Mali

Mali at a Glance

Mali is one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries in Africa. At its heart is the River Niger which winds through vast areas of Sahelian landscape, linking the fabled city of Timbuktu with the capital, Bamako. Travellers can explore the famous mosque at Djenné, the extraordinary cliff villages of the Dogon people and much more in a country enlivened by colourful markets and arguably the best music in Africa.

Capital City:
Bamako

Currency:
CFA Franc

Language:
French and Bambara

International Telephone Code:
+223

ISBN-13: 9781841622187

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Table of Contents

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history, History, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Culture

Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights and suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around , Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public Holidays, Festivals, Shopping, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 3 Bumako

Chapter 4 Ségou

Chapter 5 The Niger Inland Delta

Chapter 6 Dogon Country

Chapter 7 Gourma

Chapter 8 Gao

Chapter 9 Timbuktu

Chapter 10 Sikasso

Chapter 11 Kayes

Appendix 1 Language

Appendix 2 Further Information

Index

About the Author

Ross Velton has travelled extensively in French-speaking countries around the world including western Africa, and has hitchhiked across the Sahara. Jolyn Geels, an experienced tour-leader in West Africa, has updated this new edition.

Guidebook Updates

Notes from the Author

Extracted from Mali, People and Society section:

"The many ethnic groups in what is now Mali have all played their part in the country's past history, and as such they share a strong Malian identity which, with the exception of the Tuareg, generally takes precedence over their ethnic one. Indeed, although the potential for ethnic rivalries and violence in Mali is great, apart from the Tuareg problem and occasional disputes between sedentary and nomadic people - problems which are ultimately solved by peaceful negotiation - the people get on remarkably well together. This relative ethnic harmony is often attributed to Mali's most precious asset: social capital. This concept is almost the opposite of financial capital and cannot be neatly defined in terms of GNP, GDP or national debt. Instead, social capital relates to cultural, spiritual and human values, where interaction between people is more important than individual wealth. In this way, we can talk about 'rich countries with poor people' and 'poor countries with rich people'; Mali falls into the latter category.

Due in part to strong historical ties, but also because of the harsh environment and difficult living conditions, relationships between different sets of neighbours in Mali are based on mutual respect and interdependence. There is a strong sense of both family and community, which transcends clan and ethnic affiliations and, despite depressing economic statistics, makes Mali one of the world's richest countries in human terms."

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