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 theviolence 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, whichis the hub of Mali's highly productive cotton industry, which produces one of thecountry's few exports.
