Geography of Mali

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Mali_Topography

== Geography of Mali ==

Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of over 1,240,000 square kilometers. Mali's geography is characterized by the Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahel in the center, and the Sudanian Savanna in the south. The country is bordered by Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the southwest, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west.

Topography

The northern part of Mali is dominated by the Sahara Desert, which covers approximately 65% of the country's total area. The central region is characterized by the semi-arid Sahel, a transitional zone between the desert and the more fertile southern regions. The southern part of Mali features the Sudanian Savanna, which is more suitable for agriculture and livestock.

The highest point in Mali is Hombori Tondo, which rises to an elevation of 1,155 meters. The lowest point is the Senegal River, which flows at an elevation of 23 meters above sea level.

Rivers

Mali is traversed by two major rivers: the Niger River and the Senegal River. The Niger River is the principal river, flowing through the country from west to east and creating a fertile inland delta known as the Inner Niger Delta. The Senegal River forms part of the western border with Senegal and Mauritania.

Climate

Mali's climate varies from arid in the north to tropical in the south. The country experiences three main seasons: a hot and dry season from February to June, a rainy season from June to October, and a cool and dry season from October to February. The average annual rainfall decreases from south to north, with the southern regions receiving up to 1,400 mm of rain per year, while the northern desert regions receive less than 200 mm.

Natural Resources

Mali is rich in natural resources, including gold, uranium, phosphates, kaolinite, salt, and limestone. The country is one of Africa's largest gold producers, with mining activities concentrated in the southwestern region.

Environmental Issues

Mali faces several environmental challenges, including desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. The expansion of the Sahara Desert poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of people living in the northern and central regions. Efforts to combat these issues include reforestation projects and sustainable land management practices.

Related Pages

• Mali
• Sahara Desert
• Niger River
• Senegal River
• Sahel
• Sudanian Savanna
• West Africa