Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is the eighth largest country in Africa with a population of over 19 million people. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, music, and ancient trading cities. Mali is home to the legendary Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the largest mud brick building in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenné. Despite its cultural richness, Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world and faces challenges such as poverty, political instability, and terrorism.