Why visit
Bamako is the capital of Mali. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
Mali at a glance
Country center
17.0°, -4.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
1,240,192 km²
478,841 mi²
Country population
23.3 million
19/km²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
XOF
Dial
+223
Language
French
Demonym
Malian
Internet
.ml
UN
Member state
ISO code
ML / MLI
Where in the world
17.0° · -4.0°
Mali
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Mali's Timbuktu was a major center of Islamic scholarship in the 14th century: its libraries held 700,000+ manuscripts.
- The Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud-brick building in the world: rebuilt annually by community volunteers.
- Mali was the world's richest empire in the 14th century: Mansa Musa is often cited as the wealthiest person in history.
Bordering Mali
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Bamako
What currency is used in Bamako?
Bamako uses the West African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XOF.
What languages are spoken in Mali?
The primary language is French.
What is the international calling code for Mali?
The calling code is +223.
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