Bamako - Wikitravel Bamako Understand[ edit ] Bamako bridge crossing the Niger River Bamako has been continuously inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. In 1883 it was conquered by French troops, and in 1908 became the capital of French Sudan. The city has only a few paved main roads (goudrons), the rest of the city's roads are unpaved, and get dusty during the dry season (November to May) and muddy during the rainy season, offering breeding grounds to malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The city can be hard to navigate through due to the lack of road signs, the complicated layout of the streets and the one way system in the city. The roads are very crowded both with motor vehicles and motorcycles who appear to fill every available space possible. Traffic police are particularly vigilant and will sometimes appear to enforce very arbitrary traffic rules. They are usually on motorcycles as well so it is unwise to try and out run them in your vehicle as they will easily catch up. Often the best way to navigate around the city is to hire a taxi-motorcycle to lead you to your destination. These are relatively cheap and depending on the distance can be as low as 100 cfa.

There is no meter and price is negotiated upfront. Unemployment rates are high. By plane[ edit ] Bamako-Sénou Airport is roughly 15km (30–40 minutes) from the city center, with flights from Paris on Air France. Flights to Europe are also offered by Royal Air Maroc, via Casablanca -- the main drawback to this option is that the flight from BKO to Casablanca leaves at 3:35am. Taxi rides should cost about 7000 CFA from the city. Passengers flying Air France should consider pré-enregistrement, or early check-in. This can be done at the Air France office on the day of the flight, between 10AM and 5PM. The office is located at Square Lumumba. Luggage is dropped off and boarding passes issued right then and there, as would happen at the airport - minus the crowds and the hassle! The airport has been undergoing massive renovations in 2009-10. On the plus side, the underwhelming and cramped upstairs waiting area is gone, replaced by a much larger and more modern room. On the downside, many parts remain incomplete.

Expect to make your way through worksites. People with difficulty getting around will still find Bamako-Senou challenging, as there are less stairs than before, but a lot more corridors and construction to contend with. By train[ edit ] Bamako is at the end of the railway line from Dakar in Senegal which used to transport passengers across western Africa. However since a few years back all cross-border traffic have stopped and the only remaing service is a thrice-weekly train from the western city of Kayes and a short commuter service from Koulikoro . There have been several announcements recently of a renewed service between Bamako and Dakar but no trains have yet materialsed. By bus[ edit ] At the Sogoniko bus station you can find busses to other cities such as Segou , Mopti (taking about 10 hours). Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Prices are not fixed, and for many goods bargaining is expected. Beware, sometimes for common items (like food) the first price mentioned is just right. On the market it might be a good idea to first ask a couple of times at different stands before actually buying something.

Near the area of Bamako-Coura is the lively artisan market where traders from all over Bamako come to sell silver jewelry, leather, musical instruments and wood carvings. Prices are reasonable but the vendors expect their customers to bargain and enjoy it when they do. Once inside the market the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant but be careful in the busy streets directly surrounding - it's easy to lose a bag to a thief. Euros are widely accepted. ATM's were difficult to find in Bamako, but their presence is growing. BDM banks have ATM's for VISA cards in several branches, and Banque Atlantique used to have ATM's for Maestro/Mastercard, but their license has lapsed, so VISA and possibly VISA electron are now the only options for all Malian ATMs. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Pizzeria de Guido, Rue 250, off Blvd Nelson Mandela. Decent Italian restaurant - just don't expect taxi drivers to know where it is... edit Love them or hate them, the French have left one decent legacy in West Africa: bread. Fresh delicious baguettes are ubiquitous, and travelers should not be worried about becoming sick because of the bread.

Vegetarians will have a hard time in Bamako. Asking for a meal without meat will usually be met with the kind of look reserved for children and elderly relatives one does not wish to upset. In a country where poverty is common and food is often scarce, turning down meat is an oddity. That said, mornings beans, fries, and fried plaintains can be found streetside throughout the city. Morning, noon, and night you can find small streetside "cafes" where you can get a VERY fried egg sandwich and some nescafe. Several varieties of fried dough are also easy to stumble upon. Lunch- Rice and sauce is most easy to find, in local restaurants a plate with meat shouldn't cost more than 500, but can range up to 1,500. Evenings you can find attcheke (cassava dish), spaghetti, beans, boiled eggs, and fries relatively easily. Meat eaters will be pleased to learn beef and fish are exceptionally good. Beef kebabs and grilled Capitaine, a freshwater fish from the Niger river, are always a good choice.

Chicken are usually left to fend for themselves, and tend to be on the scrawny side, especially compared to North-American chicken. Although the situation is improving, you might want to avoid disappointment and just give chicken a miss while in Bamako. To avoid food borne illness, stay away as much as possible from fresh vegetables, and make sure your food is piping hot before eating it. Hotel Badala, Badalabougou (Second road right after German Emabassy), ☎ +223 2023 2314. Very well run, little known restaurant/brasserie. Excellent food (the Pave du boeuf is yummy). Excellent service. Small pool, outside tables. Near the river. Prices are relatively high for Mali but in Bamako you need a treat sometimes! edit Grocery shopping[ edit ] You can eat like the locals for a few hundred CFA a day, or shop in one of the western-style supermarkets. There is one main market, in the centre of town, and several smaller markets in Bamako. Supermarket-style stores are generally run by Lebanese businessmen. La Fourmi A two story grocery store, the second floor contains house hold supplies.

The butchers will cut the meat to order. The store is open from 7:30 am -1:00 pm and from 3:30 pm - 8:00pm, Monday - Saturday. Sundays 8:30 am -12:30 pm. Azar The store is open from 7:30 am -1:00 pm and from 3:30 pm - 8:00pm, Monday - Saturday. Sundays 8:30 am -12:30 pm. Supermarket Le Miniprix It is actually the best one with the best service and with the lowest prices. They have a very clean store and are open from 7:30am to 10:30pm. They also accept US/Canadian Dollars and Euro. These stores will carry Western or Middle-Eastern goods, including cold cuts, fruit and vegetable, and dairy products including fresh milk and yogurt. Prices are generally higher than in Europe or the US, and choice more limited in a way reminiscent of a North-American convenience store.

Budget[ edit ] There are many restaurants where you can get nice omelette sandwiches for about 250 CFA. Many street vendors sell bread, rice, fries, salad, grilled meat; however, use precautions while eating on the street. Le Bafing, Quartier du Fleuve opposite the Service d'Hygiène, ☎ 6672 0781. Bistrot/Restaurant/Bar in a small street. Eating in a courtyard. Very good and friendly service. Daily special includes local dishes, à la carte steak, fish or spaghetti. Well stocked bar. Recommended. around $5 for main dishes. edit Assalam - ACI 2000 between the obelisk round point and Place Can. Lebanese- good shawarmas, hummus, brochettes- varied menu. Pleasant staff. Mid-range[ edit ] African Grill, Place de l'OVMS. Restaurant serving good authentic African cuisine, on a square just off a main road. Not luxurious but good. Beer and wine are available but, because of the proximity to a mosque, don't be surprised if on Fridays they ask you to keep the bottles out of sight on the floor.

They have a second location at the Musée National. around 3000CFA for main dishes. edit Appaloosa, Quartier du Fleuve. Restaurant and Bar. One of the strangest sights on earth. Malians in velour cowboy hats and vests serve Tex-Mex dishes in the restaurant while blond Russian professional women work the bar. Must be seen to be believed. The food isn't bad either. edit Poularco. Another Lebanese joint with slightly higher class food than the rest. Nice shawarmas, pizzas, and good mixed salads are on the menu here edit Bamako has many Lebanese and Chinese restaurants. Hippodrome[ edit ] Bla Bla is where Bamako's uppercrust go to relax and have a (expensive) cocktail or bottle of champagne. With a small but delicious African menu, a wide range of cocktails, and cold draft beer - it is one of the most popular restaurants to see and be seen. An entree here is around $15 US. Also this place frequently has art exhibitions for local artists. Le Terrace next door to the Bla Bla is a very large bar/lounge on top of a night club. Very good atmosphere and salsa music, dancing.

Good pizzas and other fare. Le Relax is a popular Lebanese hangout in Hippodrome with quick food and free wi-fi access. Pizzas, shawarmas, and hummus are the stars in this menu. Broadway is a Western style restaurant which is pretty much the only place you can find a "real" hamburger with "real" cheese. Also on the menu are breakfast burittos, chicken wings, and shakes. Great if you are missing the comforts of home. Burgers only run $4 without fries but expect to pay up to $12 for a full entree. San Toro is a restaurant serving traditional Malian food and drink - no alcohol, but many ginger, tamrind and seasonal fruit based drinks. There is always live acoustic music there and the ambiance is very relaxed. Da Guido just after the Bla Bla Road becomes dirt, is a real Italian restaurant run by real Italians. Their oven fired pizzas are the best in Bamako and they also serve up hefty portions of delicious pasta. Expensive wine flows freely here. Walking into this place you will think you just walked into an Italian restaurant in Brookly with the Roman wall murals and brick floors.

A good pizza will run you about $15 US. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] The Evasion Jazz Club can be pretty cool on Fridays and Saturdays. The Hippo d'Or (close to Hippodrome) is also a nice place for enjoying non-stop live music on Fridays and, even more, on Saturdays. There is a big Casino near the Hotel L'Amitie. Ibiza, Blyblos (under renovation as of August 2010) and Terrace are still the hippest places to dance and drink. For some less seedy drinking establishments, try No Stress & Jet Set (formerly Privledge), which both have pool tables as well. Bla Bla and its twin in Badalabougou are known to get pumping on weekends. Crazy Horse has some good food and is well priced. Ibiza, Rud Princess. Around the hour 00:00 on weekends the Malians come alive; this is a nice nightclub that opens up at 00:00 and plays a variety of dance music. edit Bamako, capital city of Mali All... Bamako, capital city of Mali There are plenty of reasons to love Bamako.

The capital of Mali is always buzzing with activity. Colorful markets spill into the streets, great restaurants serve up traditional meals for pocket change, a friendly energy permeates the neighborhoods and the soundtrack of the city is created by some of the continent's best music stars. The MarchÈ de Medina is one of the city's best hidden secrets. Not yet overridden with tourists, the market is a great place to shop and drink in the vibrant scene without getting hassled. There, ramshackle stalls spill over with fresh fruits and vegetables and clothing made from local cotton. The array of goods is constantly changing, but you can also often find handwoven rugs, wood carvings and other artisan handicrafts for low prices. If you have time, get your hands decorated with henna and hair braided at the beauty parlor section. If you are looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary, try shopping at the Fetish Stalls, a small market in the Quartier du Fleuve. The faint-hearted should stay away, as the stomach-turning array includes dried chameleons, bones, monkey heads, skins and other oddities. The small but interesting National Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Mali's many ethnic groups.

Beautiful ethnographic pieces are on display, including ancient textiles, wooden masks, contemporary marionettes and intricate carvings. More artifacts that detail Malian culture and history are on display at the Muso Kunda Museum. The collection highlights fine works of art by the country's female artists and includes a number of handicrafts that tell the story of traditional Malian life. There is also an interesting exhibit of traditional clothing embellished with fine handwoven details. When the afternoon sun gets too warm, head to the Bamako Botanical Gardens to cool off in the shade of hundreds of leafy trees. The park is dissected by a beautiful man-made river spanned with lovely pedestrian bridges, and walking paths lead visitors up a large hill that yields some of the best views of the city. After exploring the flora of Mali at the botanical garden, visit the nearby Bamako Zoo to see Africa's fauna up close. Most of the animals, including crocodiles, ostriches, chimpanzees, lions and zebras, are in cages instead of behind glass. This means that visitors are often allowed to treat the animals with food under the careful watch of the zookeepers.

The zoo is also crisscrossed with peaceful hiking trails that show off Bamako's scenic beauty. One of the capital's most prominent landmarks is the BCEAO Tower, home of the Central Bank of Western African States. Visitors can tour the 20-story building, the tallest in the country, and catch another great view of the city from the top floor. About 90 percent of Malians are Muslim, and many of the faithful in Bamako worship at the Grand Mosque. Located in the heart of the city, the mosque was built with Saudi Arabian funds in the late 1970s and is one of the capital's tallest buildings. The mosque is occasionally open to visitors outside of congregational prayer times, and it is a real treat to view the opulent interior. Bamako Geographical Location Bamako is located in the southwest of Mali near the Niger River and is its largest city. The population of Bamako is approximately 1,850,000. Bamako Language French is the official language of Mali but Bambara is the most widely spoken. There are many indigenous languages to Mali that are still spoken, 13 of them have the status of national languages.

Bamako Predominant Religion 9% Indigenous Beliefs 1% Christian Mali’s constitution provides for religious freedom and although there are few atheists, the religious groups of Mali generally interact well. Bamako Currency The official currency of Mali is the Communaute Financiere Africaine Franc. Bamako Climate Bamako is hot all year round with a rainy season from June until September. The winter’s temperature is very similar to summer but there is almost no rainfall. Bamako Main Attractions The National Library of Mali The National Museum Bamako | national capital, Mali | Britannica.com national capital, Mali Mopti Bamako, capital of Mali , located on the Niger River in the southwestern part of the country. When occupied for the French in 1880 by Captain Joseph-Simon Gallieni , Bamako was a settlement of a few hundred inhabitants, grouped in villages. It became the capital of the former colony of French Sudan in 1908, four years after the Kayes–Bamako segment of the Dakar–Niger Railway (now the Regie des Chemins de Fer du Mali) was opened. Bamako, Mali.

Arensond Bamako now spans both sides of the Niger River, which is navigable 225 miles (360 km) south, to Kouroussa , Guinea, from mid-June to mid-December. To the north a canal around the Sotuba Rapids has opened the northeastern section of the river to shipping as far as Gao (869 miles [1,398 km]). Cement and petroleum products are shipped downstream from Bamako, with rice and groundnuts (peanuts) coming upstream for transshipment via the railway. The city is also served by an airport. Bamako is a bustling city with a large market, botanical and zoological gardens, an active artisan community , and several research institutes. It supports four colleges and houses the majority of Mali’s industrial enterprises. The city more than tripled in size from 1960 to 1970, largely because of rural migration from drought-stricken areas of the countryside. A traditional character prevails, however, and mud brick buildings can still be seen throughout the city. Pop. (2009) 1,809,106. Drums for sale in a market, Bamako, Mali.

Bruno Morandi—Robert Harding World Imagery/Getty Images Learn More in these related articles: Where is Mali? / Where is Mali Located in The World? / Mali Map - WorldAtlas.com What is the capital of Mali? Located in the continent of Africa , Mali covers 1,220,190 square kilometers of land and 20,002 square kilometers of water, making it the 24th largest nation in the world with a total area of 1,240,192 square kilometers. Mali became an independent state in 1960, after gaining its sovereignty from France. The population of Mali is 14,533,511 (2012) and the nation has a density of 12 people per square kilometer. The currency of Mali is the CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF). As well, the people of Mali are refered to as Malian. The dialing code for the country is 223 and the top level internet domain for Malian sites is .ml. To learn more, visit our detailed Mali section.

Quick facts Bamako - Countries of the world Countries of the world Mali Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali , with a population of 1.8 million (2009 Census, provisional). In 2006, it was estimated to be the fastest growing city in Africa and sixth fastest in the world.[6] It is located on the Niger River, near the rapids that divide the upper and middle Niger valleys in the southwestern part of the country. Bamako is the nation's administrative center. The city proper is a cercle in its own right. Bamako's river port is located in nearby Koulikoro, along with a major regional trade and conference center. Bamako is the seventh largest West African urban center after Lagos, Abidjan, Kano, Ibadan, Dakar , and Accra . Locally manufactured goods include textiles, processed meat and metal goods. There is commercial fishing on the Niger River. The name Bamako comes from the Bambara word meaning "crocodile river".[7] History The area of the city has been continuously inhabited since the Palaeolithic era for more than 150,000 years.

The fertile lands of the Niger River Valley provided the people with an abundant food supply and early kingdoms in the area grew wealthy as they established trade routes linking across west Africa the Sahara and leading to northern Africa and Europe. The early inhabitants traded gold, ivory, Kola nuts and salt.[8] By the 11th century the Empire of Ghana became the first kingdom to dominate the area. Bamako had become a major market town, and a centre for Islamic scholars, with the establishment of two universities and numerous mosques in medieval times.[8] The Mali Empire grew during the early Middle Ages and replaced Ghana as the dominant kingdom in west Africa, dominating Senegal , Gambia , Guinea and Mauritania .[8] In 14th century the Mali Empire became increasingly wealthy because of the trade of cotton and salt.

This was eventually succeeded by the Songhai Empire and in the 16th century Berber invaders from Morocco destroyed what remained of the kingdoms in Mali and trans-Saharan trade was taken over by sailors.[8] French Fort of Bammakou 1883 By the late 19th century, the French dominated much of western Africa, and in 1883, present-day Mali became part of the colony of French Sudan , and was its capital in 1908. Cotton and rice farming was encouraged through large irrigation projects and a new railroad connected Mali to Dakar on the Atlantic coast.[8] Mali was annexed then into French West Africa, a federation which lasted from 1895 to 1959.[8] Mali gained independence from France in April 1960, and the Republic of Mali was later established. At this time Bamako had a population of around 160,000.

During the 1960s the country became socialist and Bamako was subject to Soviet investment and influence.[8] However, the economy declined as state enterprises collapsed and unrest was widespread.[8] Eventually Moussa Traoré led a successful coup and ruled Mali 23 years. However his rule was characterised by severe droughts and poor government management and problems of food shortages.[8] Amadou Toumani Touré In the late 1980s the people of Bamako and Mali campaigned for a free market economy and multiparty democracy. In 1990, the National Congress for Democratic Initiative (Congrès National d'Initiative démocratique, CNID) was set up by the lawyer Mountaga Tall, and the Alliance for Democracy in Mali (Alliance pour la démocratie au Mali , ADEMA) by Abdramane Baba and historian Alpha Oumar Konaré. These with the Association des élèves et étudiants du Mali (AEEM) and the Association Malienne des Droits de l'Homme (AMDH) aimed to oust Moussa Traoré.

Under the old constitution, all labor unions had to belong to one confederation, the National Union of Malian Workers (UNTM). When the leadership of the UNTM broke from the government in 1990, the opposition grew. Groups were driven by paycuts and layoffs in the government sector, and the Malian government acceding to pressure from international donors to privatise large swathes of the economy that had remained in public hands even after the overthrow of the socialist government in 1968. Students, even children, played an increasing role in the protest marches in Bamako, and homes and businesses of those associated with the regime were ransacked by crowds. On 22 March 1991 a large-scale protest march in central Bamako was violently suppressed, with estimates of those killed reaching 300. Four days later a military coup deposed Traoré.

The Comité de Transition pour le Salut du Peuple was set up, headed by General Amadou Toumani Touré.[9] Alpha Oumar Konari officially became president on 26 April 1992.[8] Geography The Cercle of Bamako Bamako is situated on the Niger River floodplain, which hampers development along the riverfront and the Niger 's tributaries. Bamako is relatively flat, except to the immediate north where there is an escarpment, being what remains of an extinct volcano. The Presidential Palace and main hospital are located here. Pont des Martyrs Originally, the city developed on the northern side of the river, but as it grew, bridges were developed to connect the north with the south. The first of these was the Pont des Martyrs (2-lane with 2 pedestrian sections) and the King Fahd Bridge (4-lane with 2 motorcycle and 2 pedestrian sections). Additionally, there is a seasonal causeway between the eastern neighborhoods of Sotuba and Misabugu inherited from colonial times (alternated traffic on 1-lane with 5 crossing sections).

The Sotuba Causeway ( "Chaussée submersible de Sotuba" in French, and "Babilikoroni" in Bamanankan) is typically under water from July to January. A third bridge (1.4 km long, 24 m large, 4-lane with 2 motorcycle and 2 pedestrian sections) is being built at the same location[10] to reduce downtown congestion, notably by trucks. Climate Bamako has a hot and humid Sahelian climate and is very hot on average all year round. Under the Köppen climate classification, Bamako has a tropical wet and dry climate. The average temperature highs of every month is over 30 °C, with the warmest months being March, April and May, when the temperature reaches an average of 39 °C. Record highs of 46 °C have been recorded in the month of May. The coolest months are November to February, which experience average lows of 16–19 °C, although the temperature may fluctuate greatly, with highs of 47 °C having been recorded in February, for instance.

During the winter months, rainfall is very scarce, with little rain falling from October to April and virtually no rainfall between December and February. The rainy season occurs in the summer, with the peak rainfall occurring in the months of July, August and September. Climate data for Bamako Taxi vans in Bamako Avenue Al Qoods in central Bamako The District of Bamako has been divided into six communes (distinguished by numbers, and not named) since Ordinance No. 78-34/CNLM of 18 August 1978, and amended by a law in February 1982 establishing the new boundaries of Communes III and IV.[12] Each commune is administered by the municipal council and a mayor elected from among its members. The last elections were held on 26 April 2009 and the Alliance for Democracy in Mali hold the majority of representatives for the communes. Communes and neighborhoods Commune I has a population of 335,407 people (2009) and covers an area of 35,0 km².

It is bounded to the north by the rural commune of Djalakorodji (Kati Cercle), west by the Commune II, north-east by the rural commune of Sangarebougou (Kati Cercle), on the east by the rural commune of Gabakourou and south by the Niger River. Nine neighborhoods comprise this commune: Banconi, Boulkassombougou, Djelibougou, Doumanzana Fadjiguila, Sotuba Korofina North and South Korofina Sikoroni.[13] Commune II has a population of 159,805 people (2009) and covers an area of 18,3 km². It is bounded to the east by the backwater of Korofina at the west foot of the Point G hill, and to the south by Niger River. The municipality has eleven neighborhoods: Niaréla (the oldest), Bagadadji, Medina-Coura, Bozola, Missira, Hippodrome, Quinzambougou, Bakaribougou, TSF, Industrial Area and Bougouba.

The area is the most important in the industry sector in Bamako.[14] Commune III has a population of 128,872 people (2009) and covers an area of 20,7 km². It is bounded on the north by the Kati, east by the Boulevard du Peuple, which separates it from the Commune II, south by the portion of the Niger River, between the Pont des Martyrs and the Motel de Bamako, and west by the Farako River and Avenue Cheick Zayed El Mahyan Ben Sultan with the neighborhood of ACI-2000. Commune III is the administrative and commercial center of Bamako. It accommodates in particular the two largest markets in the capital, the Grand Market and Didida. Twenty neighborhoods make up this commune and the villages pf Koulouninko and Sirakorodounfing were attached to the Commune III.[15] Commune IV has a population of 300,085 people (2009) and covers an area of 42,0 km².

It is bounded to the east by Commune III, north, west by Kati Cercle and south by the left bank of the Niger River. Commune IV consists of eight neighborhoods: Taliko, Lassa, Sibiribougou, Djikoroni Para, Sébénikoro, Hamdallaye, Lafiabougou and Kalabambougou.[16] Commune V has a population of 414,668 people (2009) and covers an area of 42,0 km².[17] It is bounded to the north by the Niger River, south by the airport and the commune of Kalabancoro, and to the east by the Commune VI and Niger . It consists of eight neighborhoods: Badalabougou, Sema I, Quartier Mali , Torokorobougou, Baco-Djicoroni, Sabalibougou, Daoudabougou and Kalaban-Coura. Commune VI has a population of 470,269 people (2009) and covers an area of 87,0 km².

This is the largest of the communes that make up Bamako. It consists of ten neighborhoods: Banankabougou, Djanékéla, Faladié, Magnambougou, Missabougou, Niamakoro, Sénou, Sogoniko, Sokorodji and Yrimadio [20].

Bamako contains the following neighborhoods (quartiers): ACI-2000, Badalabugu, Bajalan I, Bajalan II, Bako Jikoroni, Bagadaji, Bamako Kura, Bankoni, Bolibana, Bozola, Bugudani, Bulkasumbugu, Dar Salam, N'tomikorobougou, Dawdabugu, Dravela, Fajigila, Falaje, Garantigibugu, Jalakoroji, Janekela, Janjigila, Jelibugu, Jikoroni Para, Jumanzana, Hamdallaye, Hippodrome, Kalaban Koro, Kalaban Kura, Korofina, Kuluba, Kulubleni, Lafiabugu, Madina Kura, Magnambugu (Magnambugu Faso Kanu), Misabugu, Misira, Niarela, Ntomikorobugu, Point G, Quartier du Fleuve, Quartier Mali , Quinzanbugu, Sabalibugu I, Sabalibugu II, Safo, Same, Sangarebugu, Saranbugu,

 Sebeninkoro, Sikoroni, Sirakoro, Senu, Sibiribugu, Sokoniko, Sokoroji, Sotuba, Titibugu, Torokorobugu, TSF-Sans Fil, Wolofobugu, Yirimanjo, Zone Industrielle Demographics People gathered on a Bamako hillside.

The population growth has been staggering. In 1884 it had only 2500 inhabitants, 8000 in 1908, 37,000 in 1945 and 100,000 in 1960. Today the population is at least 18 times the size of what it was in 1960 with over 1,800,000 recorded at the 2009 Census, and continues to attract a rural population in search of work. Including illegal squatters and temporary workers some experts believe the population today is well over 2 million. This uncontrolled growth causes significant difficulties in terms of traffic, sanitation (access to safe water, sanitation), pollution. Bamako became the crossroads of West Africa and hosts a diverse population, composed of different ethnic groups in Mali but also from neighboring countries. Economy Craft sellers set up their wares at the "zone artisanal" in Bamako city centre. Industry The traditional commercial centre of Bamako was located to the north of the river, and contained within a triangle bounded by Avenue du Fleuve, Rue Baba Diarra and Boulevard du Peuple.

This area contains the Marché Rose and Street Market. The downtown area is highly congested, polluted, and expensive, and urbanization is sprawling at a rapid pace within a radius of 30 km. The largest urbanized area now lies on the southern bank of the Niger River. A modern Central Business District is rapidly developing immediately west of the downtown area in the ACI-2000 district, taking advantage of a well-designed geometric layout, legacy of the old airport runways and taxiways. A large administrative area is being developed at the junction between ACI-2000 and the King Fadh Bridge, containing most of the state departments (ministries) and administrative services in a central location. Bamako is also the headquarters of many large companies and administrative institutions.[citation needed] Air Mali (formerly Compagnie Aérienne du Mali ) has its head office in Bamako.[18] Bamako received much investment by Saudi Arabia for decades which saw a number of important structures being built. In recent years, China has become an important investor in Bamako, developing its infrastructure and facilities.

Cattle crossing a road in Bamako Agriculture is active in Bamako, with the presence of Bozo fisherman and it is common to see cattle crossing the streets. However, the most important by far is the manufacturing and service sector. The District of Bamako concentrates 70% of industrial activity.[19] The service sector is the most developed, and the city thrives in crafts and trade. Music A music boom in Bamako took off in the 1990s, when the vocalist Salif Keita and the singer-guitarist Ali Farka Touré achieved international fame.[20] It attracted a number of tourists, record producers and aspiring musicians to the city to try to follow in their footsteps. It is common to see musicians in the streets with djembes and percussion bands playing traditional Bamana rhythms.

The range of ethnicities involved in Bamako's music scene are diverse, including singers and instrumentalists from Mali 's myriad ethnic groups; the Tuaregs of the Sahara, the Sonrai of Timbuktu, the Malinkes from the border region south of Bamako, the Dogon cliff dwellers, the Wassalous near the Ivory Coast, the Fulas of central Mali etc.[20] Bars and nightclubs have grown rapidly including Mr. Keita's Mofu and Oumou Sangare's Hotel Wassulu which featured Malian and other west African artists. Notable western artists such as Robert Plant, Ry Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker and the French Basque star Manu Chao have all visited Bamako to jam and record with notable local musicians.[20] Energy Much of the electricity, is generated from the hydroelectric Sélingué Dam.The drinking water supply in Bamako and Kati is also ensured by a pumping station on the Niger River. However, the capacity of 135,000 m³ to provide drinking water per day is insufficient for the needs estimated at 152,000 m³ during the hot season between April and June.

During this period, frequent water shortages are experienced. A new pumping station is to open in Kabala in 2009. Landmarks Bamako Grand Mosque The National Library of Mali was first created by the Institut Français d'Afrique Noire, an arm of the French colonial government, in 1944. Following Mali 's 1960 independence, this library became the Government Library; it would later be renamed again as the National Library of Mali . In 1968 the library was transferred from its initial home in Koulouba to Ouolofobougou, a section of Bamako. The library holds more than 60,000 works, including books, periodicals, audio documents, videos, and software. These materials are available free to the public, though a small subscription fee is required for borrowing privileges. The library also hosts some of the exhibits for African Photography Encounters, a biannual Bamako photography festival. The Bamako Grand Mosque is located in the city centre of Bamako, situated north of the Niger River near the central Market (Grand Marche) and the colonial era Bamako Cathedral. It is one of the tallest structures in Bamako.

Built on the site of a pre-colonial mud-brick mosque, the current mosque was built through funding from the Saudi Arabian government at the end of the 1970s. With its tall cement minarets built around a square central structure, the building is stylistically closer to Saudi religious structures than West African.[21] The mosque is visible from much of the city and occasionally is opened to tourists. BCEAO tower The BCEAO Tower at 20 stories is the tallest building in the West African nation. It sits of the north ("left") bank of the River Niger in the city centre of Bamako.[22] The BCEAO Tower is the Malian headquarters of the Central Bank of West African States, which provides development banking and government financial and currency services in several Francophone West African nations. Classified as Neo-Sudanic architecture, it is modeled on the Sudano-Sahelian architecture of the famous mosques of Djenne and Timbuktu. The building is located in the busy Commune III neighbourhood, where "Avenue Moussa Tavele" meets the waterside boulevard between the two main Bamako bridges : King Fahd Bridge a block west and Martyrs Bridge three blocks east.

Just to the east of the BCEAO complex, a park and formal garden marks where the diagonally running "Boulevard du Peuple" reaches the river. By contrast, small market gardens and launching points or river canoes lie along the river front.[22] With the Hotel de l'Amitié and the Bamako Grand Mosque, the BCEAO Tower is one of three landmarks visible across most of the city.[22] Also of note is the Bamako Cathedral. The National Museum of Mali buildings, designed by architect Jean-Loup Pivin. Bamako Cathedral The National Museum of Mali is an archeological and anthropological museum, presenting permanent and temporary exhibits on the prehistory of Mali , as well as the musical instruments, dress, and ritual objects associated with Mali 's various ethnic groups. The National Museum began under French rule as the Sudanese Museum, part of the Institut Français d'Afrique Noire (IFAN) under Théodore Monod. It was opened on 14 February 1953, under the direction of Ukrainian archeologist Y. Shumowskyi. Archaeologist Y.

Shumovskyi had worked in the museum for nine years, gathering half (nearly 3000) of today's finds. With the independence of the Republic of Mali in 1960, the Sudanese Museum became the National Museum of Mali , with the new objectives of promoting national unity and celebrating Malian traditional culture. However, lack of financial means and absence of qualified personnel caused some deterioration in the museum's collections. On 30 March 1956, the National Museum moved into a new cemented structure, created by architect Jean-Loup Pivin from traditional Malian designs. Since the 1996 election of former archaeologist Alpha Oumar Konaré to Mali 's presidency, the museum's funding has increased considerably, becoming among the best in West Africa. The museum often hosts part of the biannual African Photography Encounters, photography festival held in Bamako since 1994.

Also of note is the Muso Kunda Museum, the Bamako Regional Museum, Bamako Zoo, the Bamako Botanical Gardens, the National Conference Center Tower (NCC), the Souvenir Pyramid, the Independence Monument, Al Quoods Monument, the triangular Monument de la paix, the Hamdallaye obelisk, the Modibo Keita Memorial and many other monuments, the Palais de la Culture Amadou Hampaté Ba and the Point G hill, containing caves with rock paintings. In 1988, Bamako was the location of a WHO conference known as the Bamako Initiative that helped reshape health policy of Sub-Saharan Africa. The yearly held Budapest -Bamako rally has the endpoint in Bamako, with the Dakar Rally often passing through Bamako. Transport Looking north from Pont Des Martyrs. Kuluba hill is in the background. This is a Sotrama stand (pronounced so-tram-a). The Sotrama (Taxi van) is what is used as 'public transportation' though many are owned independently. The Dakar - Niger Railway links Bamako to Dakar via Kati, Négala, Kita and Kayes.

The road network links Bamako to Koulikoro, Kati, Kolokani, Ségou and Sikasso. The Bamako-Sénou International Airport is located 15 km from the city and opened to passengers in 1974. Passenger traffic steadily increased in the early 2000s. Government figures revealed 403,380 passengers in 1999, 423,506 in 2003, 486,526 in 2004, and 516,000 in 2005. and is predicted to reach over 900,000 by 2015 under a low (4%) yearly growth rate scenario.[23] To date this growth rate has been surpassed. Total air traffic the airport increased by 12.4% in 2007 and 14% in 2008. Most of this increase came in passenger transport, with the number of passengers served increasing by 20% in 2007 and 17% in 2008.

Twenty-seven airline carriers operated weekly or better at Bamako-Sénou International Airport in the 2007–2008 period. This continued growth was offset by cargo flights' decline of 16.75% in 2007, and 3.93% in 2008.[24] The highest frequency route is on the Bamako- Dakar sector with 29 weekly non-stop connections. Domestic flights also serve Mali 's regional capitals Kayes, Mopti, Timbuktu, Sikasso, Gao, and Kidal. Bamako Senou International Airport is managed by Aéroports du Mali (ADM).[23] Its operations are overseen by the Malian Ministry of Equipment and Transports.[24] Much of the transportation is either by the Niger River, or by paved roads linking Bamako to other major urban areas. Navigating the Niger River is possible from Koulikoro to Mopti and Gao. The bush taxi is one of the main modes of transport.

Bamako is situated on both sides of the river Niger River and two bridges connect the two banks: the Bridge of Martyrs completed in 1960 and renamed in memory of protesters killed in March 1991 by the regime of Moussa Traoré, and the King Fahd Bridge, named after the Saudi Arabian donor. A third bridge project is currently being funded by the People's Republic of China . Located in Sotuba area, it has the objective to decongest traffic in the city.[25] Healthcare The Point G hospital, built between 1906 and 1913, covers an area of 25 hectares. A former military hospital, it became a civilian hospital shortly before the independence of Mali , and is situated on a hill overlooking Bamako[26] The second hospital of Bamako is the Gabriel Touré Hospital named after a young doctor and humanist Gabriel Touré who was born in 1910 in Ouagadougou and died in 1935 after having been contaminated by a patient with the pneumonic plague.

The hospital was established in 1959.[27] The contract for the building of a new hospital in Bamako, to relieve pressure on the other hospital resources was signed on 27 December 2008. Located in the district of Yirimadio, the department will include a pediatric and obstetrics-gynecology facilities, a department of internal medicine, medical imagery facilities and hospital care with 150 beds to support the emergency services and intensive care. This hospital, like many recent developments in Bamako is financed and equipped with Chinese investment.[28] In popular culture Bamako has provided the backdrop or been the subject of books and films such as Bamako, directed by Abderrahmane Sissako. The film depicts a trial taking place in Bamako, amid the daily life that is going on in the city. In the midst of that trial, two sides argue whether the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, or perhaps corruption, are guilty of the current financial state of many poverty-stricken African countries.

The film was first released at the Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2006 and in Manhattan by New Yorker Films on 14 February 2007 and was the recipient of the first Film Award of the Council of Europe given at the Istanbul International Film Festival in April 2007.[29] Notable people Rochester, New York United States (since 1975) São Paulo, Brazil (since 2000) Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (since 1974) Bamako Capital of Mali Africa · Lomography 2009-05-08 4 8 Share Tweet In Bamako we didn’t see the crocodiles but we heard the rumble of the city. Bamako is the capital of Mali, located in the southwestern part of the country on the Niger River. In the local Bambara, “bama” means crocodile and “ko” a pool, or a river. This city has grown very fast: it has more than tripled in size from 1960 to 1970, largely because of rural immigration.

Now the current population of the city is over 1 million, maybe 2. The city is relatively flat, except to the immediate north where there is an escarpment, and where the Presidential Palace and main hospital are located, but we didn’t see it because of the pollution. The traffic is very dense, there are a lot of motorcycles and mopeds, and people cook with charcoal, so the air is very polluted. We didn’t stay long so we didn’t have time to visit the National Museum.We only went to the big market – le grand marché -, where you can find every kind of things : tissues, like basins, or bogolans, music instruments, statues for tourists, jewelery of gold, and so on, don’t forget to negotiate, because every sellers want a very high price. I couldn’t take pictures of magical stuffs : monkeys hands, hyenas skulls, lion’s urine… Two advices : First, people DON’T WANT to be photographed, and if they agree, they ask you for money, so this city is not a photographer’s paradise. Second, watch at your things : a girl of the group was robbed her camera.

Bamako Bamako Photo by: robinelaine , Creative Commons In Mali, the capital of this African country is Bamako and it is also the largest city. Since it is the capital and the largest city, Bamako, Mali also has a huge population of more than a million people. The place is near the famous Niger River. Commerce and trading thrive in Bamako, Mali. It manufactures several products like metal goods and textiles. It also has a thriving meat industry. The booming commerce and trading made Bamako one of the fastest growing urban cities in Africa One of the most popular things to do in Bamako, Mali is shopping. The place is like one huge marketplace where you can buy goods and produce only found in Mali. There is one place where you can buy Mali souvenirs for all of your family and friends back home—the Le Marche Rose. You can buy many different types of souvenirs in this marketplace—from masks to jewellery and other local crafts. Also experience watching films in Bamako’s local cinemas. The cinemas are all over Bamako. You can watch international films or if your timing is right, you can watch local cultural films. These are just a couple of things that you can do in Bamako, Mali.

Make sure that you experience both to complete your Mali trip. Leave a Reply Mali Send me a copy Subject: Email addresses provided here will be used solely to email the link indicated. They will not be saved, shared, or used again in any manner whatsoever. The CAPTCHA code you entered is not valid, please reenter the CAPTCHA code Mali Official Name: Republic of Mali Last Updated: April 14, 2015 Alerts & Warnings Must be valid at time of entry BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(223) 2070-2300 Fax: (223) 2070-2340 ACSBamako@state.gov Destination Description Mali is a developing country in western Africa which continues to experience political instability and insecurity following the coup d’etat in March 2012. Facilities for tourism are limited. The capital is Bamako. French is the official language with Bambara widely spoken. U.S.

citizens are strongly cautioned against traveling to Mali’s three northern regions (Timbuktu, Gao, and Kidal) and in remote areas along the Mauritanian border due to the serious threat of terrorist activity and continuing political and civil unrest. There is ongoing conflict due to rebellion and terrorist occupation of the north. Attacks still remain a threat throughout the country, including in Bamako. The ability of the U.S. embassy to provide consular services may be extremely limited in remote and rural areas. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Mali for additional information on U.S. - Mali relations Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements Visitors must present a valid passport with at least one blank page, a visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination. While airport visas are available, visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain their visas in advance of travel to avoid excessive fees and unexpected potential travel restrictions imposed at the port-of-entry. Visit the Embassy of Mali website for the most current visa information. Inquiries from outside the United States should be made at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Mali.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page . Safety and Security See the Department of State's Travel Warning for Mali and Worldwide Caution for the current security situation. Violent extremist elements including but not limited to al-Qaida in the Lands of Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Ansar al-Dine, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad (MUJAO), and extremists tied to al-Murabitun remain active in the region. Terrorists elements have been mostly dislodged from the major population centers, but do still occasionally operate in cities, including Gao and Timbuktu. AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western targets throughout the Sahel (including Mali, Mauritania, and Niger). This group has claimed responsibility for numerous recent kidnappings/attempted kidnappings and other violent events in the region. On March 7, 2015 al-Murabitun claimed responsibility for an armed attack on La Terrasse, a popular nightclub in the Hippodrome area of Bamako. Automatic rifle fire and explosives killed and injured several people.

Travel to the northern and western parts of the country is to be avoided because of continuing security and military operations. The situation in the north remains unstable and dangerous. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) along with French troops in collaboration with Malian security forces are deployed in the country and are conducting counterterrorism operations that target extremist elements. There has been a recent uptick in police harassment and violent crime in Bamako, including several armed carjacking incidents, one with a fatality of a French citizen. While the government of Mali has increased security in the capital, the potential for additional attacks remains throughout the country, including in Bamako. Large and small periodic street demonstrations occur regularly throughout Mali. U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Although demonstrations can occur spontaneously and the majority are contained by security forces, some have quickly turned violent, particularly in northern regions and at university locations in the south, and have resulted in deaths. For hundreds of years, the Sahel has been used by traffickers of arms, drugs, and persons because of its remoteness and centralized location between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

While these elements usually attempt to avoid contact with outsiders, even an accidental encounter could generate a violent response due to the illicit nature of their activities. The U.S. embassy permits overnight travel outside of the city of Bamako for official U.S. government employees only on a case-by-case basis, depending on the reason for travel except during times of heightened security risk. Though this restriction does not apply to private U.S. citizens, it should be taken into account when traveling to and within Mali. To stay connected: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook . Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website , which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution . Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mali on Twitter and the Embassy’s website . In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.

Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad . CRIME: Violent crime against foreigners is infrequent, although there has been a recent uptick in armed carjackings in Bamako, as well as an armed attack with fatalities in Bamako on March 7 (see Safety and Security section). There are sporadic reports of night time robberies occurring on the roads outside of the capital; tourists should not drive outside of Bamako at night (See Travel & Transportation section). Criminals will not hesitate to use violence if they encounter resistance from their victims. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and simple theft, are common in urban areas. Closely guard your passports and wallets when in crowded outdoor areas and open-air markets. You should be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night. There have also been recent reports of possible police harassment. When asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas, or places where several officers are posted. VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Response from local authorities and recourse for victims of crime is extremely limited, if not non-existent. When you do interact with local police always request a copy of the police report. Due to the vigilantism which often occurs when criminals are apprehended in Mali, it is best to avoid the large crowds that may gather at the scene of a crime, a vehicle accident, or any altercation. If you become the victim of a crime the U.S. embassy can: Assist you in seeking medical assistance and provide a list of doctors. Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, explain legal processes in general terms, and provide a list of lawyers. Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys. Remember, however, that local authorities, not the U.S. government, are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Contact relatives or friends at your request and with your written consent. Replace a stolen passport. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Mali is 8000-1115; connection and response, however, is not always reliable. Please see our information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances CRIMINAL PENALTIES: Travelers are subject to local laws. Persons violating local laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Travelers may be taken in for questioning if stopped by the police and unable to produce their passport or for taking pictures of certain buildings. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may lead to arrest. If you break local laws, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. The U.S. government cannot get you out of jail. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not. In the event of an arrest or detention, ask the police and prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws. It is also illegal to knowingly take a girl younger than 18 years old outside of the United States for the purpose of performing female genital mutilation/cutting (so-called FGM “vacation cutting. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Cultural Property: Mali is a signatory to the Treaty on Cultural Property, which restricts exportation of Malian archeological objects, in particular those from the Niger River Valley. Visitors seeking to export any such property are required by Malian law to obtain an export authorization from the National Museum in Bamako. Contact the Embassy of Mali in Washington D.C. or the nearest Malian consulate for specific information regarding customs requirements. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may impose corresponding import restrictions in accordance with the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. Currency/Access to Funds: Currency exchange facilities are slow and often use out-of-date exchange rates. The U.S.

Embassy is unable to provide exchange facilities for private U.S. citizens. There are several ATMs in Bamako that accept U.S. citizens’ credit/debit cards, though they do not function reliably. Maximum withdrawals are generally limited to $400, and local banks charge up to $20 per transaction for use of their ATMs. There are some ATMs outside of Bamako in Segou, Sikasso, Koutiala, Gao, and Mopti, though they are sporadic and occasionally inoperable. Credit cards are accepted only at the largest hotels, Banque Atlantique, a few travel agencies (for an extra fee), and very few select restaurants. Cash advances from credit cards are available in Mali only via Western Union. Photography: Exercise caution when taking photographs in Mali. Photographing any official object, entity, or person is restricted. These restrictions include infrastructure, facilities, government buildings, as well as individuals. You should obtain explicit permission from the Malian government before photographing transportation facilities and government buildings. Taking a photograph without permission in any public area or around any of the above listed facilities often provokes a prompt response from security personnel or offends the people being photographed.

Taking photos of the U.S. Embassy in Bamako is prohibited. Telephone Calls: International telephone calls are expensive, and collect calls cannot be made from outside of Bamako. WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our tips for Women Travelers . LGBT RIGHTS: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) events in Mali. Societal discrimination, however, is widespread. LGBT individuals have experienced physical, psychological, and sexual violence, which society views as corrective punishment and police frequently refuse to intervene. Most LGBT individuals isolate themselves and keep their sexual identity hidden. See the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for more details. For further information on LGBT travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page. ACCESSIBILITY: There is no specific law protecting the rights of persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or in the provision of other state services. There is no law mandating access to transportation, communication and public buildings for persons with disabilities.

No special accommodations are made or officially reduced fares or rates are available to persons with disabilities in public transportation or taxis, communications, lodging, medical facilities, restaurants, cafés, bars or other tourist spots. Foot paths and pedestrian-friendly road crossings are rare and generally are inaccessible to persons with disabilities Health Consult the CDC website prior to travel for the most up to date health information. Travelers should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling for applicable vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Make sure health insurance provides coverage while overseas. Consider supplemental insurance that includes medical evacuation. The U.S. government cannot pay travelers’ medical bills. On January 6, 2015 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) removed the Travel Notice for Mali regarding Ebola. Consult the CDC site for more information. Medical facilities are extremely limited, especially outside of Bamako. U.S.-standard care does not exist. Most U.S. medicines are unavailable; European medications are more easily found, and can be obtained at pharmacies throughout Bamako, and are usually less expensive than those in the United States. Be careful to avoid purchasing potentially dangerous counterfeit medications when buying on the local market, as well as those with a short shelf life that may no longer be effective.

Travelers should carry with them an adequate supply of needed medication and prescription drugs, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic names for the drugs. Malaria is highly prevalent throughout sub-Saharan Mali in all seasons and sporadically in some areas in northern Mali. Travelers should carry and use CDC recommended insect repellents containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Treating clothing and tents with permethrin and sleeping in screened or air conditioned rooms under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets will help diminish bites from mosquitoes as well ticks, fleas, chiggers, etc, some of which may also carry infections. All routinely recommended immunizations for the US should be up to date. Measles, mumps, rubella , tetanus, pertussis and chickenpox are much more common than in the US, especially among children. Additionally, hepatitis A and typhoid immunization is recommended for all travelers. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all those who may have sexual contacts, tattoos or require medical treatment. Yellow Fever immunization is recommended for those over nine months old who are traveling in the southern areas of Mali.

Rabies immunization is recommended for all travelers staying for more than four weeks or who will have remote, rural travel or expect animal exposure. Even in urban areas dogs may have rabies and bites and scratches from dogs, bats or other mammals should be immediately cleaned with soap and water and medical evaluation sought to determine if additional rabies immunization is warranted. Meningococcal meningitis immunization with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine should be given to all children and health care workers, especially during the dry season (December through June). Meningococcal vaccine should be considered for all adults. Epidemic meningococcal disease occurs frequently in the southern regions. Diarrheal diseases are prevalent throughout the country even in large cities and luxury accommodations. Follow scrupulous hygiene and safe food preparation. Wash hands thoroughly before eating, preparing food, and after using sanitation facilities. Avoid cooked food served at room temperature. Avoid raw food, including raw vegetables unless they can be washed thoroughly. Drink only beverages from sealed bottles or cans. Water is safe if it has been boiled or chemically treated. Avoid ice unless made from bottled/disinfected water. For further health information go to: U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel & Transportation TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: We recommend you exercise extreme caution when traveling by road. Travelers after dark on roads outside of urban centers are subject to attack by kidnappers and terrorists, and more commonly regular banditry, as roads are poorly lit or traveled. Road travel between Gao Kidal, and Menaka, and outside Timbuktu should be avoided as they are common sites for improvised explosive devices (bombs) and ambushes by armed assailants. Remain alert and vigilant while driving. Do not make any unplanned stops, avoid driving alone at night, keep doors locked and windows up, even if the need arises to speak to someone outside of the vehicle; and be aware of your surrounding. If you are forced to stop do not resist the demands of would-be assailants, as they may be armed. Due to safety concerns, avoid the use of motorbikes, van taxis, and public transportation. Excessive speeds, poorly maintained vehicles, lack of street lighting, and roving livestock pose serious road hazards. Many vehicles are not well-maintained, and headlights are either extremely dim or not used at all, while rear lights or reflectors are often missing or broken.

Driving conditions in the capital of Bamako can be particularly dangerous due to limited street lighting, the absence of sidewalks for pedestrians, and the number of motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles. Mali has paved roads leading from Bamako to most major cities in the south and east. During the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September, some unpaved roads may be impassable. On many roads outside of the capital, deep sand and ditches are common. Four-wheel drive vehicles with spare tires and emergency equipment are recommended. Professional roadside service is not available. It is imperative to carry sufficient quantities of drinking water and food. Drivers should ensure that their gas tanks are at least half-full at all times, as gas stations are not widely available. Drivers travel on the right-hand side of the road in Mali. Speed limits range from 40-60 km per hour (25-40 miles per hour) within towns, to 100 km per hour (60 miles per hour) between cities. Road conditions often require much lower speeds. For safety reasons, do not travel on the Bamako-Dakar railroad, which transports passengers only as far as Kayes.

Some international flights have occasionally been canceled due to low travel volume, but in those situations travelers have usually been notified in advance. Travelers wishing to depart the country should check with commercial airlines for the airport's operational status before traveling to the airport. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Mali, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Mali’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page . Emergency After-Hours Telephone +(223) 2070-2300 Fax +(223) 223-2070-2340

Question: Bamako is the capital of which country ?
Answer: MALI