Central West Africa.

GMT.

1,240,192 sq km (478,841 sq miles).

12.6 million (official estimate 2002).

10.2 per sq km.

Bamako. Population: 1 million (1998).

Mali is a landlocked republic, sharing borders with Mauritania, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Senegal. It is a vast land of flat plains fed by two major rivers, the Senegal on its western edge and the great River Niger. On its journey north the Niger converges with the River Bani, and forms a rich inland delta, the marshlands of the Macina, stretching for some 450km (280 miles) along the river’s length, in some places 200km (124 miles) wide. The central part of the country is arid grazing land, called the Sahel, which has suffered great drought. At Timbuktu, the Niger reaches the desert and here it turns first to the east, then to the southeast at Bourem, where it heads for the ocean. In the desert, near the Algerian and Niger borders in the northeast, the Adrar des Iforas massif rises 800m (2625ft). The north of the country is true desert except for the few oases along the ancient trans-Saharan camel routes. Tuaregs still live around these oases and camel routes. Further south live the Peulh cattle-raising nomads. The majority of the population lives in the savannah region in the south. The peoples of this region comprise Songhai, Malinke, Senoufou, Dogon and the Bambara (the largest ethnic group).

A new constitution allowing for presidential elections was introduced in 1992 and approved by a national referendum, after the overthrow of the military dictatorship by the Conseil National de Réconciliation. Executive power rests with the president who is elected for a five-year term. The president appoints a prime minister who, in turn, appoints a Council of Ministers. A 147-member National Assembly, also elected for five years, holds legislative powers.

Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960. Head of State: President Amadou Toumani Touré since 2002. Head of Government: Prime Minister Ousmane Issoufi Maïga since 2004.

The official language is French. There are a number of local languages.

Muslim (80 per cent), with animist (18 per cent) and Christian (under 2 per cent) minorities.

Malians are hospitable people and will welcome visitors gracefully into their homes. Visitors must remember that this is a Muslim country and the religious customs and beliefs of the people should be respected. Modesty in dress, particularly for women, is essential. Photography: This is no longer restricted, except for military subjects. However, interpretation of what is considered off limits tends to vary. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious point of view and it is advisable to obtain permission before taking photographs in Mali.

220 volts AC, 50Hz in Bamako. Larger towns in Mali have their own locally-generated supply.