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Photo: Arensond · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Mali
Mali places highest on Food Production Index (top 7% worldwide) and lowest on Political Stability and Absence of Violence (bottom 1%).
Mali in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
23,769,127
people
since 1950
Land area
1,220,190
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
2,993
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
60.44
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.419
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
2.831
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Mali
Key facts about Mali
- Capital
- Bamako
- Official languages
- Bambara, Bobo, Bozo +10 more
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- ISO code
- MLI · ML
- Domain · dialling
- .ml · +223
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Mali’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
105thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
115thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
150thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint146thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
147thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
148thof 182
From 3 of 4 key statistics
126thof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
152ndof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
174thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
180thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
167thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
No standing — Mali holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Mali’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Mali in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Mali stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Mali sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Mali does best5
In the top third of all countries measured.
- Food Production Indextop 7%
Position · derived 14th of 195 · 136.03 · 2022
world median 106.08 (better) · ▲ 72 pts since 2012
Position · derived 41st of 44 · 1 = worst · 6 · 2024
world median 22 (better)
- Youth Unemployment Ratetop 9%
Position · derived 165th of 182 · 1 = worst · 3.877 · 2025
world median 12.83 (better) · ▼ 6 pts since 2015
- Crop Production Indextop 10%
Position · derived 20th of 195 · 133.12 · 2022
world median 106.23 (better) · ▲ 67 pts since 2012
- Cost of Sending Remittancestop 12%
Position · derived 82nd of 93 · 1 = worst · 1.727 · 2023
world median 3.225 (better) · ▲ 13 pts since 2016
Where Mali struggles most19
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 18 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 2ndMean Years of Schoolingbottom 1%
Position · derived 192nd of 193 · 1.63 · 2023
world median 9.933 (worse)
- 2nd
Position · derived 210th of 211 · -2.491 · 2024
world median 0.04 (worse) · ▼ 6 pts since 2014
- 3rdExpected Years of Schoolingbottom 1%
Position · derived 193rd of 195 · 7.011 · 2023
world median 13.34 (worse)
- 4thAdult Literacy Ratebottom 2%
Position · derived 169th of 172 · 35.63 · 2024
world median 93.99 (worse)
- 5th
- 5thHuman Capital Indexbottom 2%
Position · derived 168th of 172 · 0.318 · 2020
world median 0.564 (worse)
- 6thChild Marriagebottom 3%
Position · derived 6th of 143 · 1 = worst · 48.5 · 2025
world median 17.1 (worse)
- 6thGender Social Norms Indexbottom 6%
Position · derived 6th of 91 · 1 = worst · 99.63 · 2023
world median 91.81 (worse)
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 109 · 1 = worst · 0.376 · 2025
world median 0.039 (worse) · ▼ 2 pts since 2018
- 6th
- 7thGender Development Indexbottom 3%
Position · derived 178th of 184 · 0.812 · 2023
world median 0.971 (worse) · ▼ 9 pts since 2013
- 7thLife Expectancy at Birthbottom 3%
Position · derived 216th of 222 · 60.44 · 2023
world median 74.63 (worse)
- 7thPlanetary pressures-adjusted HDIbottom 4%
Position · derived 150th of 156 · 0.411 · 2023
world median 0.678 (worse)
- 8th
Position · derived 162nd of 169 · 0.281 · 2023
world median 0.609 (worse)
- 8thPrimary Completion Ratebottom 4%
Position · derived 158th of 165 · 50.01 · 2025
world median 97.43 (worse)
- 9th
- 9thINFORM Severity Indexbottom 12%
Position · derived 9th of 81 · 1 = worst · 4.3 · 2025
world median 3.1 (worse) · ▼ 16 pts since 2020
- 10th
Position · derived 10th of 97 · 1 = worst · 30.12 · 2024
world median 14.31 (worse) · ▼ 25 pts since 2014
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Mali can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
140th
of 141 · 1990
188th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
104th
of 173 · 2012
136th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
126th
of 138 · 2004
164th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 20 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
126th
of 132 · 2022
135th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
122nd
of 140 · 1995
115th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
144th
of 172 · 2020
152nd
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Mali has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Government Spending on Education+41 pts since 2013
Losing ground
Where Mali has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Global Militarisation Index-62 pts since 2013
- Internal Displacements by Disaster-49 pts since 2015
- Renewable Share of Electricity Generation-43 pts since 2014
05In context
Mali and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Western Africa
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 99
Ghana - =110
Côte d’Ivoire - 117
Senegal - 121
Benin - =125
Togo - 134
Sierra Leone - =139
Nigeria - 141
Burkina Faso - 148
Liberia - =150
Gambia - 158
Guinea - 159Mali
- =163
Niger - 165
Guinea-Bissau - 166
Mauritania - —
Cabo Verdenot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Mali
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions21
Civic Space Ratings155th of 198position · derived26.39Civic space score (0–100)2025
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Mali 26.39 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 31%89.2Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Mali 89.2 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index136th of 181rank28CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Mali 28 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment42nd of 78position · derived3.175IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
Middle · bottom 47% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Mali 3.175 · world median 3.246 (worse)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt94th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst6.163Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
Top fifth · top 14% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Mali 6.163 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)90th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst24.94External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
Top fifth · top 18% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Mali 24.94 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
General Government Consumption90th of 132position · derived13.06General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Mali 13.06 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index152nd of 195rank23.78AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Mali 23.78 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness194th of 209position · derived-1.287Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Mali -1.287 · world median 0.01 (worse)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Government Spending on Education49th of 123position · derived4.185Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
Upper middle · top 39% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Mali 4.185 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +41 percentile points since 2013
Open Data Inventory95th of 168rank55ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
Middle · bottom 43% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Mali 55 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Public Sector Employment113th of 135position · derived4.725Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 16% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Mali 4.725 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill87th of 168position · derived7.915Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Middle · bottom 49% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Mali 7.915 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality163rd of 209position · derived-0.762Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Mali -0.762 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law175th of 211position · derived-1.094Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Mali -1.094 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators108th of 188position · derived66.51SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Middle · bottom 43% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Mali 66.51 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density115th of 139position · derived7.523Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Mali 7.523 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index152nd of 176position · derived0.164Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Mali 0.164 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▼ -38 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability170th of 208position · derived-1.221Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Mali -1.221 · world median -0.02 (worse)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law153rd of 190position · derived63.75WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Mali 63.75 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation27
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution102nd of 139position · derived54.75Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Mali 54.75 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Land112th of 209position · derived35.47Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Middle · bottom 47% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Mali 35.47 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)6th of 158position · derived33.02Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 3% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Mali 33.02 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield140th of 179position · derived1,588Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Mali 1,588 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Crop Production Index20th of 195position · derived133.12Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 10% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Mali 133.12 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +67 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index115th of 145rank-0.961ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Mali -0.961 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)104th of 138position · derived22.08Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Mali 22.08 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare161st of 188position · derived8.539Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 16% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Mali 8.539 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index14th of 195position · derived136.03Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 7% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Mali 136.03 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +72 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth38th of 186position · derived5.599GDP growth (annual %)2025
Top fifth · top 20% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Mali 5.599 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)168th of 185position · derived2,993GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Mali 2,993 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index135th of 139rank13.97GII score (0–100)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Mali 13.97 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)90th of 102position · derived2,891GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 12% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Mali 2,891 · world median 14,273 (worse)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)92nd of 131position · derived20.02Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Mali 20.02 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -28 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)114th of 146position · derived15.08Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Mali 15.08 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption35th of 131position · derived71.54Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 26% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Mali 71.54 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)109th of 138position · derived26.7Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Mali 26.7 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)90th of 158position · derived23.35Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Middle · bottom 43% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Mali 23.35 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
No real change since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index162nd of 169position · derived0.281IHDI (0–1)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Mali 0.281 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Density125th of 188position · derived0.34Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Mali 0.34 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index35th of 194position · derived127.27Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 18% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Mali 127.27 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +39 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index88th of 139rank2.6LPI score (1–5)2023
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Mali 2.6 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)99th of 132position · derived7.46Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Mali 7.46 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
Net Official Development Assistance Received42nd of 130position · derived5.419Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Upper middle · top 32% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Mali 5.419 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2013
Research and Development Spending72nd of 84position · derived0.147Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Mali 0.147 · world median 0.814 (worse)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)26th of 180position · derived18.42Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Top fifth · top 13% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Mali 18.42 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)108th of 138position · derived48.77Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Mali 48.77 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Work & Labour17
Average Weekly Hours Worked33rd of 182position · derived43.74Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Top fifth · top 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Mali 43.74 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture11th of 182position · derived63.01Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Top fifth · top 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Mali 63.01 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry166th of 182position · derived8.59Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Mali 8.59 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services171st of 182position · derived28.4Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Mali 28.4 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio38th of 182position · derived65.14Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Upper middle · top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Mali 65.14 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate95th of 182position · derived52.84Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Mali 52.84 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -30 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager158th of 179position · derived7.852Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 12% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Mali 7.852 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed152nd of 168position · derived8,477GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Mali 8,477 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate44th of 182position · derived67.04Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Upper middle · top 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Mali 67.04 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked166th of 182position · derived3.68Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Mali 3.68 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate24th of 182position · derived76.35Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Top fifth · top 13% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Mali 76.35 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate148th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.831Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Top fifth · top 19% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Mali 2.831 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment20th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst75.76Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Mali 75.76 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratebottom 21%34.35Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Mali 34.35 · world median 4.885 (worse)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training10th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst30.12Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Mali 30.12 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate165th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.877Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Top fifth · top 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Mali 3.877 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge6
Adult Literacy Rate169th of 172position · derived35.63Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Mali 35.63 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling193rd of 195position · derived7.011Expected years of schooling2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Mali 7.011 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling192nd of 193position · derived1.63Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Mali 1.63 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Primary Completion Rate158th of 165position · derived50.01Primary completion rate (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Mali 50.01 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate154th of 164position · derived11.29Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Mali 11.29 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 1%50.3315–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Mali 50.33 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing18
Dietary Energy Supply104th of 155position · derived2,798Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Mali 2,798 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months71st of 136position · derived40.4Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Middle · bottom 48% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Mali 40.4 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Female Genital Mutilation Prevalencebottom 10%88.6Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 31 countries measured
UNICEF · Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)
Mali 88.6 · world median 34.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0.3 (Uganda)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index164th of 172rank0.612GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Mali 0.612 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index6th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.376MPI (0–1)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Mali 0.376 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2018
Global Report on Food Crises41st of 44position · derived · 1 = worst6In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)2024
Top fifth · top 7% of 44 countries measured
Food Security Information Network (FSIN) · In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)
Mali 6 · world median 22 (better)
Best in the world 3 (El Salvador)
No real change since 2016
Global Violent Deaths27th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst21.41Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Bottom fifth · bottom 13% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Mali 21.41 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index168th of 172position · derived0.318HCI score (0–1)2020
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Mali 0.318 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Human Development Index188th of 193rank0.419HDI score (0–1)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Mali 0.419 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Severity Index9th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst4.3INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 12% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Mali 4.3 · world median 3.1 (worse)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2020
Life Expectancy at Birth216th of 222position · derived60.44Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Mali 60.44 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio17th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst367.33Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Mali 367.33 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare178th of 178position · derived0Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Mali 0 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity90th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst2.6Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
Upper middle · top 33% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Mali 2.6 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2017
Prevalence of Undernourishment46th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst12.3Population undernourished (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Mali 12.3 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five44th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst25.1Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Mali 25.1 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate13th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst72.98Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Mali 72.98 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children50th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst72.7Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
Middle · top 45% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Mali 72.7 · world median 75.8 (better)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital10
Access to Electricitybottom 7%49.5Population with electricity access (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Mali 49.5 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Arable Land per Person25th of 206position · derived0.351Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Top fifth · top 12% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Mali 0.351 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Child Marriage6th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst48.5Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Mali 48.5 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality34th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst32.54Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 20% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Mali 32.54 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Cost of Sending Remittances82nd of 93position · derived · 1 = worst1.727Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
Top fifth · top 12% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Mali 1.727 · world median 3.225 (better)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2016
Gender Development Index178th of 184position · derived0.812Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Mali 0.812 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production28th of 179position · derived6,285,756Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Top fifth · top 15% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Mali 6,285,756 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area128th of 150position · derived0.04Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Mali 0.04 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI150th of 156position · derived0.411PHDI (0–1)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Mali 0.411 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector4th of 171position · derived97.86Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Top fifth · top 2% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Mali 97.86 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions42nd of 193position · derived41,623Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Upper middle · top 21% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Mali 41,623 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Ecological Footprint97th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst1.097Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
Upper middle · top 23% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Mali 1.097 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area162nd of 210position · derived10.9Forest area (% of land area)2023
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Mali 10.9 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster54th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst30,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Mali 30,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -49 percentile points since 2015
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita89th of 181position · derived2,600Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Middle · top 49% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Mali 2,600 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation125th of 190position · derived19.46Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Mali 19.46 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -43 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress41st of 177position · derived · 1 = worst42.95Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Mali 42.95 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2013
World Risk Index146th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst2.24WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Upper middle · top 24% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Mali 2.24 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Social Institutions and Gender Index16th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst52.8SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Mali 52.8 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence15th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst2,157Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Mali 2,157 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index43rd of 149rank · 1 = worst135.65GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Mali 135.65 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -62 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index13th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst7.1INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Mali 7.1 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Physical Violence Index101st of 176position · derived0.705Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
Middle · bottom 43% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Mali 0.705 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence210th of 211position · derived-2.491Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Mali -2.491 · world median 0.04 (worse)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Mali. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2020
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2023
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Cereal Import Dependency Ratio · last seen 2008
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Container Port Traffic
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2022
- Gini Index · last seen 2021
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2017
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2023
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2015
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2021
- Informal Employment Rate
- Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2023
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2021
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2023
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2021
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2017
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2015
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- World Energy Trilemma Index
07Keep reading
Explore further
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08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Mali can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 30 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Mali on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Mali: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/mali