Who are the people?
Mali is one of the five least developed countries in the world. Rapid population growth, inconsistent rainfall, recurrent droughts, and the degradation of natural resources have contributed to a continuing decline in food production in the region. Countries in the Sahel region of West Africa, where Mali is located, are experiencing rapid desertification. What little vegetation is left is being rapidly cut down for building material and firewood or eaten by roaming livestock.

The population is comprised of five ethnic groups. Though French is the official language, 80 percent of the people speak Bambara. More than 80 percent of Malians work in agriculture, with the majority producing barely enough food to feed their own families, and another 10 percent are nomads.

Mali is plagued by frequent drought and insufficient food supplies. Of the 13.1 million residents, 63 percent live below the poverty line. Adult illiteracy is among the highest in the world, and infant and child mortality rates are also unusually high. Many children lack access to health care, safe water, education, and a stable food supply.

Child sponsorship is providing the necessities of a healthy life to Mali’s children and the hope of a better tomorrow to families who long to be self-sufficient.
Mali is one of the five least developed countries in the world. Rapid population growth, inconsiste

Country Comparison	Mali	United States
Population	13.1 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	471,045 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	48 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	121	7
Literacy Rate	19%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	39%	92%
Access to Safe Water	48%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$360	$41,400

Religion

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What is it like to live there?
Mali is a landlocked country surrounded by Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Niger, and the the Côte d' Ivoire. It was a French colony until winning independence in 1960. The country is located in the transitional zone between the Sahara desert to the north and tropical Africa to the south. It has only two seasons: the rainy season, from June to September, and the dry season, from October to May.

Three-quarters of the land in Mali, which is the second largest country in Africa, is covered by the ever-expanding desert. Mali means, “where the king resides,” referring to the country’s rich, ancient culture. At one time the “Empire of Mali” included almost all of West Africa.

The growing Sahara desert also has affected the habitats of many native animals such as giraffes, gazelles, and elephants, which have been forced to migrate in search of steady food supplies.

In rural Mali, many parents arrange the marriages of their children, who may marry at a very young age.

To help Malians build brighter futures for their children, sponsorship offers access to safe water and improved nutrition, agricultural training, health care, education, and assistance in starting small businesses.
Mali is a landlocked country surrounded by Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Niger, and the the Côte d'
Mali Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Mali to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Providing school uniforms and supplies to help ensure access to education for more children.
• Conducting immunization campaigns to protect children from deadly diseases.
• Teaching mothers about nutrition and proper hygiene to improve their families’ health.
• Offering adult workshops to help parents learn how to read and write.
• Ensuring that communities have access to clean, safe water for cooking and drinking, thereby reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
• Introducing farmers to new agricultural techniques and providing seeds to increase crop yields and community food security.
• Helping families launch small businesses to increase income and better provide for their children.
• Offering Bible studies for those who want to know more about the Word of God.

• Pray that your sponsored child might respond to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.

Please click here to peruse online picture folders of children from this country.