The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali.
In the early 1990's, as in other African countries, demands for multi-party democracy increased. The government allowed some opening of the system, including the establishment of an independent press and independent political associations, but insisted that Mali was not ready for democracy. In early 1991, student-led anti-government rioting broke out again, but this time it was supported also by government workers and others. On March 26, 1991, after 4 days of intense anti-government rioting, a group of 17 military officers arrested the president and suspended the constitution. Within days, these officers joined with the Coordinating Committee of Democratic Associations to form a predominantly civilian, 25-member ruling body, the Transitional Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP). The CTSP then appointed a civilian-led government. A national conference held in August 1991 produced a draft constitution (later approved in a referendum January 12, 1992), a charter for political parties, and an electoral code. Political parties were allowed to form freely. Between January and April 1992, a president, National Assembly, and municipal councils were elected. In June of 1992, Alpha Oumar Konare was inaugurated as Mali's first democratically elected president.
Mali's per capita gross domestic product places it among the world's poorest nations. Its potential wealth lies in mining and the production of agricultural commodities, livestock, and fish. Mali is a major recipient of foreign aid. Since independence in 1960, Malian governments have shifted from an ideological commitment to socialism and a policy alignment with communist states to a pragmatism that judges issues and their merits, welcomes assistance from all sources, and encourages private investment.
Mali's armed forces number some 7,000 and are under the control of the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans. The Gendarmerie and local police forces maintain internal security. In the sixties and seventies, Mali's army and air force relied primarily on the Soviet Union for materiel and training. Today a few Malians receive military training in the United States, France, and Germany.
A strong leader is needed in Mali to maintain the democracy, push through political and economic reforms, and fight corruption.
Demographic Data
Capital: Bamako
Government type: Democracy
Government stability: 63.6%
Government efficiency: 23.9%
Population's support to government: 64.3%
Area: 1,220,000 square kilometers
Habitable land: 34.0%
Farmable land: 2.0%
Total population: 9,375 thousands
Population's growth: 2.9%
Country's development level: 2,230
Economic Data
GNP: 5,400,000,000
Industralisation: 27.0%
International funding: 13,000,000
Political Data
Secret services efficiency: 1,199
Military Data
Technological generation: 1
Number of rebels: 1,687
Rebels development: 2,007
Rebels technological access: 1,560