Once one of the great centres of Islamic culture and wealth, Mali owes much of its reputation to its situation as a major trading centre and to the tax that is levied on its trans-Saharan route.
The Mali Empire reached its zenith in the early 14th century. After its decline, the territory became part of the Songhai Empire, which was brought to an end by the Moroccan invasion of 1591. With the decline of the trans-Saharan trading routes, the area enjoyed little strategic importance and was divided into small kingdoms for the next two centuries until the arrival of French colonists. Mali was absorbed into French West Africa in 1895. In 1960, together with what is now Senegal, it achieved independence as the Federation of Mali, although Senegal seceded after a few weeks.
The first President was Modibo Keita, who severed ties with France and developed strong links with the USSR. In 1968, a military coup overthrew Keita and the coup leader promised a return to civilian rule. This failed to materialise until in 1991, army officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Amadou Toumani Touré, assumed power.
In presidential elections later that year, the leader of the Alliance pour la Démocratie au Mali (ADEMA), Alpha Oumar Konaré, won and dominated Malian politics for the next 10 years:
Konaré secured re-election in 1997 but the political environment was far from peaceful during the period of ADEMA rule. The country was beset by strikes, student protests, as well as a revolving door of prime ministers, few of whom lasted more than a year.
In 2002, after a decade in the political wilderness, Touré returned to office. French approval quickly became evident when the bulk of Mali's debt to France was cancelled within months of the election. Touré won elections again in 2007.
Majority Muslim, with indigenous and Christian minorities.
Social conventions:Malians are hospitable people and will welcome visitors gracefully into their homes. Visitors must remember that this is a Muslim country and the religious customs and beliefs of the people should be respected. Modesty in dress, particularly for women, is essential.
Photography: This is no longer restricted, except for military subjects. However, interpretation of what is considered off limits tends to vary. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious point of view and it is advisable to obtain permission before taking photographs in Mali.
The official language is French. There are a number of local languages.
