Region: Western Africa

Capital: Bamako

Population: 11 956 788 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 1 240 192 square km

Currency: CFA franc

GDP per capita: $900 (2003 est.)

Background:
The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 with a transitional government and in 1992 Mali's first democratic presidential election was held. His major concerns were political and economic reforms and to fight corruption. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE.

Economy – overview:
65% of Mali is desert or semi-desert area, and the country is characterized by a highly unequal distribution of income. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities.

Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export, along with gold. The government has continued its successful implementation of an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program that is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment. From 1996-2002 Mali achieved 5% in annual growth. Worker remittances and external trade routes have been jeopardized by continued unrest in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire.

United Nations Membership date: 28 September 1960

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Mali to the United Nations, 111 East 69th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021
Telephone: 212-737-4150 / 794-1311
Fax: 212-472-377