Most of the 145 thousand square kilometers in these two regions are flat, part of the arid plains that are less than 500 meters. In eastern Mopti are higher lands, reaching above 1,100 meters in the Hombori Mountains. The most westerly of this rougher countryside includes a famous escarpment.
From the southwest of Ségou Region to the top center of Mopti Region, the Niger River flows, multi-channeled, swampy, and with presently or previously associated lakes. The Bani joins it at Mopti.
There is no majority of first language speakers among the more than three million people living here. Mandekan(1) comes closest, with about nine in every 20. The Bambara dialect of it is Mali's official language, and so is learned by many.
Senufo is spoken natively by perhaps three in ten and Dogon by about three in 20. No other language accounts for as many as one in 20.(2)
Most people are Moslem, though they may incorporate some pre-Islamic practices or attentions. Many Dogon follow a local religion. In it, Amma created the universe, and the triple-masses(3) of the star system of Sirius determines the timing of a 60 year festival.
Mopti, the region's capital, is the only city in either region with more than 100,000 residents. Its Misire Mosque is the most prominent building, with an annually restored mud-formed lower storey. The city is an important Niger River port for agricultural goods, salt, firewood and pottery.
Dogon speakers recognize predecessors along the escarpment, whom they call Tellem, but little is known of them except their houses and burial practices.
north of Mopti Region
southeast
west and south of Ségou Region
north of Ségou Region
(1) Bambara and Marka dialects, mostly the former.
(2) Almost everyone speaks a Niger-Congo language.
(3) The existence of a third invisible mass was confirmed by radio telescopes in 1995. The Dogon already knew of its existence.