Date of independence, or formation date: 1960
Date when current borders were established: 1960
National day: Sept 22
Vehicle country identifying code: RMM
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): 0
International telephone dialling code: +223
Internet country identifying code: .ml

Mali is landlocked in the heart of west Africa. Its mostly flat terrain comprises virtually uninhabited Saharan plains in the north and more fertile savanna land in the south, where most of the population live. The Niger River irrigates the central and southwestern regions. Mali achieved independence from France in 1960. Multiparty democratic elections under a new constitution, in 1992 and then in 1997, provoked accusations of severe irregularities.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004