Country: Republic of Mali

Population: 15.8 million (UN, 2011 estimate)

Capital: Bamako

Area: 1.248,573 sq km (482,077 sq miles)

Main languages: French (official), Bambara & other local languages

Main religions: Islam, indigenous beliefs

Life expectancy: 51 (WHO, 2011)

Literacy Rate: Adult [15+] 31%, Youth [15-24] 44% (UNESCO, 2010)

Urban Population (% of total): 35.6% (UN, 2012)

Population under 18 years: 8.5 million (UNICEF, 2011)

Child mortality: 176 children in every 1,000 likely to die before 5 years (WHO, 2011)

Child nutrition: 18.9% of children below 5 years underweight (WHO, 2012)

Number of children (0-17) who have lost one/both parents: 690,000 (UNICEF, 2009)