Republic of Mali
African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA)
May – September 2006
Location: Western Africa, southwest of Algeria.
Geographic coordinates: 17 00 N, 4 00 W
Capital: Bamako
Time Zone: GMT
Government type: Republic
Government: Primarily stable. Armed bandits based in Mali
attack southern Algerian towns.
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Chief of mission: Ambassador Cheick Oumar
Diarrah
Chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC
20008
Telephone: 202-332-2249, 939-8950
FAX: 202-332-6603
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Chief of mission: Ambassador Vicki Huddlestone
Embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako
Mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako
Telephone: 223-2-223-833
FAX: 223-2-223-712
Economy: Poor, but under reform. Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or
semi desert. Approximately 10% of the population is nomadic and 80% in farming or fishing. Mali is heavily dependent on
foreign aid. The government is successfully implementing an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program that is
helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment.
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine Franc (XOF)
Exchange Rate: 1 United States dollar = 557 CFA francs (10/08/03)
Other: Cash advances on credit cards are performed by only one bank in Mali, the BMCD Bank in Bamako, and
only on a "VISA" credit card.
Languages: French is the official language, but 80% of the population speaks Bambara.
Culture/Social Conventions:
Ethnic groups: Mande 50% (includes Bambara, Malinke, and Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Tuareg and
Moor 10%, Songhai 6%, other 5%.
Religions: Muslim 90%, traditional/indigenous beliefs/religions 9%, Christian 1%
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz
Tipping: Tipping of 10% is customary in restaurants and bars, but is not normal for taxi drivers. Porters receive
CFAfr100 per piece of luggage.
Other: The majority of the country is Muslim, and in respect for their religious customs and beliefs, modesty in
dress, particularly for women, is essential.
Travel Information:
Passport and Visa requirements: A passport, Visa, and return ticket are required. Visas can be obtained at Mali
consulates.
Length of stay: Passports valid for at least 6 months from date of entry is required. Visas are valid for 1 month
from the date of entry, although visas can be extended in Mali, either in Bamako at the Immigration Service or at
any police station. Visas may be obtained up to 3 months in advance
of traveling to Mali..
Per Diem: Bamako $48/day; other areas $29/day
Lodging Cost: $48 - $72/night
Airfare: $1619 - $1955
Rental Car:
Health:
Water and Food: All water should be regarded as potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing
teeth, or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilized. Dairy products are unpasteurised and should be
avoided and milk should be boiled. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Disease: High risk of contracting Malaria exists, with resistance to cholorquine being reported. Typhoid Fever is
widespread and Polio is endemic. Yellow Fever and Cholera risk are present and precautions should be taken
(see below). Dysenteries, Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Bilharzia (schistomiasis), Meningococcal
Meningitis, Diptheria, and Tuberculosis are also widespread. Hepatitis A and E are widespread and Hepatitis B is
hyperendemic. Rabies is widespread and if bitten, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Immunizations required: Yellow Fever
Immunizations recommended: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend immunization
against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, and Typhoid Fever. Anti-Malaria drugs are also
strongly recommended.
Precautions: Dysenteries, diarrhoeal diseases, Cholera, and Typhoid Fever are caused by water and food borne
viruses, bacteria, or parasites and can be prevented by boiling all water, avoiding dairy products, cooking all
vegetables and meats, and peeling fruit. Bilharzia (schistomiasis) is present in fresh water and all swimming in
fresh water should be avoided. Mosquito repellant and netting should be used faithfully as a precaution against
Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis,Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness – carried by the testse fly), Onchoceriasis
(river blindness – carried by the black fly), Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever.
Medical facilities: Medical facilities are very limited and inadequate for dealing emergencies. Many medicines
are unavailable. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Embassy
maintains a list of physicians and other health care professionals.
Safety:
Crime: While the level of violent crime remains low, petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and simple theft, are
common. Occasionally, female travelers in particular have reported being harassed in public places. Banditry and
carjackings have historically plagued Mali's northern regions and the Mauritanian border. There have been
several incidents of carjackings, armed robberies and banditry in Bamako and in the outlying regions of Gao, Kidal
and Tombouctou. Visitors are urged not to travel by road to the Tombouktou region and beyond – flying and
travel by boat is considered safer, as long as the traveler remains in urban areas.
Driving: Traffic drives on the right. Road conditions/maintenance in Mali range from fair to very bad. Poorly
maintained, overloaded transport and cargo vehicles frequently break down and cause accidents. Undisciplined
drivers render traffic movements unpredictable. Construction work is often poorly indicated. Speed bumps commonly used on paved roads in and near villages – are seldom indicated. Deep sand and/or large ditches are
common on unpaved roads. Nighttime driving is particularly hazardous because vehicles frequently lack
headlights and/or taillights. Stops at customs and police checkpoints are frequent on major roads.
Other: Due to potential for violence, visitors should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations.
Safety and Security Tips for Traveling: http://travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.htm
UCAR Travel Advisories/Hazards/Ratings:
Mali:
Political – Insignificant
Security – Insignificant
Travel – Insignificant
North-Eastern Gao region:
Political – Insignificant
Security – Medium
Travel – High
Definitions:
Extreme: Law and order has broken down, war on-going or imminent, disease epidemic, travel should be avoided.
High: Government/economy vulnerable or ineffective, peace maintained by outside forces, high levels of violent crime
directed at travelers. Travel possible but needs careful planning, endemic serious diseases, but preventable/treatable.
Medium: Short-term government stability but political unrest, occasional terrorist attacks, weak economy, some disease but
can be managed.
Low: Government and economy are strong/stable, occasional violence by terrorists and criminals but infrequent, occasional
demonstrations, occasional health risks, travel considered safe by using commonsense discretion.
Insignificant: Government and economy stable, high degree of political continuity, no significant threats to authority, no
politically motivated violence, low level of street crime, normal health risks.