Mali

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Overview

The largest country in West Africa, Mali is bordered on the north by Algeria, on the east and southeast by Niger, on the South by Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, and on the west by Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania. In the south, traversed by the Niger and Senegal rivers, are fertile areas where peanuts, rice, and cotton are grown. Elsewhere the country is arid desert or semi desert. Although large swathes of Mali are barren, the country is self-sufficient in food thanks to the fertile Niger river basin in the south and east.

During the Middle Ages, the Moslem empire of Mali covered most of West Africa. For several centuries, Mali was a centre of Islamic culture and prosperity. When Trans Saharan routes were in use by traders in olden days, Mali was a trading centre and a tax collection point. The empires developed because of trade in gold and salt and other goods. Slaves were also transported along this route. Their control of the Trans-Saharan trade route was finally broken by European traders. By the end of the 19th century, France annexed the country, which became independent in 1960.

Today, Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world. But since 1992, when the country's first democratically elected president took power, Mali has had a civilian government.

Malians continue to draw a sense of national pride from the heritage of the Songay and Malian empires. Visitors can experience the way of living in the Sahara, enjoy the local tribes' songs and dances, and ride camels with the Tuaregs, the 'Blue Princes' of the desert. The hidden city of Timbuktu, the mythical gate of the Sahara, is the last wonder of Western explorers. This old city was a beehive of activity in its heydays in the past. By the 15th century, Timbuktu was a major trading centre for salt and gold on the Trans-Saharan trade route. Later on it assumed the status of a great Islamic learning centre. There are several beautiful mosques and tombs dating back to the 14th century.

Bamako, the capital, is a modern city and the cultural centre of Mali. The main places of interest are the markets, the botanical gardens, the Musée National, the zoo and the craft centre at the Maison des Artisans.

Mali is also famous for its music and musicians from the days of the Mali Empire. The traditional music of Mali is based on the songs of the jalis (griots), a distinct caste of people in the social structure. Mali still maintains a key role in the contemporary African music scene.

Area - 1,240,192 sq km (478,841 sq miles).
Population - 11.1 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density - 10.5 per sq km.
Capital - Bamako. Population: 1.2 million (UN estimate 2003).
Government - Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960.
Language - The official language is French. There are a number of local languages.
Religion - Majority Muslim, with indigenous and Christian minorities.
Time - GMT.
Social Conventions
Malians are hospitable people and will welcome visitors gracefully into their homes. Visitors must remember that this is a Muslim country and the religious customs and beliefs of the people should be respected. Modesty in dress, particularly for women, is essential.
Photography - This is no longer restricted, except for military subjects. However, interpretation of what is considered off limits tends to vary. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious point of view and it is advisable to obtain permission before taking photographs in Mali.
Electricity - 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Larger towns in Mali have their own locally-generated supply. European-style plugs with two circular metal pins are used.
Head of Government - Prime Minister Ousmane Issoufi Maïga since 2004.
Head of State -President Amadou Toumani Touré since 2002.

Culture

Food and Drink
There is a limited choice of restaurants. Several of the hotels have restaurant and bar facilities of international standard, serving international cuisine, and most towns have small restaurants serving local and north African dishes. Hotel restaurants are open to non-residents. Alcohol is available in bars (with very late opening hours), but since the majority is Muslim, there is a good range of fresh fruit juices. Most people tend to drink fruit juice rather than alcohol.
National specialities:
o La Capitaine Sangha (a kind of Nile perch served with hot chilli sauce, whole fried bananas and rice).

National drinks:
o Malian tamarind and guava juices are delicious.
o A traditional drink is Malian tea which should be drunk in three stages; the first is very strong ('as bitter as death'); the second is slightly sweetened ('just like life'); the third is well sugared ('as sweet as love'). Visitors to Mali may be invited to partake in this tea ritual.
Tipping: A 10% tip is customary in restaurants and bars.

Nightlife
Bamako has a good selection of nightclubs with music and dancing.

Shopping
Traditional crafts range from the striking masks of the Bambara, Dogon and Malinko peoples, to woodcarvings, original designs in ebony and bronze, woven cloth, and mats, gold and silver jewellery and copperware. Excellent pottery is made in the Ségou region, while Timbuktu is a good centre for iron and copper articles, including swords, daggers and traditional household utensils.

Environment

Climate
Three main seasons which vary according to latitude. Rainy season runs between June and October, diminishing further north. The cooler season (October to February) is followed by extremely hot, dry weather until June.

Required Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout most of the year, though warmer clothing is needed between November and February. Waterproofing is advised during the rainy season.
Mali is a landlocked republic, sharing borders with Mauritania, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Senegal. It is a vast land of flat plains fed by two major rivers, the Senegal on its western edge and the great River Niger. On its journey north the Niger converges with the River Bani, and forms a rich inland delta, the marshlands of the Macina, stretching for some 450km (280 miles) along the river's length, in some places 200km (124 miles) wide. The central part of the country is arid grazing land, called the Sahel, which has suffered great drought.At Timbuktu, the Niger reaches the desert and here it turns first to the east, then to the southeast at Bourem, where it heads for the ocean. In the desert, near the Algerian and Niger borders in the northeast, the Adrar des Iforas massif rises 800m (2,625ft). The north of the country is true desert except for the few oases along the ancient trans-Saharan camel routes. Tuaregs still live around these oases and camel routes. Further south live the Peulh cattle-raising nomads. The majority of the population lives in the savannah region in the south. The peoples of this region comprise Songhai, Malinke, Senoufou, Dogon and the Bambara (the largest ethnic group).

Money

Currency
CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XOF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of XOF500, 200, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5.
Mali is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Currency Exchange
Possible at main banks in Bamako, but this can be a slow process and exchange rates are often out of date.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in two hotels in Bamako. Cash advances on credit cards are available at only one bank in Mali, the BMCD Bank in Bamako, and only with a Visa credit card.
Traveller's Cheques
Can be exchanged at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros.
Banking Hours
Mon-Thurs 0730-1200 and 1315-1500, Fri 0730-1230.

Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Mali without incurring customs duty:
o 1000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 2kg of tobacco.
o Two bottles of alcoholic beverage.
o A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
Note: (a) Cameras and films must be declared. An import permit is needed for sporting guns. Plants, except fruit and vegetables, need a certificate. (b) Authorisation from the National Museum in Bamako must be obtained when exporting certain Malian archaeological objects, particularly those from the Niger River Valley.

Traveller's Guide

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required.
Visas
Required for stays of up to three months, except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business and Transit: single entry: US$80 (three months); multiple entry: US$110 (three months); US$200 (six months); US$370 (one year). The fee for nationals of the USA is US$100, regardless of the length of stay.
Validity
One month from the date of entry, although visas can be extended in Mali, either in Bamako at the Immigration Service or at any police station. Visas may be obtained up to three months in advance of travelling to Mali.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.

Contact Addresses

Office Malien du Tourisme et de l'Hôtellerie (Tourist Office of Mali)
Street address: rue Mohamed V, Bamako, Mali
Postal address: BP 191, Bamako, Mali
Tel: 222 5673.
Website: www.officetourisme-mali.com

Embassy of the Republic of Mali in Belgium
Avenue Molière 487, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: (02) 345 7432.
Fax: (02) 344 5700.

Embassy of the Republic of Mali in the USA
2130 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 2249.
Website: www.maliembassy.us

Working Days Required
Five. Visas can be issued more quickly (in three days) for an additional fee of US$10.

Health Care
Medical facilities are very limited and inadequate for dealing with emergencies. Health insurance (including adequate medical evacuation) is therefore essential. Many medicines are unavailable, and doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health care services.

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