Crossroads of civilizations, center of three great empires, at the forefront of Africa's democracies, Mali is the largest country in West Africa, covering an area of 1.24 million square kilometers (approximately 479,000 square miles). It is located in the Saharan and Sahelian climatic zones, with desert in the north and, to the south, plateaus, savanna, and flood plains. Fed by two major rivers, the Niger and the Senegal, it is landlocked, surrounded by seven countries. Mali's geographic location and its dynamic history have predisposed it to play an important role in promoting African unity. Indeed, Mali's constitution is committed to achieving this ultimate goal.

Bamako, the capital, is a city of about a million and a half inhabitants. Of Mali's total population of over 11 million, 65 percent are under the age of 25, and 20 percent under the age of 5. Mali faces a great challenge in providing education and future employment for its youth.