Population and Demographics

Mali's population consists of diverse Sub-Saharan ethnic groups, sharing similar historic, cultural and religious traditions. Exceptions are the Tuaregs and Maurs, desert nomads, related to the North African Berbers. The Tuaregs traditionally have opposed the central government.

Ethnic groups include:

• Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke)
• Peul 17%
• Voltaic 12%
• Songhai 6%
• Tuareg and Moor 10%
• Other 5%

Historically, good interethnic relations throughout the rest of the country were facilitated by easy mobility on the Niger River and across the country's vast savannahs. Each ethnic group was traditionally tied to a specific occupation, all working within proximity to each other. The Bambara, Malinké, Sarakole, and Dogon and Songhay are farmers; the Fulani, Maur, and Tuareg are herders, while the Bozo are fishers. In recent years, this linkage has shifted as ethnic groups seek diverse, non-traditional sources of income.

Approximately 90% of Malians follow Sunni Islam, but not always to the exclusion of traditional religious beliefs and practices. 1% are Christian, whilst the remainder practice indigenous beliefs.