Top 10 largest cities in Mali (in population)

Mali is one of the largest countries in Africa. It has an area of about 1.2 million km² and an estimated population of 22 million.

1. Bamako, the capital of Mali

There are more than 3 million inhabitants in Bamako. This vast administrative and economic capital covers an area of 267 km². The largest city in Mali is 22 kilometers high and 12 kilometers wide. The population density is therefore about 1,000 inhabitants per km².

This city owes its development to the proximity of the Niger River, which is one of the largest rivers in Africa. The large port of Bamako located along the river plays an important role in this landlocked African country.

2. Sikasso, one of Mali’s largest cities

In 2014, the official population of Sikasso was 214,000. Today, in 2023, the population exceeds 445,000 inhabitants. Population growth here is approaching 5% per year. This large Malian city is a perfect example of the growth of cities in the face of rural exodus. Nevertheless, with the new rules of globalization and eco-tourism, it is likely that this movement will tend to fade in the decades to come. Sikasso is located at an altitude that varies between 340 and 420 meters. This city in southeastern Mali enjoys a tropical savannah climate. It is for this reason that the city has always been an important place of exchange, particularly for agricultural products.

Points of interest to see in and around Sikasso

The Palace of the Kings of Kenedougou, the caves of Missirikoro, and the Farako waterfalls are among the things to see around Sikasso. But there is also the observation tower on Mamelon Hill (a historical fortification) or the ruins of the wall that used to be called the Tata of Sikasso.

3. Mopti, the great city of the North

With more than 200,000 inhabitants, the city of Mopti is the third largest city in Mali. The city is located on the edge of the Sahel and is exposed to a semi-arid climate. The hottest months are April and May. Mopti is located at the confluence of the Niger River and its tributary the Bani and is nicknamed the “Venice of Mali”. Moreover, this pretty Malian city received up to 10 000 tourists per year. However, with the Islamist threat in the north of Mali, tourist activity is almost non-existent. Moreover, one of the neighboring cities, Sévaré, has long hosted the command center of the G5-Sahel armed forces.

4. Koutiala

With an estimated population of 160,000, the city of Koutiala is one of the largest cities in Mali. It owes its development to the presence of large rivers that allow the cultivation of cotton. Koutiala is the second-largest industrial city in Africa.

Koutiala is sometimes called the city of White Gold in reference to cotton. But the presence of clay in the region has also allowed the development of tile factories. Unfortunately, the presence of these factories is not without impact on the quality of water. An environmental challenge for the years to come.

Note the construction of a 4,000-seat sports stadium inaugurated in 2009 and which was financed by China as part of their “One belt, one road” cooperation policy.

5. Kayes

This large city in Mali has a population of about 127,400. And the population of the city continues to grow significantly each year. But to date, we do not have more precise figures concerning the population of the city of Kayes. Some estimates put the population of Kayes at 160,000.

6. Segou

The city of Segou has a population of approximately 140,000. This city is also crossed by the Niger River. Segou is also known as the city of balazans. A large tree that is very wide and which is very appreciated for its propensity to create shade around it.

7. Nioro du Sahel

This city in the north of the country had 97,000 inhabitants four years ago. Today, due to population growth, Nioro du Sahel has more than 100,000 inhabitants. This city is therefore historically one of the largest cities in Mali.

8. Niono

Located in the Segou region, the city of Niono has a population of just over 100,000. This city is located in the center of Mali in a semi-arid zone, which means that the climate here is dry and hot.

9. Markala

There are just under 90,000 inhabitants in Markala. The city is located on the Niger River. In 1947, under the French administration, the Sansanding dam was built. A hydroelectric dam with a length of 816 meters. The Sansanding dam is named after a village on the left bank of the Niger River. In 2018 it is still the largest dam in the country. The Sansanding dam is very useful. Because by retaining water during the rainy season, it allows the creation of a large reserve of water. Water that will be used for irrigation. Markala is a town that grows cotton, rice, and sugar cane.

10. Kolondiéba

Kolondiéba has a population of about 70,000. It is a city in the south of Mali in the Sikasso region. Kolondiéba is two hundred kilometers from the large city of Sikasso.

Bonus, the largest cities in Mali

Not included in this ranking are the cities of Kidal, Tombouchtou, and Gao. However, these cities are influential on the cultural level. Or sometimes they are involved at the forefront of geopolitical news in the region.