Country Profile: Mali

Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, rich in history as home to the Mali Empire, which thrived from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Currently, it faces significant challenges, including political instability and economic hardship, with a population of over 22 million people. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and gold exports, yet it grapples with high public debt and issues related to terrorism and warfare. Governance has been complex, marked by military coups and transitional administrations seeking to stabilize the nation.

Geography

Mali is situated in interior Western Africa, bordered by Algeria to the north and surrounded by several neighboring countries. The country spans an area of approximately 1,240,192 square kilometers and is predominantly characterized by flat plains, savanna, and rugged hills in the northeast. As a landlocked nation, Mali has no coastlines and faces challenges such as recurring droughts and dust storms.

1,240,192 sq km: Total area
7,908 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries
35.5% (2023 est.): Land used for agriculture
8.8% (2023 est.): Forested area
3,780 sq km: Irrigated land (2012)
4,200 km: Length of the Niger River

People and Society

With an estimated population of 22.63 million in 2025, Mali is primarily composed of various ethnic groups, including Bambara and Fulani. The country has a young demographic, with a median age of 16.5 years and a significant proportion of the population living in urban areas. Despite cultural diversity, challenges such as low literacy rates and high birth rates contribute to social issues.

39.44 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2025 est.)
63.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
35.5%: Literacy rate (2018 est.)
2.88%: Population growth rate (2025 est.)
46.2%: Urban population (2023)

Economy

Mali's economy is classified as low-income, heavily reliant on agriculture and mining, particularly gold extraction. The nation has seen slow economic growth and high public debt, exacerbated by political instability and the impacts of COVID-19. Despite these challenges, the economy is noted for its agricultural output, with various crops being cultivated.

$71.253 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
3.1%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
$2,900: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
4.3%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
44.6%: Population below the poverty line (2021 est.)
22.5%: Exports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Mali operates as a semi-presidential republic, currently under the leadership of a transitional government following a series of military coups. The governance structure features a mix of appointed ministers and representatives, with the President having significant executive powers. Recent political developments have seen the country extend its transition phase and postpone elections indefinitely.

22 September 1960: Independence from France
Transition President: Assimi GOITA (since 7 June 2021)
Transitional National Council: 147 appointed members
Legal system: Based on French civil law model

Military and Security

Mali has a considerable military presence, primarily to address internal security issues exacerbated by terrorism and insurgency. The armed forces face ongoing challenges from various extremist groups, necessitating international cooperation and support. The military has historically played a significant role in the political landscape of the country.

35-40,000: Estimated active military and security personnel (2025)
4.3% of GDP: Military expenditures (2024 est.)
18 years: Minimum age for military service
Military interventions: Historically frequent post-independence (5 times)

Energy

Energy access remains a critical issue, with a significant disparity between urban and rural electrification rates. The country has invested in developing its energy infrastructure, focusing on renewable sources, yet faces challenges in meeting the demand.

53%: Total electricity access (2022 est.)
1.222 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
4.307 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)
99.7%: Electrification rate in urban areas

Environment

Mali's environment faces significant pressures, including deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification. The country has engaged in various international environmental agreements to combat these issues.

120 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
6.858 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
35.5%: Land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
8.8%: Forest cover (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	22,634,423 (2025 est.)	Total population estimate
Area	1,240,192 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$71.253 billion	Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	4.307 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Total energy consumption per capita
Birth Rate	39.44 births/1,000 population	Birth rate estimate for 2025
Unemployment Rate	3.1% (2024 est.)	Unemployment rate estimate
Life Expectancy	63.2 years (2024 est.)	Life expectancy at birth
Literacy Rate	35.5% (2018 est.)	Total literacy rate estimate
Public Debt	36% of GDP (2016 est.)	Total public debt as percentage of GDP
Total Fertility Rate	5.26 children born/woman (2025 est.)	Total fertility rate estimate