Mali

C

Plants and Animals

In the southern Saharan zone of Mali are found mimosa and gum trees; in the central region, thorny plants; and in the south, kapok, baobab, and shea trees. Animals include cheetah, oryx, gazelle, giraffe, warthog, lion, leopard, antelope, and jackal.

D

Environmental Concerns

Mali's environment suffers from rapid population growth and an ongoing drought that has lasted for decades. Despite the drought, 82 per cent (1998) of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Traditional fuels, particularly fuel wood and charcoal, provide 88 per cent (1996) of all energy used in the country. Consequently, Mali—which is only 9.5 per cent (1995) forested—has a 1 per cent (1990-1996) annual rate of deforestation. Drought, deforestation, and increased farming of marginal lands are causing soil degradation and dramatic desertification in Mali, and the Sahara is expanding south at an alarming rate. The drought and loss of habitat, combined with poaching of threatened species, is helping drive animal species to extinction.

The country also suffers from water pollution due to poor sanitation. Only 6 per cent (1990-1998) of all Malians have access to adequate sanitation. As a result, water from rivers and wells is often contaminated with bacteria, and only 66 per cent (1990-1998) of the population has access to safe drinking water. The government has designated 3.7 per cent (1997) of Mali's total land area protected and has ratified international environmental agreements on biodiversity, climate change, desertification, endangered species, law of the sea, ozone layer protection, and wetlands.

III

Population

Almost all the population of Mali is African; the major groups are the Bambara, Fulani, Tuareg, Soninke, Sénouf, Songhai, Malinké, and Dogon. Nomadic Tuaregs and other Berbers roam the Sahel and parts of the Sahara. The limited range of domestic economic opportunities means that seasonal emigration to neighbouring states is an integral part of Malian life; many people also emigrate permanently.

A

Population Characteristics

Mali has a population of 11,995,402 (2007 estimate), giving an average population density of about 10 people per sq km (25 per sq mi). Around 34 per cent of the population is urbanized. Average life expectancy in 2007 was 48 years for males, and 52 years for females.

B

Political Divisions

Mali is divided into eight administrative regions, subdivided into cercles and arondissements, plus the capital district of Bamako. The larger towns have elected mayors and council members.