Mali

The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 by a coup that ushered in democratic government. President Alpha KONARE won Mali's first democratic presidential election in 1992 and was reelected in 1997. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, KONARE stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 11,995,402 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Malian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Malian

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: Bambara, French, Fuuta Jalon, Malinke, Mandingo, Zarma

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Mali

Country Name (short form): Mali

Country Name (local long form): Republique de Mali

Country Name (local short form): Mali

Name of Capital: Bamako

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Mali: Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea

Land Area: 1220000 sq km

Water Area: 20000 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Total Land Boundry: 7,243 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

International Phone Code: 223

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note

Internet Country Code: .ml

US Embassy Location: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 34, Bamako