Mali

People

The largest of Mali's ethnic groups is Bambara and, although there are numerous other language groups, 80 per cent of people speak the Bambara language. Islam is the predominant religion, with 90 per cent of the population identifying as Muslim; nine per cent follow traditional religions and one per cent are Christian.

History

Mali has rock drawings and indications of ancient civilisations. By the 14th century, the Malian empire extended across West Africa. Its cities, including Timbuktu, were famous for culture, learning and wealth. Various other empires followed, until Mali became a French colony in1883. It gained independence in 1960 and was ruled by the military from 1968 until 1991. The past two decades have been characterised by student protests, and clashes between the military and the nomadic Tuareg people.

Geography

While the Sahara desert occupies the north, the centre is semi-desert and the south semi-tropical with forested savannah. Where the Niger River bisects Mali, fertile soil and water for irrigation make the area ideal for agriculture. Temperatures in Mali are always hot, reaching over 40°C. The rainy season is from June to September. Owing to recurrent droughts and the high demand for firewood, desertification is a major issue.

Economy

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65 per cent of its land area being classified as desert or semi-desert. About two-thirds of people live in rural areas, and about 10 per cent of the population is nomadic. Economic activity is largely confined to agriculture and fishing along the riverside area irrigated by the Niger. Urbanisation is increasing and distribution of income is highly unequal. More than 70 per cent of people survive on less than NZ$2 per day. Cotton, livestock and gold make up the majority of the country's exports. Mali is highly vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices. The country received significant debt relief, but the nation is still deeply in debt and dependent on foreign aid.

Agriculture

Approximately 80 per cent of Mali's workforce is involved in agriculture, livestock raising or fishing. The best productive land is located near the Niger River. Farmers grow sorghum, millet and maize. Droughts and locust swarms regularly challenge agricultural and pastoral ways of life.

Education

In Mali, 50 per cent of boys and 43 per cent of girls attend primary school. Schooling is compulsory from 7 years old, but enrolments are taken only every other year. Education is often expensive and schools located some distance away. Some children are required to work at home instead of attending school. Parents prefer to educate boys, as girls are often married at an early age. Under a government decentralisation programme designed to improve attendance and achievement, communities are progressively participating in school management. There is still a shortage of teachers and teaching materials.

Health

Mali's infant and maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world. Malaria, respiratory infections, malnutrition and diarrhoea are the leading causes of death. Chronic malnutrition causes developmental problems in more than a third of children under 5 years. Other health problems include cholera, measles, meningitis, tuberculosis, and HIV and AIDS. Accessing safe water is difficult and time consuming. More than 90 per cent of women between 15 and 49 have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) during childhood. As well as physical and psychological consequences, FGM can lead to difficulties in childbirth and increased susceptibility to infection.

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