Republic of Mali

République du Mali
Mali ka Fasojamana
Republic of Mali

Motto
Un peuple, un but, une foi
One people, one goal, one faith

Anthem
Le Mali

Tuareg rebellion:
Azawad (2012)

Capital

Bamako

Government

Semi-presidential republic

Head of state

- 2002-2012

Amadou Toumani Touré

- 2012

Amadou Haya Sanogo

- From 2012

Dioncounda Traoré

Prime Minister

- 2011-2012

Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé

- 2012

Vacant

- From 2012

Cheick Modibo Diarra

Legislature

National Assembly

History

- August 20, 1960

End of Mali Federation

- September 22, 1960

Republic of Mali

- March 22, 2012

Coup d'etat

- April 6, 2012

Azawad declares independence

Area

1,240,192 km²

Population

- 2009

14,517,176

Density

11.7/km²

GDP

2009 (PPP)

- Total

US$ 18.1 billion

- Per capita

US$ 1,251

Currency

West African CFA franc

Mali Federation

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The Republic of Mali is a semi-presidential republic in Western Africa.

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 by a military coup that ushered in a period of democratic rule. President Alpha KONARE won Mali's first two democratic presidential elections in 1992 and 1997. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE, who was elected to a second term in 2007 elections that were widely judged to be free and fair. A military coup overthrew the government in March 2012, claiming that the government had not adequately supported the Malian army's fight against an advancing Tuareg-led rebellion in the north. Heavy international pressure has forced coup leaders to accelerate the transition back to democratic rule and, to that end, Dioncounda TRAORE was installed as interim president on 12 April.^[1]

Economy

Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, Mali is a landlocked country highly dependent on gold mining and agricultural exports for revenue. The country's fiscal status fluctuates with gold and agricultural commodity prices and the harvest. Mali remains dependent on foreign aid. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River and about 65% of its land area is desert or semidesert. About 10% of the population is nomadic and about 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The government in 2011 completed an IMF extended credit facility program that has helped the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali is developing its cotton and iron ore extraction industries to diversify foreign exchange revenue away from gold. Mali has invested in tourism but security issues are hurting the industry. Mali experienced economic growth of about 5% per year between 1996-2010.^[2]