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Top 10 Facts About Mali

Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Algeria are around the landlocked nation of Mali in West Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa and the twenty-third-largest country in the world, with an area of around 480,000 square miles.

Mining and agriculture are the main economic drivers in Mali, a sovereign state that is organised into ten regions. Gold and salt are two of the main natural resources of the nation; Mali is the third-largest gold producer in Africa. The following is a list of interesting facts about Mali.

1. Mali is over a thousand years

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mali is thought to be older than 1,000 years for several different reasons. The existence of the period before the Mali empire suggests that the country has been inhabited for more than a thousand years.

Rock art unearthed in the Sahara has recently thrown more light on this subject, leading some researchers to believe that modern-day Mali has been inhabited since around 10,000 BC. A  time when the Sahara was said to be extraordinarily fruitful, diversified, and home to fascinating fauna.

2. In 1960, Mali and Senegal worked to achieve independence

Mali joined French Sudan in the 19th century after France seized power there. For almost a century, the French were in charge of the area. In 1960, Mali teamed with Senegal to become independent, forming the Mali Federation.

Mali changed its name to the Republic of Mali a few years later after Senegal left the federation. The country’s government went through a significant transformation in 1991. When the country moved from a socialist to a democratic one, a new constitution was needed.

3. Mansa Musa was one of the wealthiest men to ever live

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The first of many interesting facts about Mali is presented here. One of the richest people to ever live, according to some accounts, was Mansa Musa of Mali. Mali is well known for the Malian Empire, which existed from the 13th to the 16th century.

From 1280 to 1337, Mansa Musa, a Malian, was the Empire’s emperor. In the early 1300s, he travelled to Mecca on his trip. He popularised Mali at the time by shining a spotlight on them. Almost 70,000 people, including 12,000 slaves, accompanied him on his journey. 80 camels were also among his belongings. Each camel was carrying a 50-pound purse of gold. A mosque is reputedly built by Mansa Musa every Friday while he is travelling.

4. Timbuktu University and Mali were historically centres of civilization

In the past, Timbuktu University was one of the most well-known institutions of higher learning in ancient Africa and the Middle East, and Mali was a centre of civilisation.

It is one of the poorest countries in the world now, but it was once one of the wealthiest empires. Mali was a gold-rich area, and Mansa Musa, the tenth ruler of the Kingdom of Mali, was among the wealthiest people in history.

5. Sweet tea is Mali’s national drink

Mali’s signature drink is sweet tea. It is simply black tea by brewing black tea in hot water and adding sugar to sweeten it. Because of the mild temperature, though, people prefer it cool. The tea is chilled until it is ice cold after being sweetened.

6. The largest man-made clay structure in the world is the Great Mosque of Djenne

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The Grand Mosque is a large clay or banco building that many architects believe to be the peak of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The previous structure on the site was built in the thirteenth century, and the mosque is located on the flood plains of the River Bani in the city of Djenne.

The present structure, though, was constructed in 1907. It is one of the most well-known African landmarks and a piece of the historic city of Djenne, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. Clay bricks that had been baked in the sun were used to build the Djenne Mosque.

7. Mali is home to the Prime Meridian Marker

At Gao, Mali, the equator line that separates the Eastern and Western hemispheres runs. A person can stand here with one foot in the western and the other in the eastern hemisphere.

8. Mali contains numerous vast salt mines

The oldest salt mine in Mali is Taoudenni. Mali is home to many large salt mines. Almost 413 miles from Timbuktu, the Taoudenni mine is located in the northern desert region of Mali.

In Taoudenni, salt is extracted by hand from the floor of a long-gone salt lake, divided into slabs, and then sent to Timbuktu by camel or vehicle. Taghaza, which is situated around 93 miles northwest of Taoudenni, is a prominent salt mining hub in Mali. Mali’s northern regions exported salt, which was exchanged for gold in the southern region.

9. Mali is currently one of the world’s poorest nations

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The average worker in Mali earns roughly $1,500 per year, and more than half of the country’s population lives below the $1.25 per day international poverty line. Mali is currently one of the world’s poorest countries.

Moreover, despite being one of Africa’s top producers of gold, Mali only has a 10% daily income increase and more than 70% of the population live in poverty. Fisheries and agriculture make up the bulk of the country’s economic growth. Despite seasonal economic fluctuations, more than 80% of Malians are employed in the farming sector.

10. Mali has 12 national languages

Twelve native languages, including Soninke, Mamara Senoufo, Hassaniya Arabic, Maasina Fulfulde, Tieyaxo Bozo, and Bomu, are spoken in Mali in addition to the two official languages of the country, Bambara and French.

The linked ethnic groups speak Mali’s 12 official languages as their mother tongues. Bambara is widely spoken throughout Mali and is the national tongue. Around 80% of the population can communicate in it.

What Mali has to offer goes well beyond these intriguing facts. Mali is a remarkable location that continues to wow travellers with its unique charm and attractiveness, from its ancient landmarks to its cultural richness and natural wonders Mali is truly a fascinating country.