According to abbreviationfinder, Bamako is the capital of Mali. Important river port founded at the end of the 16th century which, since 1960, constitutes the capital of the republic. The city is located on the banks of the Niger River, the third largest on the African continent.
In this metropolis with a tropical climate, 70% of the nation’s industrial production is concentrated and the state administration is located. Handicrafts, fishing, textile manufacturing and metal manufacturing are some of the activities and products that are developed in the region.
History
Where does the name Bamako come from? Well, it comes from the word “Bambara”, which means “river of crocodiles”. The area of the city has been uninhabited since the Paleolithic era, since the discovery of Bamako, occurred in the seventeenth century, by Seribadian Niaré and Soumba Coulibaly.
Formerly the importance of the city was much greater than it is now. It was a Muslim study center during the time of the Mali Empire.
It is worth turning to history to know that in 1883, the region was occupied by French troops and in 1908, Bamako became the capital of French Sudan at that time. Its population grew rapidly, and in 1960, it was approximately 160,000 residents.
Geography
Bamako is the capital of Mali, an African state located in the eastern part of the continent, southwest of Algeria.
Location
Bamako is in the southwest of Mali, next to the Niger River, to which it has a port. The area is a great plain.
Climate
Bamako’s climate is subtropical, with variations throughout the year: hot and dry from February to June, rainy, humid and mild from June to November, and cold and dry from November to February.
Nature
The Niger River, the third largest on the African continent and the large groves are the natural contribution to the city of Bamako. When the Niger meets the Bani, it forms a marshy delta about 400 kilometers long.
Population
The city of Bamako has a population of more than one and a half million residents. Bamako over the years has had an outstanding demographic growth, going from 2,500 residents in 1884 and 8,000 in 1908 to more than 160,000 in 1960, at the time of independence, until reaching a population of more than 1,600.000 residents today. The city is also number six in the world with the largest population growth projection, expected until 2020. See population of Mali.
Administration
The city of Bamako district has status nationally, and as a district is divided into six communes as established by the ordinance of the 18 of August of 1978, subsequently transformed by the law of February of 1982. The communes are subdivided into neighborhoods. Each commune is governed by a municipal council that elects a mayor from among its members. These councils also elect their representatives in the district council, which is made up of 27 members. Finally these representatives appoint the mayor of the district.
The current mayor of the district of Bamako is Adama Sangare, who was elected on 6 of July of 2007, and replaced in office Moussa Traoré Badoulaye, who held the position until June 6 of that year. Friday 19 of June of 2009 the directors of the district of Bamako unanimously ratified Adama Sangaré in office. The 26 as April as 2009 the last local elections were held.
Economic development
Besides being the capital of the country, Bamako has also become the commercial and administrative center of Mali. Among its most important industries are textiles, metals, fishing and meat. It is the main cattle market in the country.
Sightseeing
Places of interest
Bamako has numerous buildings of historical or artistic interest. The Great Mosque stands out above all the others, which are found throughout the city. In addition, you can see colonial buildings among which the National Museum or the Bank of African States stands out. Ponit G is an observatory from which the entire city can be seen. In the commercial area of Bamako there are the main civil buildings and several monuments; Likewise, you cannot stop strolling along the avenue du Fleuve and the Place de la Liberté.
Culture
Due to the antiquity of several sites and the cultural profile of many of them, it can be said that Bamako is a city that allows, through places such as the National Library and Museum, the Palace of Culture, the Mamadou Konaté Stadium and the Palacio de los Deportes Modibo Keïta, discover the past, traditions and sportsmanship of a country that surprises with its landscapes, its buildings and its history.
Crafts
The impressive masks of the different tribes of the country are the most characteristic handicraft object. Other products are: painted fabrics and mats, silver jewelry, copper tools, gold and copper objects. There is a Craft Center in the city.
Gastronomy
One of the main dishes is La Capitaine Sangha Bamako, perch of Nile served with hot chilli, bananas fried whole and rice. As for local drinks, the Mali tamarind and guava juices stand out.
Architecture
The streets of Bamako combine traditional adobe architecture with French colonial heritage. Thus, an example of the first style is the old market, while the commercial area houses colonial buildings. One of the most spectacular constructions is the Great Mosque, recently built but imitating the traditional style. The city can be perfectly observed from the administrative district, located at the top of the Manding Mountains, north of the city. There is also a Catholic cathedral.
Religion
Although Islam is the predominant religion in much of the country, animism and Christianity are also professed in Bamako, which is why there are several temples of various faiths.
Holidays and traditions
The September 22 is the national holiday of the country. In addition, the festivities indicated in the Muslim religious calendar are celebrated.
Transportation
Bamako-Senou International Airport: It is the main airport in Mali, it is located about 15 km south of Bamako, the capital of Mali. Taxi is the best transportation from Bamako airport to the city center.
Illustrious people
Musician Salif Keita, whose creations have been recognized around the world, is a native of Bamako. Abdoulaye Konaté, although not a native of Bamako but based there and an important representative of Malian culture.
Sports
Several stadiums have been built in Bamako, such as the Mamadou Konaté Stadium, the Modibo Keïta Sports Palace, the Ouenzzin Coulibaly Stadium or the March 26 Stadium. Many of these sports centers were modernized and expanded for the 2002 African Cup of Nations in football which took place in Mali from the 19 January to the 9 of February of 2002. Some of the city’s most prominent football clubs are Stade Malien, Djoliba AC and Center Salif Keita
Bamako has been the end or starting point of several stages of the Dakar Rally, a great car race that from Europe crossed the Sahara desert until it reached Dakar. Every year, the Pan-African Athletics Meeting is held in this city.
