Mali

Quick facts

1. Mali was once the home of the great and rich empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhai but t oday 75% of the 10 million population depend on the land for a bare living
2. Mali has natural resources. It is a major cotton producer, is developing its gold reserves and has some of the richest agricultural land in Africa
3. Since 1991 the country has had democratic elected governments
4. Music is extremely popular in Mali which includes vibrant, modern music and traditional folk music. There are large numbers of craftspeople.
5. 90% of the Mali population are Muslims
6. In 2004 , only 24% of 15-24 year olds were literate (in French) but p rimary school enrolment has been increasing rapidly, 26% in 1990 to 67% in 2003. A World Bank $35 million loan could help to achieve 100% attendance in primary education in Mali by 2015.
7. From 1994 to 2001, the percentage of the population living in poverty fell but only from 69% to 64%. Mali's government is seeking to reduce poverty from 64% in 2001 to 47% in 2006
8. Mali’s debt to the World Bank was cancelled on 1 July 2006 leaving these funds free to spend on poverty reduction

Back to top