There are four geophysical zones: the Sahara Desert in the north, the arid plains in the west center, the swampy inland delta of the Niger River in the center and the lower courses of the Sénégal River's feeds in the west.
There are higher lands: the Ifoghais Mountains in the Sahara; the Guinea Highlands, including the Manding in the west and southwest; and the Hombori southeast of the inland delta.
The Niger flows from the southwest to the Sahara's south edge, then turns southeast. It is joined by the Bani in the delta.
The Sénégal's main source, the Bafing, flows north from the Guinea Highlands, is joined by the Baoule in the west center, and exits northwest.
There are some lakes in the inland delta area, Faguibine, for example, and two important reservoirs, Sélingue in the southwest, and Manantali in the west.
The majority in the Sahara speak Tamasheq, the language of the Tuareg. At the bend of the river a majority speak a dialect of Songhay. In Ségou and Mopti Regions (considered together), there is no majority first language, but almost everyone speaks a Niger-Congo language. There is likewise no single first majority language in the three regions of the west center; the Mande group, a branch of the Niger-Congo family, accounts for more than half. In Kayes region, a majority speak Mandekan, a Mande language.
More than nine in ten are Moslem, albeit with some syncretism. Local religions are more common in southern Sikasso and in southeastern Mopti.
Bamako is the only city with more than one million residents.Gao and Timbuktu Regions
Kidal Region
Ségou and Mopti Regions
Koulikoro, Bamako and Sikasso Regions
Kayes Region