Mali
Republic of Mali
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.98%
Mali is a Western Africa landlocked nation of around 22.4 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. This landlocked territory spans 1.24 million km² with a density of 18 people per km². Its capital is Bamako, and French is the official language, while the West African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
22,395,489
Area
1,240,192 km²
Density
18/km²
World Rank
#60
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 40 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 8.6 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 46.1% of the population is under 15, while only 2.4% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Bamako
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French
- Currencies
- West African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +223
- Top-Level Domain
- .ml
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 22,395,489
- Land Area
- 1,240,192 km²
- Population Density
- 18 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.98%
- Annual Growth
- +667,386 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,828 people
- World Population Share
- 0.28%
- Coordinates
- 17.00°, -4.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $1.1k classifies Mali as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.8%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 35.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
60.4 years
GDP per Capita
$1,095
Birth Rate
40.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
31.6%
Fertility Rate
5.61 births/woman
Infant Mortality
57.6 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.8%
Literacy Rate
35.5%
Internet Users
35.1%
Under 15
46.1%
Over 65
2.4%
Health Spending
3.8% GDP
Gini Index
35.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
10.3M
15-64 years
11.5M
65+ years
533K
Urbanization
Only 31.6% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Bamako, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 48019.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
7.1M
31.6%
15.3M
68.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 60.4 years is below the global benchmark of 72.8. An infant mortality rate of 57.6 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 35.5%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Mali
Mali has 10 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Mali is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Mali participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 22,395,489 |
| 2030 | 25,031,857 |
| 2035 | 28,408,404 |
| 2040 | 31,850,869 |
| 2045 | 35,338,811 |
| 2050 | 38,857,336 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Mali.
Largest Cities in Mali
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Mali by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mali?
The population of Mali is approximately 22.4 million as of 2026, making it #60 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Mali?
The capital of Mali is Bamako.
What languages are spoken in Mali?
The main languages spoken in Mali are French.
How big is Mali?
Mali covers an area of 1,240,192 km² with a population density of 18 people per km².
Is Mali growing or shrinking?
Mali is growing at a rate of 2.98% per year, adding approximately 667,386 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Mali?
The average life expectancy in Mali is 60.4 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Mali?
The GDP per capita of Mali is $1,095.