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             MALI
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Mali is a landlocked state in
West Africa. The country
mainly comprises vast and
monotonous plains and
plateaux. The Sahara Desert,
in the north of the country,
is encroaching southwards, and
the country is one of the
poorest in the world. In the
south there is some rain, and
plains are covered by grassy
savanna and a few scattered
trees. The River Niger runs
through the south of the
country, and small steamboats
use it for shipping. Only one-
fifth of the land can be
cultivated. Rice, cassava and
millet are grown for domestic
consumption, and cotton for
export.

Area (Sq. Km.): 1,240,000

Population: 8,278,000

Capital: Bamako

Language:
French

Religion:
Moslem 90%

Government Type:
In transition

Currency: Franc CFA

Embassy:
487 avenue Moliere,
Brussels 1060,
Belgium.
+32-2-3457432

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Foreign Office Advice:

Clashes between army and
Touareg groups have made many
areas north of Bamako unsafe
to visit.

Incidences of armed robbery
and attacks in these areas
have increased.

Visitors are advised not to go
to any areas north of Mopti.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129