Mali is the seventh largest country in Africa located along the Niger River. The capital and largest city is Bamako, which has a population of over 1.8 million people. Approximately 90% of Mali's population of 13 million are Muslim, which is reflected in the prominent mosques and other religious architecture found throughout the country. In addition to agriculture, Mali is known for its traditional arts, crafts, music, and textiles which play an important role in Malian culture and ceremonies.

1. Learning about Mali, Africa By: Lequanda Isom

2. MALI, AFRICA

3. Mali is the seventh largest country in Africa. Mali’s size and location makes it extremely diverse culturally and geographically.

4. Bamako on the Niger River Bamako is the capital and the largest city of Mali, Africa. (1,809,106 est. pop. 2009) View of Bamako

5. President of Mali, Africa Mali President Amadou Toumani Touré Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré with former U.S. President George W. Bush.

6. The Great Mosque Granaries, part of Dogon family compounds, Sanga region, Mali. The rural Mosque, Bougouni village, Mali Architecture Approximately 90% of Malians are Muslim, and much of the architecture in Mali is mosques. Some of the most dramatic architecture was built by Dogon masons in an area called Bandiagara Escarpment, where Dogon houses cling dramatically to high cliffs. Other unique structures in Mali include granaries, meeting-house, and traditional shrines.

7. Market along the Niger River banks Mali’s population was an estimated 13million in 2009.

8. Mali is renown for its arts and crafts including pottery, Dogon wood sculptures, Taureg leatherwork, basketry, and textiles. Many works of art, such as Dogon wall paintings, represent complex mythologies.

9. Music and masquerades serve important spiritual purposes in Mali, from celebrations to funerals, secular to rituals, as well as bring the community together.

10. Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world. Mali’s key industry is agriculture. Cotton is the largest export.

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