An interesting aspect of Mali geography is that the entire country is situated on a plateau. The geographical position of Mali upon a tableland gives it a very flat surface. There is a narrow coastal plain bordering plain along the banks of the River Niger. The southern part of Mali has a hilly terrain.

The Southern part of Mali is flanked by the following landscapes:

• The Bandiagara Plateau
• The Fouta Djallon
• The Mountains of Hombori

The Niger River in the Fouta Djallon region is the main source of water for Mali. Water from the Niger River is used for drinking purpose, irrigation and industrial use.

Mali lies near the Tropic of Cancer. The country thus experiences tropical climate. The winters in Mali are dry while the summers are very hot and humid. Mali has a distinct rainy season. The torrential downpours wash away the soil nutrients causing land erosion. Rain falls heavily in some places of the country which leads to occasional flood.

The four main rivers of Mali are the Niger, Bafing, Bakaye and the Senegal.

Vegetation in Mali is not very plenty. As it is a part of Sahara desert, shrubs and short grasses are common in the region. Most of the people of Mali dwell along the bank of the river Niger.