Introduction
The city of Bamako is the capital of the West African country of Mali. It spans both sides of the Niger River in the southwestern part of the country. In the local Bambara language, the city's name means “crocodile river.”
Cityscape
Bamako is a busy and vibrant city. It has a large market, botanical and zoological gardens, and several research institutes and colleges. The noted National Museum contains collections of art from throughout the country. In spite of its rapid development, however, Bamako is still traditional in character. Many mud-brick buildings remain in the city.
Economy
Bamako is the industrial and trading center of Mali. From mid-June to mid-December, when the water level of the Niger is high, large boats can travel on the river. Cement and petroleum products are shipped downstream. Rice and peanuts (groundnuts) are sent upstream for further shipment by railroad. The river is used for commercial fishing. Bamako has an international airport.
History
Before 1880 Bamako was a settlement of only a few hundred people. In that year Captain Joseph-Simon Gallieni occupied Bamako for the French. It became the capital of the colony of French Sudan in 1908. When Mali gained independence in 1960, Bamako continued as the national capital. The city more than tripled in size between 1960 and 1970. During that period, many areas in the countryside suffered from drought, leading many rural people to migrate to the city. Population (1996 estimate), 809,552.
