• Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, the eighth largest in Africa.
• Borders: North-Algeria, East-Niger, Northwest-Mauritania, South-Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, West-Guinea and Senegal.
• Population: Approximately 25.20 million, with nearly half under age 15.
• Capital: Bamako. Official language was French until 2022; 13 African languages are now recognized, with Bambara as the primary language.

• Economy based on agriculture and mining.
• Major exports include gold (80% of exports) and cotton.
• Mali is among the poorest countries worldwide.

• Mali was part of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires controlling trans-Saharan trade.
• The Mali Empire peaked in the 1300s and was known for wealth and cultural significance, highlighted by Timbuktu's university.
• France controlled Mali in the late 19th century; Mali gained independence in 1960.
• Transitioned to a democratic state after a coup in 1991.

• Experienced four Tuareg rebellions since independence and a major conflict in 2012, with the establishment of Azawad.
• A series of coups have led to military rule under Assimi Goïta, with severe economic disruptions due to actions from the al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM.

List of newspapers published in Mali.