Mali is a country in West Africa, Africa with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Mali that most people don't know.
Mansa Musa, emperor of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, is considered the richest person in history with an estimated fortune of $400 billion in today's money. When he made his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, he brought so much gold that he crashed the Egyptian economy.
Timbuktu was once the wealthiest and most important city in Africa.
Mali's Djinguereber Mosque is one of the world's greatest mud-brick structures.
Mali was the centre of three great empires — Ghana, Mali and Songhai.
Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire was the richest person in history — estimated $400 billion.
Mansa Musa, emperor of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, is considered the richest person in history with an estimated fortune of $400 billion in today's money. When he made his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, he brought so much gold that he crashed the Egyptian economy.
Mali is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:
UNESCO the world's largest mud-brick building — rebuilt annually by the community in a great festival
UNESCO ancient city of learning — once home to 180 Quranic schools and 25,000 students
UNESCO dramatic sandstone escarpment with 700-year-old cliff dwellings of the Dogon people
The third longest river in Africa flows through Mali creating a vast inland delta teeming with wildlife
Mansa Musa, emperor of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, is considered the richest person in history with an estimated fortune of $400 billion in today's money. When he made his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, he brought so much gold that he crashed the Egyptian economy.
The capital of Mali is Bamako.
Mali has a population of approximately 22.4M.
The official language of Mali is French.
Mali gained independence in 1960.
Mali uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF).