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Mali
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People and Culture
There are approximately 9.7million people living in Mali. The majority of the population either live in settlements along the Niger river or in the central part of the country. Unlike other countries, very few live in the cities - probably only about 25% of the population.
The population in Mali is made up of many Sub-Saharan ethnic groups, some of which share similar cultural, historic and religious traditions. Two of the largest ethnic groups are the Mande and Bambara. Other significant ethnic groups are the Peul, Songhai, Moor, Senufo, Fulani, Dogon, Voltaic and Tuareg.
The Tuareg are mainly nomadic herders who are descendants of the North African Berbers. This group have been long opposed to the authority of the government in Mali and instead follow the head of its clan. They have their own form of writing and speak an ancient language, leading a relatively separate life in the Malian Sahara.
Most Malians depend on the land for a living - usually subsistence farming where the farmers produce sufficient to feed their families. The houses in Mali are usually made from sun-baked mud bricks and have straw roofs, usually providing shelter for all members of the family - grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers and sisters.
Music
Music is extremely popular in Mali and includes vibrant, modern music alongside more traditional folk music. Original Malian music reflects the tradition of the Griots - once royal storytellers, but now a caste of professional musicians and orators, often sponsored by rich patrons.
Their music usually includes several ancient songs and they often strum a 'kora' - a 21-stringed instrument which is similar to both a harp and a lute. Sometimes Griots are accompanied by a musician playing a wooden xylophone called a 'balaphon'. Other percussion instruments include the 'tama, 'djembe' and 'doundoun drums'.
Crafts
Many Malian craftspeople make things out of metal, leather, woven and wooden good. Items include woven mats, wooden masks and handmade textiles.
Food
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There are three staple food crops in Mali which provide the basic food for the majority of the population - Maize (corn), Cassava (root crop) and Millet (a cereal). Millet is usually made into porridge by grinding the cereal grain down. Cassava is sometimes made into flour, but is usually eaten raw or baked on small fires.
Very few Malians can afford to eat meat, but fish is often served at mealtimes in communities that live near the river and streams. When meat is served, a Malian speciality is peanut-flavoured chicken stew with rice.
Religion
Approximately 90% of the Mali population are Muslims following the Islamic faith. Established in the seventh century in Saudi Arabia, Islam spread to many parts of Africa. Since Islamic law allows Malian men to have more than one wife, families can become quite large.
About 1% of Malians follow Christianity (Roman Catholicism), with the remaining 9% following traditional African beliefs, many of which focus on the force of nature.
Mali Street
Weaving
Mosque
