Living in Mali

Mali is located in West Africa and is landlocked; around 19.1 million people live there. The north extends into the Sahara, the central region lies in the Sahel, while in the south, the Niger River, with its floodplains and more fertile landscapes, shapes daily life. There are long dry periods and regionally varying rainy seasons; more rain falls in the south than in the north. In Bamako and other cities, many people live in densely built neighborhoods, get around on foot, by motorcycle, minibus, or taxi, and work in areas such as trade, administration, crafts, or agriculture. In rural areas, farming, livestock raising, and seasonal markets shape everyday life. Family visits, sharing meals, and music are part of leisure in many places; living conditions differ greatly between cities, river regions, and desert areas.