Intro
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Mali, landlocked country of western Africa, mostly in the Saharan and Sahelian regions. Mali is largely flat and arid. The Niger River flows through its interior, functioning as the main trading and transport artery in the country. Sections of the river flood periodically, providing much-needed fertile agricultural soil along its banks as well as creating pasture for livestock.
Although Mali is one of the largest countries in Africa, it has a relatively small population, which is largely centred along the Niger River. The Bambara (Bamana) ethnic group and language predominate, with several other groups—including the Fulani (Fulbe), Dogon, and Tuareg—also present in the population. Agriculture is the dominant economic sector in the country, with cotton production, cattle and camel herding, and fishing among the major activities.
Present-day Mali was once part of three West African empires that controlled trans-Saharan trade: the Ghana Empire (after which Ghana is named), the Mali Empire (after which Mali is named), and the Songhai Empire. During its golden age, there was a flourishing of mathematics, astronomy, literature, and art. At its peak in 1300, the Mali Empire covered an area about twice the size of modern-day France and stretched to the west coast of Africa. In the late 19th century, during the Scramble for Africa, France seized control of Mali, making it a part of French Sudan. French Sudan (then known as the Sudanese Republic) joined with Senegal in 1959, achieving independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. Shortly thereafter, following Senegal’s withdrawal from the federation, the Sudanese Republic declared itself the independent Republic of Mali. After a long period of one-party rule, a coup in 1991 led to the writing of a new constitution and the establishment of Mali as a democratic, multi-party state.
Motto:
“Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi” (French)
“One People, One Goal, One Faith”
Anthem: “Le Mali” (French) / “Mali” (English)
| French lyrics | English translation |
|---|---|
| 1. A ton appel Mali Pour ta prospérité Fidèle à ton destin Nous serons tous unis Un Peuple un But une Foi Pour une Afrique Unie Si l’ennemi découvre son front Au dedans ou au dehors Debout sur les remparts Nous sommes résolus de mourir CHORUS: Pour l’Afrique et pour toi Mali Notre drapeau sera liberté Pour l’Afrique et pour toi Mali Notre combat sera unité O Mali d’aujourd’hui O Mali de demain Les champs fleurissent d’espérance Les cœurs vibrent de confiance 2. Debout villes et campagnes Debout Femmes Jeunes et Vieux Pour la Patrie en marche Vers l’avenir radieux Pour notre dignité Renforçons bien nos rangs Pour le salut public Forgeons le bien commun Ensemble au coude à coude Faisons le chantier du bonheur Chorus 3. La voie est dure très dure Qui mène au bonheur commun Courage et dévouement Vigilance à tout moment Courage et dévouement Vigilance à tout moment Vérité des temps anciens Vérité de tous les jours Le bonheur par le labeur Fera le Mali de demain Chorus 4. L’Afrique se lève enfin Saluons ce jour nouveau Saluons la liberté Marchons vers l’Unité Dignité retrouvée Soutient notre combat Fidèles à notre serment De faire l’Afrique unie Ensemble, debout mes frères Tous au rendez-vous de l’honneur. | 1. At your call, Mali, So that you may prosper, Faithful to your destiny, We shall all be united, One people, one goal, one faith For a united Africa. If the enemy should show himself Within or without, On the ramparts, We are ready to stand and die. CHORUS: For Africa and for you, Mali, Our banner shall be liberty. For Africa and for you, Mali, Our fight shall be for unity. Oh, Mali of today, Oh, Mali of tomorrow, The fields are flowering with hope And hearts are thrilling with confidence. 2. Stand up, towns and countryside, Stand up, women, stand up young and old, For the Fatherland on the road Towards a radiant future. For the sake of our dignity Let us strengthen our ranks; For the public well-being Let us forge the common good. Together, shoulder to shoulder, Let us work for happiness. Chorus 3. The road is hard, very hard, That leads to common happiness. Courage and devotion, Constant vigilance, Courage and devotion, Constant vigilance, Truth from olden times, The truths of every day, Happiness through effort Will build the Mali of tomorrow. Chorus 4. Africa is at last arising, Let us greet this new day. Let us greet freedom, Let us march towards unity. Refound dignity Supports our struggle. Faithful to our oath To make a united Africa, Together, arise, my brothers, All to the place where honour calls. Chorus |
