People and Society of Mali

Nationality

Malian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Population

22,763,629

Population in Major Urban Areas

BAMAKO (capital) 2.037 million

Medical facilities in Mali are extremely limited, especially outside of Bamako. Psychiatric care to the same standard as that practiced in the United States does not exist. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako maintains a list of physicians and other healthcare professionals who have indicated willingness to treat U.S. citizen patients. The Embassy is unable to recommend medical professionals or facilities. Most U.S. medicines are unavailable; European medications are more easily found, and can be obtained at pharmacies throughout Bamako, and are usually less expensive than those in the United States. Travelers should carry with them an adequate supply of needed medication and prescription drugs, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic names for the drugs. Be careful to avoid purchasing potentially dangerous counterfeit medications when buying on the local market in Mali.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Mali remains among the lowest in the world, reflecting the country's persistent challenges in healthcare, nutrition, and infrastructure. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy stands at approximately 59 to 60 years overall, with women typically outliving men by a small margin — women averaging around 61 years compared to roughly 58 years for men. Mali's low life expectancy is driven by a combination of factors deeply rooted in poverty and limited access to healthcare services. The country has one of the highest infant and child mortality rates globally, with many deaths occurring before age five due to preventable and treatable conditions such as malaria, diarrheal diseases, pneumonia, and malnutrition. Malaria alone remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among young children and pregnant women. Maternal mortality is also a critical concern. Mali has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, estimated at over 440 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly pulling down overall life expectancy figures for women despite their biological longevity advantage. Many women in rural areas give birth without access to skilled medical attendants, contributing to dangerous complications during childbirth. The country's healthcare system is severely underfunded, with a shortage of trained medical professionals and facilities, especially outside the capital, Bamako. A large proportion of the population lives in remote rural areas where clinics and hospitals are difficult to reach. Ongoing political instability and armed conflict in the northern and central regions since 2012 have further disrupted healthcare delivery and displaced communities, worsening health outcomes. A series of military coups — most recently in 2021 — has added to the governance challenges affecting public health investment and delivery. Despite these challenges, Mali has made measurable progress over recent decades. Life expectancy has risen from below 45 years in the 1970s, reflecting gradual improvements in vaccination coverage, oral rehydration therapy for diarrheal illness, and international health initiatives. Programs targeting malaria prevention through insecticide-treated bed nets and improved access to basic prenatal care have contributed to incremental gains. Continued investment in education, women's health, and rural healthcare infrastructure will be essential for sustaining and accelerating this progress in the years ahead.

Infant Mortality Rate

Mali has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the significant healthcare and developmental challenges facing the country. As of recent data, approximately 54 to 57 infant deaths occur per 1,000 live births, meaning that roughly one in every 18 to 19 children born in Mali does not survive to their first birthday. While this figure represents a notable improvement compared to rates recorded in the 1990s and early 2000s — when the rate exceeded 120 deaths per 1,000 live births — it remains well above the global average of around 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. The primary causes of infant mortality in Mali include neonatal infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and complications arising from premature birth. Malnutrition is also a significant underlying factor, weakening infants' immune systems and making them far more susceptible to otherwise preventable illnesses. Access to quality healthcare is severely limited in Mali, particularly in rural and remote regions where the majority of the population lives. Many births occur outside of formal medical facilities without skilled birth attendants, increasing risks during delivery and the critical newborn period. A shortage of trained healthcare workers, insufficient medical supplies, and inadequate infrastructure compound these challenges considerably. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have been active in Mali, working alongside the government to expand immunization coverage, promote breastfeeding, improve maternal health services, and strengthen community-based health programs. Mali's national immunization campaigns have helped increase vaccination rates against diseases such as measles, polio, and tuberculosis, contributing to gradual reductions in child and infant mortality over recent decades. Despite measurable progress, ongoing political instability, intermittent conflict in the northern and central regions, and chronic poverty continue to hinder sustained improvement. Displacement of populations disrupts access to healthcare services, while food insecurity during droughts or conflicts increases vulnerability among infants. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, maternal education, and community health outreach remains essential to further reducing Mali's infant mortality rate in the years ahead.

Major Infectious Diseases

very high

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Muslim90.0%
• indigenous beliefs9.0%
• Christian1.0%

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

• French

• Mansa Musa

  1307–1332

  Mali’s most famous ruler, Mansa Musa, reigned from 1307 or 1312 to about 1332. He was so powerful and wealthy that when he traveled to Mecca, he took more than 60,000 attendants with him. He also brought enormous amounts of gold with him, and gave so much of it away that the price of gold fell in Egypt. During Mansa Musa’s reign, Mali conquered the large neighboring kingdom of Songhai. But the empire began to fall apart after Mansa Musa’s death, and eventually Songhai regained its independence. The organization and smooth administration of a purely African empire, the founding of the University of Sankore, the expansion of trade in Timbuktu, the architectural innovations in Gao, Timbuktu, Niani, and indeed, throughout the whole of Mali and in the subsequent Songhai Empire are all testimony to Mansa Ms’s superior administrative gifts. In addition, the moral and religious principles he had taught his subjects endured after his death.

Crime Information

Violent crime in Mali is infrequent, but petty crimes, such as pick pocketing and simple theft, are common in urban areas. Passports and wallets should be closely guarded when in crowded outdoor areas and open-air markets. Individuals are advised against traveling on the Bamako-Dakar railroad and should be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night. Criminals will not hesitate to use violence if they encounter resistance from their victims. There are sporadic reports of nighttime robberies occurring on the roads outside of the capital; tourists should not drive outside of Bamako at night. Travelers should stay alert, remain in groups, and avoid poorly lit areas after dark. Violent criminal activity does occasionally occur in Bamako. During and after the coup d’état in March 2012, violent attacks and looting were reported around Bamako. Violent attacks were also reported prior to the coup, most occurring south of the Niger River in the neighborhood of Badalabougou. Most reported attacks took place at night. The majority targeted unaccompanied individuals and ranged from muggings at gun- or knife-point to physical assaults. Many of the attacks occurred near the residences of the victims, both inside and outside of their vehicles. Sporadic banditry and random carjackings have historically plagued Mali's vast northern desert region and its borders with Mauritania and Niger. While banditry has not targeted U.S. citizens specifically, such acts of violence cannot be predicted. The current instability in the north has increased the risk of carjacking, kidnapping, and banditry. In November 2011, two French nationals were kidnapped from their hotel rooms in Hombori, one of whom was reportedly beheaded in early 2013. The following day, one German was killed while a Dutch citizen, a Swedish citizen, and a South African were kidnapped in Timbuktu. In April 2012, a Swiss national was kidnapped in Timbuktu and seven Algerian diplomats were kidnapped in Gao. In November 2012, a French national was kidnapped near the town of Kayes, close to the Senegalese/Mauritanian border.

Criminal Penalties

While in Mali, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. There are also some acts that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Mali, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Mali’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Mali are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. The U.S. Embassy does not always receive timely notification by Malian authorities of the arrest of U.S. citizens. You are encouraged to carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, so that proof of identity and citizenship are readily available in the event of questioning by local authorities. If arrested, you should always politely insist that you be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy