Mali

Mali's history is deeply intertwined with the trans-Saharan trade routes, serving as a crucial crossroads for centuries. The region was home to powerful empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, each controlling vast wealth and influence. The Malian Empire, flourishing around the 14th century, became renowned for its gold and the pilgrimage of Mansa Musa. French colonization in the late 19th century significantly altered the region's political and social landscape. Following independence in 1960, Mali experienced periods of political instability and military rule.