II.

Land and Resources

Most of Mali consists of low plains broken occasionally by rocky hills. In the south-east the Hombori Mountains rise to 1,155 m (3,789 ft), and in the south-west the Bambouk and Manding mountains are separated by an area of sandy lowlands north and north-west of the River Niger, which cuts an arc across Mali. The northern third of the country lies within the Sahara. In the west is a part of the Sahel, a semi-arid transitional zone between the savannah areas of the south and the Sahara desert to the north.

A.

Climate

The climate of the parts of Mali not in the Sahara is hot and dry with average temperatures ranging from about 24° to 32° C (75° to 90° F) in the south, and higher in the north. Annual rainfall declines from about 1,400 mm (55 in) in the south to some 1,120 mm (44 in) at Bamako and less than 127 mm (5 in) in the north.

B.

Natural Resources

Mali is a predominantly agricultural country. The most valuable resource is the River Niger, which abounds in fish; its waters are used for irrigation. Mineral resources include phosphates, salt, gold, and uranium.

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.