Politics
Mali is a republic. The president, elected in May 2002 is Amadou Toumani Toure. Mali is a democracy and knows political stability. Travelling in the country causes no problems. “Mali is often used as an example to proof that it is possible in Africa to establish a democratic regime. It is one of the extraordinary countries in Africa where a military has put down their weapons, after having seized power by armed action and dismissed the dictator. The freedom to express opinions, which is respected in Mali, is a trusted indicator of the healthy democracy of the country.”
Religion
The majority in Mali is Muslim (86%). The big cathedral is in Bamako and there are several other churches e.g. in Dogonland (Christianity is 5%). Animism (9%) is present in the everyday life and way of thinking of many Malians.
Languages
The official language is French, but Malians speak their own African language. In Bamako this is mostly Bambara; other languages spoken in Mali are Fulfulde (the Fulani), Sonrhai, Dogon (many different dialects), Tamacheq (Touareg), Senoufo, Sarakole, Arab…
Ethnical groups
Interesting in Mali are the many different ethnical communities who live together like the Bambara, the Fulani, the Senoufo, the Sonrhai, the Malinke, the Touareg, the Dogon, the Bozo, the Minianka, the Somono, the Khassonkhe, the Moor…
Literacy
40%
Number of children per woman
7
Life expectancy
51,2 years
Annual income per person
275 US Dollars
Time zone
Universal time (UTC), time difference with Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy and Mali is one hour in winter time (-1) and two hours in summer time (-2)
Most important export products
Cotton, gold, leather and skins, fruit and vegetables, sheep, cattle, grain.
Most important import products
Oil products, food, pharmaceutical products, cars.
Electricity
Voltage is equal to Europe: 220volt/50hertz |