Mali
Mali gained its independence from France in 1960, and French is still its official language. Mali is among the poorest countries in the world with its economy dependent on gold mining and agriculture.
About 80 per cent of the labour force is agrarian, but agricultural revenues are volatile. Mali therefore remains dependent on foreign aid. Mali is developing its iron ore industry to diversify its exports away from gold. Insecurity, weak infrastructure, and an under-skilled workforce remain the main barriers to attracting foreign investment and achieving economic growth.
Mali is a member of La Francophonie and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. However, Mali has since been suspended from the African Union and departed from the Economic Community of West African States.
Australia's diplomatic representation to Mali is from the High Commission in Accra, Ghana.
Economic and trade information
Mali economic fact sheet [PDF]
Travel information
- Before you travel, visit smartraveller.gov.au
- Read the travel advice for Mali
- Subscribe to updates
- Get the right travel insurance
- For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
- Australian Passports Office
- Visa information
Heads of Government
Includes Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Foreign, Trade and Aid Ministers