Ségou Region
| Ségou Region | |
|---|---|
| Region | |
 Location within Mali |
|
| Coordinates: 13°22′5″N 5°16′24″W / 13.36806°N 5.27333°WCoordinates: 13°22′5″N 5°16′24″W / 13.36806°N 5.27333°W | |
| Country |
 Mali
|
| Capital | Ségou |
| Area | |
| • Total | 64,821 km2 (25,028 sq mi) |
| Population (2009 census) | |
| • Total | 2,336,255 |
| • Density | 36/km2 (93/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC (UTC±0) |
Ségou Region is an administrative region in Mali, situated in the centre of the country with an area of 64,821 km2 (around 5% of Mali). The region is bordered by Sikasso Region on the south, Tombouctou and Mopti on the east, Burkina Faso to the southeast and the Koulikoro Region to the west. In 2009 it had 2,336,255 inhabitants, making it the second most populous region of Mali. Its administrative capital is the town of Ségou.
The Ségou Region is characterized by a semi-arid climate (average yearly rainfall: 513 mm) and irrigated by two important waterways: the Niger and the Bani River, allowing allow irrigation for agriculture. Ségou has two seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season starts in June and lasts about four months until September. On the other hand, the dry season includes a cold period and a period of heat. The average yearly rainfall is about 513 mm. The harmattan is the dominant wind in the dry season and it blows from north to south. The monsoon blowing from south to north-west is more frequent during the rainy season (hivernage).
With a rural population that is largely nomadic semi-sedentary or sedentary, the population consists of many ethnic groups such as the Bambara, Bozo, Soninke, Malinké and Toucouleur. Bambaras are mostly farmers and are the most numerous ethnic group. Their language is Bambara or Djoula. The Bozos are the second most populous ethnic group. They live in the borders of Niger, in small towns constituted of small houses. The Bozos economy is based on fishing. Bozo people have a monopoly on the transport system because of their knowledge in the river by Niger, and are regarded as the masters of water. The Somono, also fishermen, are not a distinct ethnic group but a mixture of the Bambara, Bozo and Soninke. The Malinké, Maninka, and Mandinka are closely related to Bambaras. They have the same costumes, beliefs and religious practices as the Bambaras. The Marka, Saracollé and Soninke are merchants and warriors.
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Wikipedia