Mali: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Mali 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Mali: 122
  • Happiness Score Mali:4.232

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Mali. ML.

    Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and government. Mali has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and art playing a significant role in the society. The country’s economy is largely based on agriculture, mining, and livestock.

  • Mali is home to the ancient city of Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and manuscripts dating back to the 13th century.
  • The Niger River, one of the longest rivers in Africa, flows through Mali and is a vital source of water and transportation for the country.
  • Mali is known for its vibrant music scene, with traditional instruments like the kora and balafon gaining international recognition.
  • Mali – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The area of present-day Mali has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The region was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Djenné culture (around 300 BC–600 AD) and the Ghana Empire (7th–13th centuries AD), which was one of the first major empires in West Africa.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    Mali was once the center of the Mali Empire (13th–16th centuries), which stretched across a vast area of West Africa and became a major trading hub for gold and salt. The Songhai Empire (15th–16th centuries) later occupied much of the same territory.

    Colonial Period:

    In the late 19th century, Mali came under French colonial rule as part of French Sudan. The French exploited Mali’s natural resources and imposed strict policies that sparked resistance movements.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Mali gained independence from France in 1960. The country experienced political instability, including a coup d’état in 1968 and a military dictatorship until 1991. Since then, Mali has transitioned to a multi-party democracy, although it has faced challenges such as the Tuareg rebellion in the north and the 2012 military coup.

    Current Political Situation:

    Mali is a semi-presidential republic with a democratically elected president and a prime minister as the head of government. The current president is Assimi Goïta, who took power in a military coup in 2020.

    International Relations:

    Mali has close ties with neighboring countries in West Africa and is a member of organizations such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The country has faced ongoing security challenges due to the presence of extremist groups in the northern regions.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Mali has a predominantly agricultural economy, with cotton, gold, and livestock as major exports. The country faces challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, and low human development indicators, ranking 184th out of 189 countries on the 2020 Human Development Index.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Mali is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Timbuktu manuscripts, the Dogon culture, and the Djenné mud mosque. The country is also renowned for its music, with genres like Malian blues and Wassoulou gaining international recognition.

    Mali faces challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, and ongoing security concerns in the northern regions. However, the country’s diverse cultural heritage and natural resources present opportunities for sustainable development and economic growth.

Main facts

Location

Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire to the south, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west. The country is situated in the Sahara Desert and the Sahel region, with the Niger River flowing through its central region.

Map References

Mali is located in the western part of the African continent, in the region known as West Africa.

Area – Comparative

With an area of approximately 1,240,192 square kilometers (478,841 square miles), Mali is slightly less than twice the size of the U.S. state of Texas.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Mali has a total land boundary of 7,908 kilometers (4,921 miles), shared with the following countries:

Coastline

Mali is a landlocked country with no coastline.

Maritime Claims

As a landlocked country, Mali has no territorial sea or exclusive economic zone.

Climate

Mali has a subtropical to arid climate, with a hot and dry period from February to June, a humid and rainy season from June to November, and a cool and dry season from November to February. The northern part of the country experiences a hot desert climate, while the southern regions have a more tropical wet and dry climate.

Terrain

Mali’s terrain is mostly flat and arid, with a predominance of sandy plains and plateaus. The northern part of the country is characterized by the Sahara Desert, while the central region is dominated by the Niger River and its vast inland delta. The southern regions feature tropical savanna and dry forests.

Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Mali is the Senegal River (23 meters or 75 feet above sea level), and the highest point is Hombori Tondo (1,155 meters or 3,789 feet).

Natural Resources

Mali’s natural resources include gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and wood.

Major Bodies of Water

The Niger River, with its vast inland delta in central Mali, is the country’s major water body. Other significant rivers include the Senegal River, which forms part of Mali’s western border, and the Baoulé River, a tributary of the Niger River.

Natural Hazards

Mali is prone to occasional droughts, dust storms, and periodic hot winds from the Sahara Desert known as the Harmattan.

Geography – Notes

Mali is a landlocked country located in the Sahara and Sahel regions of West Africa, known for its vast arid landscapes, Niger River inland delta, and rich cultural heritage. The country faces environmental challenges such as desertification, deforestation, and soil erosion, which impact its agricultural and economic activities.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 3.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 3,179. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 33.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  17.570692-3.996166.
  • Capital: The capital of Mali is  Bamako
  • Major Cities:
    • Bamako – population: 2.7 million
    • Sikasso – population: 225,753
    • Mopti – population: 108,456
    • Koutiala – population: 137,982
    • Kayes – population: 127,368
  • Population: 19,658,031
  • Area(Km2): 1240192
  • Population Density( P/Km²):17. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:223
  • Official Language(s):Mali is predominantly spoken in the Bambara account for about 80% of the population.
  • Currency: XOF

Main Economic Indicators

Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa with a largely rural population and a developing economy. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, and is vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices and environmental conditions. Key economic challenges include high poverty rates, low literacy levels, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability. The government has undertaken economic reforms aimed at promoting private investment and diversifying the economy.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 4%
2020: 0.5%

Source: World Bank

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 38.5%
Industry: 18.8%
Services: 42.7%

Source: World Bank, 2021

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts
Industrial Products: Textiles, cement, edible oil, small household goods, mining

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 6.6 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 71st in the world

Source: CIA World Factbook

Current Account Balance

2021: -$1.4 billion
2020: -$1.2 billion
Comparative Ranking: 139th in the world (2021 est.)

Source: CIA World Factbook

Exports and Imports

Exports: $4.1 billion (2021 est.)
Key Export Partners: Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, China, India
Main Exports: Gold, cotton, livestock, fresh produce

Imports: $6.9 billion (2021 est.)
Key Import Partners: China, Senegal, France, Russia, Côte d’Ivoire
Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, petroleum products, construction materials, foodstuffs

Source: CIA World Factbook, OEC

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $5.9 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 6.9 tons (2021 est.)

Source: World Bank, World Gold Council

  • GDP (Current US$):$17,510,141,171. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 11.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 54.50%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.12. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.23. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 7.22%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality: Malian(s)

Adjective: Malian

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups:

  • Bambara 34.1%
  • Fulani (Peul) 14.7%
  • Sarakole 10.8%
  • Senufo 10.5%
  • Dogon 8.9%
  • Malinke 8.7%
  • Bobo 2.9%
  • Soninke 1.6%
  • Other 7.8%

3. Religions

Religious affiliations:

  • Muslim 94.8%
  • Christian 2.7%
  • Animist 0.7%
  • None 1.8%

4. Age Structure

Population distribution:

  • 0-14 years: 47.67%
  • 15-64 years: 49.72%
  • 65 years and over: 2.61%

5. Dependency Ratios

Dependency ratios:

  • Total dependency ratio: 101.2
  • Youth dependency ratio: 96.5
  • Elderly dependency ratio: 4.7

6. Median Age

Median age:

  • Total: 16.4 years
  • Male: 16 years
  • Female: 16.9 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Relevant lifestyle statistics:

  • Obesity rate: 6.1%
  • Alcohol consumption per capita: 0.6 liters of pure alcohol per year
  • Tobacco use: 19.1% of adults smoke tobacco
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 58.9. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 33.1%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:41.54. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 5.88. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 10.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 8,479,688. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):46.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Mali’s military consists of the Army, which includes the Republican Guard, an elite presidential protection force; the Air Force; and auxiliary services. The National Guard, a paramilitary force, is responsible for internal security and border control. The National Police maintains law and order and handles counter-terrorism operations.

Military Expenditures

Mali’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years are as follows:

  • 2018: 2.76%
  • 2019: 2.61%
  • 2020: 2.68%
  • 2021: 2.41%
  • 2022: 2.24%

Mali’s military spending ranks among the highest in the world as a percentage of GDP.

Personnel Strengths

Mali has approximately 15,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 7,000
  • Air Force: 800
  • Other Services: 7,200

The National Guard and National Police have an additional strength of around 12,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Mali’s military equipment includes light and heavy armored vehicles, artillery, and aircraft acquired from various sources, including Russia, China, and Western nations. The country is seeking to modernize its aging inventory and has plans to acquire new fighter jets, helicopters, and other equipment.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Mali has mandatory military service for all citizens between the ages of 18 and 35. The term of service is typically 2 years for conscripts.

Military Deployments

Mali has around 1,000 troops deployed in various UN peacekeeping missions, primarily in the Central African Republic and Mali itself, as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

Strategic Military Notes

Mali’s defense strategy focuses on combating terrorism and insurgent groups in the northern regions of the country. The military works closely with international partners, including France and the UN, to counter threats from extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Mali is a member of regional security organizations like the G5 Sahel and cooperates with neighboring countries to address cross-border security challenges.

  • Armed Forces Size: 13000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.13
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 70.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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