Mali, located in West Africa, is a vast country mostly covered by desert. Its capital, Bamako, sits on the banks of the Niger River, one of Africa's major rivers. With a population of around 21 million, Mali is rich in ethnic diversity, with French and various local dialects being widely spoken. The country experiences a dry, desert climate in the north and a more humid, savanna-like climate in the south. The economy largely depends on agriculture and mining, especially gold.

Culturally, Mali is famous for its ancient cities like Timbuktu, which were once centers of Islamic learning and trade. Traditional music, particularly the sounds of the kora and balafon, plays an essential role in daily life. Despite challenges such as poverty and political instability, Mali's rich cultural heritage continues to draw visitors from around the globe.