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Mali’s economy is mostly based on domestic agricultural and livestock production. Many people grow cash crops to supplement their income. The GDP per capita is estimated at $700. Mali is on the list of the ten poorest nations in the world and is included in the 37 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. It is also heavily dependent on foreign aid, mostly from France. Mali’s economy is fragile since it is affected greatly by the climate, drought and desertification.

The primary school enrollment rate is estimated to be 50%. The completion rate is also quite low at 40%. Most students leave school by age 12. The secondary school enrollment rate is estimated to be 15%. The student to teacher ratio is about 63:1 for primary school and 29:1 for secondary school. About 2% of eligible age students are estimated to be enrolled in a higher education program. According to UN sources, the literacy rate is about 20%, which is one of the lowest rates in Africa.

Mali’s health indicators are among the worst in the world and have not improved in many years due to poverty and lack of physicians. The main diseases are malaria, leprosy, tuberculosis, intestinal diseases, cholera, pneumonia, and infectious and parasite-related diseases. Anemia, malnutrition, tetanus, and HIV/AIDS are also widespread. It is estimated that only 60% of the population has access to safe drinking water and only 70% to any sanitation services.

Social welfare services are available in urban areas. Workers are provided with retirement benefits, health care, sick and maternity leave, and other compensation. Slowly, this program is breaking down partly due to limited resources. There have been attempts by the government to improve the status of women, however many factors still limit educational and economic opportunities for women. Most women face discrimination and domestic abuse and have limited access to legal services. Child labor is also an existing issue.