Mali

Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali, positioned on the Niger River. It became the administrative center during French colonial rule and remained the capital when Mali gained independence in 1960. Today it’s the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub, known for its vibrant music scene and markets, which reflect Mali’s rich Sahelian heritage. To remember it: think “Bamako on the Niger—Mali’s major.” The other options are nearby but belong to different countries: Ouagadougou is the capital of Burkina Faso, Dakar is Senegal’s Atlantic-coast capital, and Abuja is Nigeria’s planned capital. Linking Bamako with the inland Niger River and Malian music can help fix it in memory.