What Language Do They Speak in Mali?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
The official language of Mali is French. French is also an official language in 30 other countries worldwide.
Learn some French before you go
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Languages of Mali at a glance
| Official language | French |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 1 |
| Countries on this site where French is official | 31 |
| People (demonym) | Malian |
| Capital | Bamako |
| Internet domain | .ml |
Other countries where French is official
French is also an official language in 30 other countries covered here:
- Belgium
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- DR Congo
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- France
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Ivory Coast
- Lebanon
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Niger
- Republic of the Congo
…and 6 more.
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Algeria | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Burkina Faso | French |
| Guinea | French |
| Ivory Coast | French |
| Mauritania | Arabic |
| Niger | French |
| Senegal | French |
Mali in context
- Mali covers 1,240,192 km², making it the 23rd largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 18 people per km² ranks 172nd of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 7 countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal.
- Mali is landlocked, with no direct coastline.
- With 22,395,489 people, Mali holds about 5.1% of the population of Western Africa.
- Traffic drives on the right, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Mali is a member state of the United Nations.
Useful phrases for visitors to Mali
Everyday French phrases you will hear and use in Mali:
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Hello | Bonjour |
| Thank you | Merci |
| Please | S'il vous plaît |
| Goodbye | Au revoir |
| Yes | Oui |
| No | Non |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Mali — FAQ
What language do they speak in Mali?
The official language of Mali is French.
How many official languages does Mali have?
Mali has 1 official language: French.
Is French spoken anywhere else?
French is also an official language in 30 other countries.
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