty]], [[malnutrition]], and inadequate [[hygiene]] and [[sanitation]].<ref name=p7>Mali country profile, p. 7.</ref> Mali's health and development indicators rank among the worst in the world.<ref name=p7/> In 2000, only 62–65 percent of the population was estimated to have access to safe drinking water and only 69 percent to sanitation services of some kind.<ref name=p7/> In 2001, the general government expenditures on health totaled about US$4 per capita at an average exchange rate.<ref name=p8>Mali country profile, p. 8.</ref> Medical facilities in Mali are very limited, and medicines are in short supply.<ref name=p8/> [[Malaria]] and other [[arthropod]]-borne diseases are prevalent in Mali, as are a number of [[infectious disease]]s such as [[cholera]] and [[tuberculosis]].<ref name=p8/> Mali’s population also suffers from a high rate of child [[malnutrition]] and a low rate of [[immunization]].<ref name=p8/> An estimated 1.9 percent of the adult population was afflicted with [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]] that year, among the lowest rates in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]].<ref name=p8/>
[[Image:Lycéens kati.jpg|High school students in [[Kati]], Mali|thumb]]
Public education in Mali is in principle provided free of charge and is compulsory for nine years between the ages of seven and 16.<ref name=p7/> The system encompasses six years of [[primary education]] beginning at age seven, followed by six years of [[secondary education]].<ref name=p7/> However, Mali’s actual primary school enrollment rate is low, in large part because families are unable to cover the cost of uniforms, books, supplies, and other fees required to attend.<ref name=p7/> In the 2000–01 school year, the primary school enrollment rate was 61% (71% of males and 51% of females); in the late 1990s, the secondary school enrollment rate was 15% percent (20% of males and 10% of females).<ref name=p7/> The education system is plagued by a lack of schools in rural areas, as well as shortages of teachers and materials.<ref name=p7/> Estimates of literacy rates in Mali range from 27–30% to 46.4%, with literacy rates significantly lower among women than men.<ref name=p7/>
==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Mali}}
[[Image:Amadou & Mariam.jpg|Malian musical duo Amadou et Mariam are known internationally for their music combining Malian and international influences.|thumb]]
Malian musical traditions are derived from the [[griot]]s, who are known as "Keeper of Memories".<ref>Michelle Crabill and Bruce Tiso. [http://www.fcps.edu/KingsParkES/technology/mali/malihis.htm Mali Resource Website]. Fairfax County Public Schools. January 2003. Retrieved on [[June 4]], [[2008]].</ref>
[[music of Mali|Malian music]] is diverse and has several different genres. Some famous Malian influences in music are [[Kora (instrument)|kora]] virtouso musician [[Toumani Diabaté]], the late roots and blues [[guitarist]] [[Ali Farka Touré]], the [[Tuareg]] band [[Tinariwen]], and several [[Afro-pop]] artists such as [[Salif Keita]], the duo [[Amadou et Mariam]], and [[Oumou Sangare]].
Though Mali's literature is less famous than music,<ref name=p29>Velton, p. 29.</ref> Mali has always been one of Africa's liveliest intellectual centers.<ref name=p128/> Mali's literary tradition is largely oral, with ''jalis'' reciting or singing histories and stories from memory.<ref name=p28>Velton, p. 28.</ref><ref name=p128>Milet & Manaud, p. 128.</ref> [[Amadou Hampâté Bâ]], Mali's best-known historian, spent much of his life recording these oral traditions.<ref name=p28/> The best-known novel by a Malian writer is [[Yambo Ouologuem]]'s ''Le devoir de violence'', which won the 1968 [[Prix Renaudot]] but whose legacy was marred by accusations of plagiarism.<ref name=p28/><ref name=p128/> Other well-known Malian writers include Baba Traoré, [[Ousmane Sembene]], Modibo Sounkalo Keita, [[Massa Makan Diabaté]], [[Moussa Konaté]], and Fily Dabo Sissoko.<ref name=p28/><ref name=p128/>
The varied everyday culture of Malians reflects the country's ethnic and geographic diversity.<ref name=p13>Pye-Smith & Drisdelle, p. 13.</ref> Most Malians wear flowing, colorful robes called [[Boubou (clothing)|boubous]] that are typical of [[West Africa]]. Malians frequently participate in traditional festivals, dances, and ceremonies.<ref name=p13/> [[Rice]] and [[millet]] are the staples of Malian cuisine, which is heavily based on cereal grains.<ref name=p30>Velton, p. 30.</ref><ref name=p146/> Grains are generally prepared with sauces made from leaves such [[spinach]] or [[baobab]] leaves, with [[tomato]], or with [[peanut]] sauce, and may be accompanied by pieces of grilled meat (typically [[chicken]], [[mutton]], [[beef]], or [[goat]]).<ref name=p30/><ref name=p146>Milet & Manaud, p. 146.</ref> Malian cuisine varies regionally.<ref name=p30/><ref name=p146/>
[[Image:Mali football.jpg|thumb|Malian children playing football]]
The most popular sport in Mali is [[Association football|football]] (soccer),<ref name=p151>Milet & Manaud, p. 151.</ref><ref name=p55>DiPiazza, p. 55.</ref> which became more prominent after Mali hosted the [[2002 African Cup of Nations]].<ref name=p151/><ref name=p320>Hudgens et al., p. 320.</ref> Most towns have regular games;<ref name=p320/> the most popular national teams are Djoliba, Stad, and Real.<ref name=p55/> Informal games are often played by youths using a bundle of rags as a ball.<ref name=p55/> The country has produced several notable players for French teams, including [[Salif Keita (footballer)|Salif Keita]] and [[Jean Tigana]].<ref name=p151/><ref name=p55/> [[Basketball]] is another major sport;<ref name=p55/><ref>[http://www.africabasket.com/mli/mli.asp "Malian Men Basketball"]. [[Africabasket.com]]. Retrieved [[June 3]], [[2008]].</ref> the [[Mali women's national basketball team]] is the only African basketball team competing at the 2008 [[Beijing Olympics]].<ref>Chitunda, Julio. [http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/arti.asp?newsid=23726 "Ruiz looks to strengthen Mali roster ahead of Beijing"]. [[FIBA]].com ([[March 13]], [[2008]]). Accessed on [[June 24]], [[2008]].</ref> Traditional [[wrestling]] (''la lutte'') is also somewhat common, though popularity has declined in recent years.<ref name=p320/> The game [[Oware|wari]], a [[mancala]] variant, is a common pastime.<ref name=p55/>
{{-}}
==Citations==
{{reflist|3}}
===References===
* {{cite book | last = African Development Bank | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = African Economic Outlook | publisher = OECD Publishing | date = 2001 | location = | isbn = 9264197044 }}
*{{cite book | last = Campbell| first = Bonnie | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Regulating Mining in Africa: For Whose Benefit? | publisher = Nordic African Institute | date = 2004 | location = Uppsala, Sweeden | isbn = 978-0761475712 }}
*{{cite book | last = Cavendish | first = Marshall | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = World and Its Peoples: Middle East, Western Asia, and Northern Africa | publisher = Marshall Cavendish | date = 2007 | location = Tarrytown, New York | isbn = 978-0761475712 }}
* {{fr icon}} [http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/CAFRAD/UNPAN002746.pdf Constitution of Mali]. A student-translated [http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/Mali.pdf English version] is also available.
*{{cite book | last = DiPiazza | first = Francesca Davis | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Mali in Pictures | publisher = Learner Publishing Group | date = 2006 | location = Minneapolis, Minnesota | pages = | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=OR4Ovt7U_2IC&pg=PA37&dq=mali+eight+regions&ei=ogdFSOHNGpHUsgPbvZ3OBg&client=firefox-a&sig=bdxive5lfaBuVCDgZTim3PkLyNY | doi = | id = | isbn = 978-0822565918 }}
* Hudgens, Jim, Richard Trillo, and Nathalie Calonnec. ''The Rough Guide to West Africa''. [[Rough Guides]] (2003). ISBN 1843531186.
* [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Mali.pdf Mali country profile]. [[Library of Congress]] [[Federal Research Division]] (January 2005). ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the [[public domain]].''
{{cite book | last = Martin | first = Phillip L. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Managing Migration: The Promise of Cooperation | publisher = Lexington Books | date = 2006 | location = Lanham, Maryland | isbn = 978-0739113417 }}
*[[Godfrey Mwakikagile|Mwakikagile, Godfrey]]. ''Military Coups in West Africa Since The Sixties'', Huntington, New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2001.
*{{cite book | last = May | first = Jacques Meyer | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = The Ecology of Malnutrition in the French Speaking Countries of West Africa and Madagascar | publisher = Macmillan Publishing Company | date = 1968 | location = New York, New York | isbn = 978-0028489605 }}
* {{fr icon}} Milet, Eric & Jean-Luc Manaud. ''Mali''. Editions Olizane (2007). ISBN 2880863511.
* Pye-Smith, Charlie & Rhéal Drisdelle. ''Mali: A Prospect of Peace?'' Oxfam (1997). ISBN 0855983345.
* Velton, Ross. ''Mali''. Bradt Travel Guides (2004). ISBN 1841620777.
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Mali}}
* [http://www.primature.gov.ml/ Official Portal of the Government of Mali] Official Portal of Government of Mali
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1021454.stm BBC News Country Profile - ''Mali'']
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html CIA World Factbook - ''Mali'']
* {{dmoz|Regional/Africa/Mali}}
*{{wikitravel}}
*[http://www.officetourisme-mali.com/ Official Tourism Site - Mali]
{{Countries of Africa}}
{{Template group
|title = International membership
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{{Member states of the African Union}}
{{Community of Sahel-Saharan States}}
{{La Francophonie}}
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[[Category:African Union member states]]
[[Category:Member states of La Francophonie]]
[[Category:Former colonies of France]]
[[Category:French-speaking countries]]
[[Category:Landlocked countries]]
[[Category:Mali| ]]
[[Category:Least Developed Countries]]
[[af:Mali]]
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