Mali is a culturally rich and diverse country in West Africa. With a population of 20,741,769, the average age is 16. Landlocked, it is one of the poorest countries in the world. According to a 2019 estimate, more than 42% of Malians live below the poverty line. The country’s economy is centered on farming, fishing, and herding. The youth (15-24) unemployment rate is at 17%.