Mali Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 58th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
26,164,227
The population of Mali is about 26,164,227 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 25.9 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.31% of the world's people.
Mali is ranked 58th of 217 by population. Its population is growing fast — about 2.9% a year, roughly 2,068 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 46.2 million. That is 4.8 times its 1960 population of 5.4 million. Population density is 21 people per square kilometre. 32% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
25.9 million
Yearly change
+2.91%
World rank
58th
Share of world
0.31%
Density
21/km²
Land area
1,220,190 km²
Life expectancy
60.7 yrs
Births per woman
5.51
GDP per capita
$1,193
GDP
$30.1B
Population of Mali, 1960–2050
Mali population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 5,402,550 | — | 4 |
| 1970 | 6,276,472 | +1.60% | 5 |
| 1980 | 7,530,515 | +2.10% | 6 |
| 1990 | 9,178,830 | +1.99% | 8 |
| 2000 | 11,559,290 | +2.96% | 9 |
| 2010 | 15,945,198 | +3.30% | 13 |
| 2020 | 21,713,836 | +3.06% | 18 |
| 2024 | 24,478,595 | +2.98% | 20 |
| 2026proj. | 25,932,275 | +2.91% | 21 |
| 2030proj. | 29,002,865 | +2.79% | 24 |
| 2040proj. | 37,413,643 | +2.36% | 31 |
| 2050proj. | 46,154,079 | +1.93% | 38 |
Mali vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 6.9 times as many people as Mali. Bangladesh is 64.3 times more densely populated.
Mali population: questions and answers
What is the population of Mali in 2026?
About 25,932,275 (25.9 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Mali's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.91% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Mali?
About 21 people per km², with a land area of 1,220,190 km².
What will the population of Mali be in 2050?
About 46.2 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Mali?
Bamako.
What is the life expectancy in Mali?
60.7 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.