Demographic Data
The demographics in Mali are very complex. There are many different religions present but Islam is the most prevalent religion in the nation. As seen in the above chart, French is the "official" language of mali. Many different ethnic groups are present, making the nation extremely diverse. The country itself is based on agriculture. Its a very rural nation with much farm land. Urbanization is not seen throughout most of the country. The most urbanized region of the nation is Bamako which is the capital of Mali. The country lacks modernization of anything. The sanitation is not up to most nation's standards. The health of the citizens is also rather poor, making the life expectancy extremely low compared to other countries.
Mali: Infant Mortality Rate
As indicated in the graphs above, Mali is not exactly reaching the same levels that other countries are reaching. The first graph is referring to the economy, the GDP. Mali definitely does not have the same income that other countries are used to. They are however, improving themselves economically. Mali's education standards are also below what other countries expect. Not only are they not receiving adequate education, but many of the students drop out of school following primary school and maybe even before that. As far as seeing improvement, there has been little to no improvement in regards to education within the country. Lastly, the infant mortality rate is higher than average compared to other countries. This is due to the poor healthcare standards that the country is currently experiencing.
Religions in Mali
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It is said that 90% of the Mali inhabitants are Muslim, making it by far the most popular religion in the country. According to history, Muslim Berber and Tuareg merchants brought the religion to West Africa. Following the Islam religion making its way to Mali, devout followers started building major Mosques around the country.
Islam has had a major impact in the social development and culture of Mali. Today, a large majority of the Mali population practice the Islam religion. Not only that, but the country was also being ruled by Muslim emperors. Since the country was being ruled by Muslim leaders, much of the country accepted the religion as well. After much time of Islam being present in the country, they started to establish Islamic universities. Muslim is now a very dominate religion, not only is Mali but also in many other countries.
As stated before, there were many major Mosques built in Mali when the religion of Islam started becoming very prevalent in the country. The Djenné is an extremely important Mosque to the country of Mali, probably one of the most important to date (Djenné). It is known as the “center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage.” History dates the first Mosque ever to be built in Mali was 1240 by the sultan Koi Kunboro.
There is an extremely large connection between religion and government in Mali. As stated before, modern Mali is ruled by Muslim Emperors. This had an extremely large impact on the government and the country as a whole. Naturally Islam became and extremely dominant religion in this region due to its government presence. Currently the country is ruled by Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and he doesn’t specify his religious beliefs.
Naturally, Islam has had an extreme impact on the country as a whole. Muslims have an extremely dominant presence and are in turn are rather influential. The dominant religion has also influenced which countries Mali associate with and how they guide their country in the future. Religion has a very dramatic effect on how countries function as a whole.
Islam has had a major impact in the social development and culture of Mali. Today, a large majority of the Mali population practice the Islam religion. Not only that, but the country was also being ruled by Muslim emperors. Since the country was being ruled by Muslim leaders, much of the country accepted the religion as well. After much time of Islam being present in the country, they started to establish Islamic universities. Muslim is now a very dominate religion, not only is Mali but also in many other countries.
As stated before, there were many major Mosques built in Mali when the religion of Islam started becoming very prevalent in the country. The Djenné is an extremely important Mosque to the country of Mali, probably one of the most important to date (Djenné). It is known as the “center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage.” History dates the first Mosque ever to be built in Mali was 1240 by the sultan Koi Kunboro.
There is an extremely large connection between religion and government in Mali. As stated before, modern Mali is ruled by Muslim Emperors. This had an extremely large impact on the government and the country as a whole. Naturally Islam became and extremely dominant religion in this region due to its government presence. Currently the country is ruled by Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and he doesn’t specify his religious beliefs.
Naturally, Islam has had an extreme impact on the country as a whole. Muslims have an extremely dominant presence and are in turn are rather influential. The dominant religion has also influenced which countries Mali associate with and how they guide their country in the future. Religion has a very dramatic effect on how countries function as a whole.
Cultural Diversity
Mali has an extremely rich and dynamic culture. What makes up this culture is a bunch of different cultures that have been present in Mali for hundreds of years. Since the beginning of the Mali Empire, dozens of different cultures and religions were brought together and have been coexisting in this one country. Since so many different countries have ruled over Mali in the past, the country experienced many different cultural influences.
Today, Mali, is still coexisting with its long traditions of having so many different cultures present. Although Mali is still experiencing extreme diversity, the culture is still digressing due to the stress of trying to sustain a successful government and avoid violence that has been ensuing the nation itself as well as the surrounding nations. The elites of the nation have been trying to trying better the political and economic situations following the post-independence. Peoples involvement in state institutions have caused cultural traditions to somewhat be lost. People have also experienced the lack of support when it comes to establishing new state institutions. This stress has caused previous traditions to go overlooked and in turn some traditions becoming non-existent.
What people are forgetting is the fact that a strong culture and solid traditions is what makes a successful country. While strong government institutions are important, it’s the people that make up the country. With a solid foundation in culture then Mali can become more successful. Unfortunately, Mali has been struggling with government and violence surrounding them.
If Mali goes back to the cultural traditions that were once present, then Mali might be able to get back to the peaceful coexistence that once existed within the country.
Today, Mali, is still coexisting with its long traditions of having so many different cultures present. Although Mali is still experiencing extreme diversity, the culture is still digressing due to the stress of trying to sustain a successful government and avoid violence that has been ensuing the nation itself as well as the surrounding nations. The elites of the nation have been trying to trying better the political and economic situations following the post-independence. Peoples involvement in state institutions have caused cultural traditions to somewhat be lost. People have also experienced the lack of support when it comes to establishing new state institutions. This stress has caused previous traditions to go overlooked and in turn some traditions becoming non-existent.
What people are forgetting is the fact that a strong culture and solid traditions is what makes a successful country. While strong government institutions are important, it’s the people that make up the country. With a solid foundation in culture then Mali can become more successful. Unfortunately, Mali has been struggling with government and violence surrounding them.
If Mali goes back to the cultural traditions that were once present, then Mali might be able to get back to the peaceful coexistence that once existed within the country.
What do Malians Eat?
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The choices of food in Mali are rather similar to other countries in Africa. Dishes often include rice, millet, sorghum, and fonio which is similar to a cereal. Fonio is extremely popular and usually only found in Africa. Malian dishes are also known to include fish and other types of meat as well as vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely popular in this region. Popular meats in the region are Chicken, turkey, pigeon, guinea hen, and rabbit. Dairy products are not readily available like it is in America. Milk can be easily found but has to be boiled before it can be consumed. Eggs are also found easily but are not always guaranteed to be fresh.
Most of the food that is eaten in Mali is locally grown and produced. The grown food is usually sold at local markets. Local markets are extremely popular in this area. Farmers will sell their grown food to local markets. Mali citizens think very locally when they are preparing dishes. They like to use what is at hand. Much of their food is not processed.
Mali is an extremely Islamic country. Their dishes reflect local religion especially considering that almost 90% of the nation is Islamic. However, much of the food that is eaten in Mali is influenced by the region rather than the religion. For example, even though Mali is Muslim they still drink beer in the country. A favorite of the region is a millet beer that is commonly found.
A popular dish in Mali, as well as other countries in Africa, is Couscous. This dish originated in Northwest Africa and has been very popular in that region since then. Other countries have also adopted Couscous.
The Recipe and Preparation of Couscous is as follows: (Whats4eats.com)
Ingredients
Method
The first ever known couscous preparation was in the 13th century. Histories also prove that the recipe spread extremely rapidly. While many other countries have adopted couscous as a tasty dish; it is still known as the national dish of North Africa. Couscous has made appearances in France, Rome, and even Turkey. There are many other names for Couscous including, keskesu, kuskus, mftoul, seksu, ta'aam, kusksi, kisksu, cuscusu. (Whats4eats.com)
Most of the food that is eaten in Mali is locally grown and produced. The grown food is usually sold at local markets. Local markets are extremely popular in this area. Farmers will sell their grown food to local markets. Mali citizens think very locally when they are preparing dishes. They like to use what is at hand. Much of their food is not processed.
Mali is an extremely Islamic country. Their dishes reflect local religion especially considering that almost 90% of the nation is Islamic. However, much of the food that is eaten in Mali is influenced by the region rather than the religion. For example, even though Mali is Muslim they still drink beer in the country. A favorite of the region is a millet beer that is commonly found.
A popular dish in Mali, as well as other countries in Africa, is Couscous. This dish originated in Northwest Africa and has been very popular in that region since then. Other countries have also adopted Couscous.
The Recipe and Preparation of Couscous is as follows: (Whats4eats.com)
Ingredients
- Couscous -- 2 cups
- Salt -- 1/2 teaspoon
- Boiling water or stock -- 2 cups
Method
- Mix the couscous and salt together in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water or stock over liquid all at once into the couscous and stir in well.
- Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid, plate or with plastic wrap. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes to steam.
- Remove the cover and fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil if you like. Use couscous as a base for North African tagines and stews, or as an accompaniment to hot entrees or cold salads
The first ever known couscous preparation was in the 13th century. Histories also prove that the recipe spread extremely rapidly. While many other countries have adopted couscous as a tasty dish; it is still known as the national dish of North Africa. Couscous has made appearances in France, Rome, and even Turkey. There are many other names for Couscous including, keskesu, kuskus, mftoul, seksu, ta'aam, kusksi, kisksu, cuscusu. (Whats4eats.com)