Bamako is the capital city of Mali. It is located in the southwestern part of the country. Bamako originated as a group of villages in 1880, when the French occupied it. From then on, it grew to become the capital of the former French Sudan in 1908. Today, Bamako is a busy city with a population of over 475,000 people and contains many attractions such as zoos and botanical gardens. This city also possesses many research institutions and is the commercial center of the country. Mud brick building as an industry still prevails because from 1960 to 1970, a serious draught occurred in the countryside causing many rural workers to migrate to the city. Bamako stretches across both sides of the Niger river. This position enables a lot of shipping and trade to and from the city. Bamako sends cement and petroleum products down the river and receives rice and peanuts, which it then transports to other cities via railway. This city also has an airport.

[ Western Africa - Northern Africa - Eastern Africa ]
[ Central Africa - Southern Africa - the African Islands ]

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