(WIPO code: ML) (latest review October 2023)
Mali
General Information
Area
1,240,190 sq. km.
Population
21,359,722 (2023).
Capital
Bamako.
Official language
French.
Currency
C.F.A. franc.
Main agricultural and natural products
Grains, sugar cane, cotton, farming.
Main Mineral Products
Gold.
Main Exports
Grains, shea butter, cotton, livestock.
GNI
(per capita): U.S.$ 850 (estimated 2022).
General Remarks
Mali was formerly the French colony of French Sudan, a part of French West Africa. It obtained its internal administrative autonomy and became a member of the French Community in 1958 and later achieved its full independence on September 22, 1960.
The country is poor in natural resources and a vast portion of it comprises the Sahara Desert, leaving only approximately 2% of the land suitable for cultivation. Drought conditions during the past few years are seriously affecting the economy.
Mali is a republic.