The Mali Civilization has a majority Islamic population that believes praying to spirits will increase crop yields. Mali was once an independent nation but is now under French rule. It has experienced military coups and border disputes with Burkina Faso. One of its greatest leaders was Tombocot, and the country now has a republican government with presidential elections every 5 years. The staple foods are millet and corn, and one custom is praying to God for bountiful harvests.

1. The Mali Civilization By: Sean McAndrew

2. Religious Beliefs The civilization of Mali has many different religions, but the most practiced is Islamic. 95% of people in Mali are Islamic. They believe if they pray to the sprits they will get more crops.

3. History The country used to be an independent nation but they are now a French nation. The country Mali was under military rule until 1991. Mali had a war with their neighboring state Burkina-Faso over a border dispute. Mali expanded greatly in the 13 th century and they peaked in the 14 th century.

4. History Continued One of their great leaders Tombocot died in 1864. The Mali civilization under French rule completed the Dakar railway. In 1968 the militia arrested many army officers which lead to one of the bloodiest battles. Another of their presidents Kieta died in prison.

5. Technology The civilization used to be very far behind other civilizations and relied on foreign aide. There are only two television news stations in Mali. The Mails are now very well developed with technology.

6. Politics The government in Mali is republican based. Elections are held every 5yrs and presidents can serve 2 terms. The laws there are based on French laws. The president now is M. Amadou Toumani Toure.

7. Food Mali people eat many varieties of food, but they mostly eat corn and millet. They drink milk and bissap which is a drink that they make from leaves. They also dip vegetables in flour and peanut butter.

8. Food Problems Mali has a problem with food and food shortages. There is not enough food and people don’t have the money to buy it when it is available.

9. One Custom One Mali custom is they like to watch sporting events. They love their soccer teams and watching them play.

10. Another Custom Another custom is that the 90% of the Islamic population prays to a God for more crops to grow for them.

11. Customs Continued… The civilization of Mali worships the God Allah. Allah is the God that is in their book of worship that they pray to 5 times a day.

12. Customs… They also worship cows and believe that they are very sacred to their country.