Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa, bordered by Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the southwest, Senegal and Mauritania to the west, and a small border with Liberia. The capital and largest city is Bamako. Historically, Mali was part of three West African empires that controlled trans-Saharan trade: the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire (for which Mali is named), and the Songhai Empire. In the late 19th century, Mali fell under French colonial rule and became part of French Sudan. It achieved independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation, and after a brief period as a federation with Senegal, it became the independent Republic of Mali. Mali's economy centers on agriculture and mining. Key crops include cotton and grains like millet and sorghum. Mali is also among the top gold producers in Africa and has substantial deposits of uranium. Despite these resources, Mali remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a large portion of its population dependent on subsistence agriculture. The population of Mali is diverse, encompassing several ethnic groups. The Bambara are the largest, followed by the Fulani (Peul), Dogon, Tuareg, Songhai, and Malinke, among others. French is the official language, but numerous indigenous languages are also spoken, including Bambara, which serves as a lingua franca. Culturally, Mali is known for its rich musical heritage, with globally recognized artists like Ali Farka Touré and Salif Keita. The country is also famous for its historical architecture, particularly the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Timbuktu and the Bandiagara Escarpment (home to the Dogon people). Geographically, Mali is mostly flat and arid, with the Sahara Desert covering its northern part. The Niger River flows through its interior, providing vital resources for agriculture and transportation. The country's climate varies from tropical in the south to arid in the north. Mali has faced significant political and security challenges, including a coup in 2012 and ongoing conflicts involving various armed groups, particularly in the northern region. These conflicts have been exacerbated by issues such as poverty, ethnic tensions, and Islamic extremism. International efforts, including those by the United Nations, continue to stabilize the situation. Population of Mali from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 19.08 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 19.66 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 20.25 million inhabitants. Capital (Bamako): Population in 2020: About 2.52 million inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Bamako: 2.52 million Sikasso: 226,618 Mopti: 149,022 Koutiala: 137,919 Kayes: 127,368 Ségou: 130,690 Gao: 87,000 Markala: 53,738 Kolokani: 48,774 Kati: 42,922 Mali is divided into 10 regions and the District of Bamako.