Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | ML, MLI |
| Official Name | Republic of Mali |
| Continent | Africa |
| Capital | Bamako |
| Government Type | Semi-presidential Republic |
| Currency | West African CFA franc (XOF) |
| Calling Code | +223 |
| Member Of | United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States |
| Population | Approximately 19 million |
| Total Area | 1,240,192 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Hombori Tondo (1,155 meters, 3,789 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Senegal River (23 meters, 75 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | $901 |
| Life Expectancy | Around 59 years |
| Internet TLD | .ml |
Mali National Anthem
Le Mali
At your call, Mali,
For your prosperity,
Faithful to your destiny,
We will be all united,
A united people for your grandeur,
We will march hand in hand,
Together we will ensure your greatness,
For Africa and for you, Mali,
Our flags, united for the same hope,
On the path of unity,
Gathered in the same struggle,
In the same faith in the future,
To make the African Unity live.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Mali Flag
The national flag of Mali is a symbol of the country’s history, culture, and aspirations. Adopted shortly after gaining independence from France in 1960, the flag features three equal vertical stripes of green, gold, and red. These colors are traditional Pan-African colors, symbolizing different aspects of the country and continent.
The green represents fertility of the land, emphasizing agriculture and the country’s hope for a bright future. The gold (yellow) symbolizes purity and mineral wealth, a significant aspect of Mali’s economy. The red echoes the blood shed in the struggle for independence, symbolizing the sacrifices made for freedom and national sovereignty.
The Mali flag was inspired by the flag of the Mali Federation, a short-lived union between Mali and Senegal. The original design included a black human figure, the ‘kanaga’, in the central yellow stripe, but this was later removed to create the current simple tricolor. The removal of the kanaga symbol was partly due to the emphasis on secularism and unity among diverse ethnic groups in the country.
The flag has remained a constant symbol of Mali’s national identity through various political changes and challenges. It represents the unity of the nation despite its ethnic and cultural diversity. The tricolor design is a common feature in many African flags, reflecting a shared history and collective aspirations towards unity, freedom, and development on the continent.