Mali is one of the least densely populated countries in Africa. Most of the people live in small villages and pursue such traditional occupations as farming, fishing, herding, crafts, and trade. The nomadic groups of Berbers, Tuareg, and Moors live north of the Niger River. Mostly herders, they raise cattle, sheep, and goats and are always on the move in search of water and forage for their animals. Black peoples include various agricultural, settled groups of Bambara, Soninke, Malinke, and Songhai. About four fifths of the people are Muslims, but many small groups adhere to traditional African religions. A small percentage of the population is Christian. French is the official language. Several local languages and dialects are spoken, of which Bambara is the most widely used. The Moors speak Arabic. Bamako, the capital, is also the largest city. Other major cities include Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti and Goa.
Education is free and compulsory for all children age 6 to 15. The literacy rate is low—less than one third of adults can read and write. Although Mali has a number of small hospitals, medical and health centers, and maternity clinics, there is a shortage of trained medical staff. Life expectancy averages around 47 years, and infant mortality is high. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is relatively low when compared with other sub-Saharan countries.
Situated between the Arab world to the north and the black African nations to the south, Mali has for centuries been one of the cultural crossroads of West Africa. The country is especially known for its folk music and dance, wood carving, and jewelry making.
