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Which languages are most widely spoken in Mali?

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Mali is home to a diverse array of languages, primarily belonging to the Niger-Congo family.1

Bambara is the most widely spoken African language in the country, serving as a lingua franca for approximately four-fifths of the population. While French is also spoken and serves as a working language, the government officially recognizes 13 national languages as official languages. These include:12

Bambara
Bobo
Bozo
Dogon
Fula
Hasanya
Khasonke
Malinke
Mamara
Senufo
Songhai
Soninke
Tamasheq

Other linguistic groups are also represented throughout the country. Mande languages have the largest number of speakers, while the Gur and Atlantic branches—which include Fula—are also significant. Additionally, Arabic is spoken by the Moors and the Tuareg, with the latter also retaining their traditional Amazigh language. Songhai is commonly used along the Niger River.1