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Mali is a landlocked republic, sharing borders with Mauritania, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Senegal.
It is a vast land of flat plains fed by two major rivers, the Senegal on its western edge and the great River Niger. On its
journey north the Niger converges with the River Bani, and forms a rich inland delta, the marshlands of the Macina, stretching
for some 450km (280 miles) along the river’s length, in some places 200km (124 miles) wide. The central part of the country
is arid grazing land, called the Sahel, which has suffered great drought. At Timbuktu, the Niger reaches the desert and here
it turns first to the east, then to the southeast at Bourem, where it heads for the ocean. In the desert, near the Algerian
and Niger borders in the northeast, the Adrar des Iforas massif rises 800m (2625ft). The north of the country is true desert
except for the few oases along the ancient trans-Saharan camel routes. Tuaregs still live around these oases and camel routes.
Further south live the Peulh cattle-raising nomads. The majority of the population lives in the savannah region in the south.
The peoples of this region comprise Songhai, Malinke, Senoufou, Dogon and the Bambara (the largest ethnic group).
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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.
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Overview 
