Mali, landlocked country of western Africa, mostly in the Saharan and Sahel regions. To its north lies Algeria; to the South Niger, Burkina Faso, the Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea; and the west Senegal and Mauritania.

Mali is largely flat and arid, with the only fertile area in the south, where the Niger and Senegal rivers provide water for irrigation. The rivers function as the main trading and transport artery in the country.

Visitors come to see the endless sands of the Sahara Desert and to listen to the country’s world-renowned musical heritage such as ngoni and kora music.

Unfortunately, recent conflicts has made the country out of bounds for travelers.