Bamako
Bamako, the capital of Mali, lies in the south-west of the country on the Niger River, close to the border with Guinea. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, with 4.2 million inhabitants. That rapid population growth brings urban planning challenges, particularly where flooding is concerned. The city is an important administrative and trading centre, divided into six communes. The main attractions are the Martyrs' Bridge and the King Fahd Bridge. Bamako is best visited in the dry season, from November to February, when temperatures are milder.
