Mali
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 25.2 million people live in Mali, on 1,240,192 km². The capital is Bamako.
- Capital
- Bamako
- Population
- 25,198,821
- Area
- 1,240,192 km²
- Official languages
- Bambara, Fula, Senufo, Bozo +9
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Mali?
Sockets take plug type C/E, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Mali?
Call 17 for the police, 15 for an ambulance and 18 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Mali?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Mali?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Mali?
Prices are in West African CFA Franc (XOF).
What language do they speak in Mali?
Official languages: Bambara, Fula, Senufo, Bozo, Maninka, Minyanka, Soninke, Kassonke, Hassaniya Arabic, Songhay, Dogon, Tamasheq, and Bobo.
How do I call a number in Mali from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +223.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
