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Mali is one of the biggest countries in Africa, but because most of it is desert, the 12 million Malinese live in cities and villages along the river Niger. Mali had only one big city, the capitol with 900.000 inhabitants as well as seven small cities , countryside and desert. About 90% of the people is dependent on agriculture, cattle herding and fishing. Still, Mali is a very poor country. On the United Nation's "Human Development Index", in wich income, public health and education are measured, Mali ranks at the end of the list. Only three other African Countries (Somalia, Siera Leone and Niger) are behind Mali. In general this is caused by the recurring dry periods, combined with a bad political situation after the independence in 1960. That is why Mali needs foreign aid. |
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