A large number of the population live on the banks of the River Niger. Bambara is the most spoken language. Other African languages and Arabic are also used. Fewer than two per cent of the population are Christian. Traditional religions are still practised by some of the people of Mali.
Staple foods are, millet, rice, sweet potatoes, plantains, beans and manioc.
Freshwater fish from the River Niger such as Tilapia and salted dried fish are used. Meals include meat kebabs, stews and dishes made from millet. Herbal teas are popular. Fruit from Baobab trees is used in times of food scarcity to make porridge. During the Middle Ages the Moslem empire of Mali covered most of West Africa.