Added: 05/26/2006 |
Bamako is the lively capital of MaliMali is a landlocked country of about 11 million people in the heart of West Africa. Traditionally, the commercial center of the region, Mali is boarded by Mauritania, Algeria, Nigeria, Burkina Fasso, The Ivory Coast, Guinee Conakry, and Senegal. The terrain is mostly savannas and sand covered plains and sixty five percent of the country is desert and semi desert. The Niger River flows through the heart of the country and it floods annually and creates pasture lands for livestock. The river forms a magnificent delta across a plain that supports unique and lush vegetation for six months of the year.
Historically and culturally, Mali is one of the richest of all of the West African countries. Some of the mightiest empires in Africa were established here and their wealth is based solely on the trans-Saharan trade. Many traces of these kingdoms' vast cultural legacy are still present today. Traditions are alive and well within Mali's ethnic groups. The culture of Mali has also produced some of the most beautiful architecture and sculptures on earth. The official language of Mali is French but the majority of people speak Bambara or some and other African languages.
Bamako, with the population of about 1,500,000 is the capital of Mali. It is located on the Niger River on the southwestern part of the river. The city was an important market town and a leading center of Muslim learning under the Mali Empire, but by the 19th century, it had declined. In 1883, the region was occupied by French troops and in 1908; Bamako became the capital of the French Sudan. Its population has grown rapidly; in 1960, Bamako's population was 160,000.
Bamako is a lively country in Mali. You would expect the capital city of one of the poorest countries to be sullen and down trodden, but Bamako is a symphony of music, motorbikes, and people selling, buying, and trading things under the hot afternoon sun. It doesn't have major sights like Djenne or Mopti but it is a very pleasant city with good markets, friendly people and a laid back atmosphere.
National landmarks in Bamako include the National Library of Mali Tour BCEAO, Bamako Grand Mosque, and Pont du Roi Fahd. It is home to Mali's largest international airport and the Dakar-Niger Railway. The attractions include the Mali National Museum, The Muso Kunda Museum, The Bamako Regional Museum, The Bamako Zoo, The Bamako Botanical Gardens, and the Point G Hill, that contains caves with rock paintings. Bamako has hosted the biannual photography festival called African Photography Encounters since 1994. The museums here are well worth a visit with a nice collection of masks, terracotta, and an excellent collection of textiles.
Bamako is also the place to arrange for further travel because you can obtain your visa here and arrange trips will small travel agencies. Bamako is also well stocked with Mali hotels. It has the Salam Hotel, Softel l'Amitie Bamako, Kempinki Hotel, The El Farouk Grand Hotel, and more hotels offer great lodging for both business and leisure travelers. Remember, Bamako city is worth a visit.
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