Sikasso Region

Encyclopedia : S : SI : SIK : Sikasso Region

Sikasso is the southern-most region of Mali. The capital city of the same name is the 3rd-largest city and is growing rapidly due to people fleeing the violence in Côte d'Ivoire to the south. Major ethnic groups include the Senoufo, known for masks and reverence for animals, the Samago, known for being Mali's best farmers, and the main ethnic group in Mali, the Bambara people. The local economy is based on farming and the Sikasso, which receives more rain than any other Malian region, is known for its fruits and vegetables.

The city of Sikasso is known for a vibrant outdoor market which features fabrics, numerous vegetables and fruits (especially mangoes, for which Sikasso is particularly renowned.) Sikasso is an ethnic and linguistic melting pot featuring people from outlying villages, immigrants from Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso and refugees.

The southwest corner of the Sikasso region is traditionally known as Wassoulou. This area is known for its unique music and strong tradition of hunting. The main city of Wassoulou is Yanfolila.

Other major cities in Sikasso region include Bougouni, a junction town en route to the capitol of Mali; and Koutiala, in the northern Sikasso region, which is the hub of Mali's highly productive cotton industry, which produces one of the country's few exports.

Mali
Regions
Bamako Capital District \| Gao \| Kayes \| Kidal \| Koulikoro \| Mopti \| Ségou \| Sikasso \| Tombouctou

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