Bamako - AfricanCities

Getting to Bamako

Mali is a landlocked nation in western Africa, with the southern Sahara running along its northern territories. Though the population is divided into a variety of ethnic groups that maintain their individual identity, their harmonious coexistence in the capital city of Bamako permits a mutually beneficial blending of their cultures. The Bambara community is the largest of them, and their language – Bambara – is the most widely used in the country even though the official language is French.

The colorful people are known for their love of music, which permeates into every aspect of their culture and daily routine. More than 75 percent of its inhabitants are dependent on agricultural and related activities for their livelihood. While farming and herding comprise the main occupations, fishing, weaving and pottery provide additional employment opportunities. Ancient, traditional methods of pottery are still in vogue, and the industry utilizes the services of women in large numbers. Weaving is a major industry, catering to domestic as well as export demands. Men dominate the workforce in this industry.

Most of the region is arid and only the fertile portion to the south is fit for agricultural use. It is here that the capital Bamako is located. The climate is either wet or dry. The rains fall between June and October, making the climate reasonably pleasant. But the dry season can produce some exceedingly high temperatures that reach up to 100oF.

The city’s population of around one million citizens is predominantly Muslim – approximately 95 percent of them. Visitors will have much to do and see in their spare time with ample opportunities and facilities for sightseeing, entertainment and shopping. Two of the main attractions are the Maison des Artisans – exhibiting traditional Malian arts and crafts and the Grand Marche of the Marche Dididiba. The locals are fond of soccer and there are regular matches that provide top class fare. Horse racing is another popular form of sporting entertainment in Bamako.

There is an exchange program for students that attracts youngsters from other countries. Students from Rochester come to Mali when their vacation begins and return home during August. Since facilities available in the private homes accommodating the participants are fairly basic, only those who have a working knowledge of French and can adjust to the primitive lifestyle are included in the program.

This unique student exchange program allows participants from America and Europe to interact at the primary level with an uncontaminated, traditional society and culture. Though present international political and economic compulsions have had little impact on Mali, the social fabric is gradually undergoing a change. It is an ideal opportunity for exchange students to get a first hand experience of a transitional society that is quite a far contrast from their own. (add the MAP image)