Mali is a developing country in western Africa which remains politically unstable following the coup d'etat in March 2012 and the ongoing conflict in northern Mali. The official language is French; however, Bambara is the lingua franca and a total of thirteen local languages are also spoken and have status as national languages. The capital of Mali is Bamako (1.8 million, 2009 census estimate). Facilities for tourism are limited and their development has stalled since March.
There is a serious threat of terrorist activities in Mali's three northern regions (Timbuktu, Gao, and Kidal, which make up nearly 60 percent of the country's area) and in remote areas along the Mauritanian border. Following the fall of the north to rebel groups in April 2012, several terrorist organizations including Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have been increasing their use of the area as a safe haven for holding hostages and planning operations. While the Government of Mali, assisted by French and African intervention forces, regained control over the major northern cities in early 2013, these terrorist organizations still retain the capacity to launch attacks from their bases in the countryside.
U.S.-MALI RELATIONS - The United States established diplomatic relations with Mali in 1960, following its independence from France. In 1992, Mali moved from a one-party state to multiparty democracy. In March 2012, Mali's elected civilian government was removed in a military seizure of power, and an interim administration was subsequently put in place.
There are rebel groups still active in northern Mali, and an ongoing international military intervention in the north to dislodge and disrupt terrorist organizations and return security and territorial integrity to Mali.U.S.-Mali relations have been strong for decades and have been based on shared goals of strengthening democracy and reducing poverty through economic growth.
The country's democratic government had been in place for two decades and had significantly reduced poverty and improved the quality of life for many Malians. However, Mali remained near the bottom of the Human Development Index, notably in health and education. It also faced security challenges in the north.
Mali Travel Guide
Top Destinations in Mali
Timbuktu, Mali
WARNING: As of July 2012, Timbuktu is in the hands of Islamist rebels who captured the city from a secular rebel group in June. Most of the area's population ... more
Bamako, Mali
Bamako is the capital of Mali, located on the Niger river. With a population of around 1.7 million, it's the largest city in the country and one of the largest ...
