Geography

The Mali empire developed in the Sahel Zone which is a region below the Sahara desert. The Sahel zone is a semi-arid region where most people in Africa live. It could also be called a savanna which is a large grassy plain with scattered shrubs and trees. This made it easier to farm and get food. The Empire was established on the Niger River which made it easier for people to travel and trade. At its height covered most of West Africa. It reached from modern day Benin all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The geography of West Africa allowed Mali to become prosperous and wealthy, and allowed it to disprove the European stereotypes about Africa.