Mali Empire
c. 1230–1672
Flag of Mande
Imperial banner carried with Musa I in 1325 Hajj
Extent of the Mali Empire (c. 1350)
Extent of the Mali Empire (c. 1350)
CapitalIdentification disputed; possibly no fixed capital
Common languagesMalinké, Mandinka, Fulani
Religion
  • Islam
    (Official)
  • Traditional African religions (rural areas)
GovernmentMonarchy
Mansa 
• 1235–1255
Mari Djata I (first)
• c. 17th century
Mahmud IV (last)
LegislatureGbara
Historical eraPostclassical Era to Early Modern Era
• Established
c. 1230
• State divided among emperor Mahmud Keita IV's sons
c. 1610
• Niani sacked and burned by Bamana Empire
1672
Area
1250100,000 km2(39,000 sq mi)
13801,100,000 km2(420,000 sq mi)
mid-15th century400,000 km2(150,000 sq mi)
1500400,000 km2(150,000 sq mi)
Population
• mid-15th century[dubious]
40-50 million
CurrencyGold dust
(Salt, copper, silver and cowries were also common in the empire)
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Ghana Empire
Gao Empire
Songhai Empire
Jolof Empire
Kaabu Empire
Empire of Great Fulo