Mali · Africa
How many people die in Mali every day?
In Mali, about 521 people die every day, roughly one death every 3 minutes. That is about 190,000 deaths a year, 0.3% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 50th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 58.9 years and the leading cause of death is malaria. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
521
Deaths per year
190,000
Life expectancy
58.9 years
Population
23,293,698
Death rate
8.2 per 1,000
Top cause of death
Malaria
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Mali
58.9
World avg
72.8
-13.9 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Mali
8.2
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Mali by time period
| Per hour | 22 |
| Per day | 521 |
| Per week | 3,644 |
| Per month | 15,833 |
| Per year | 190,000 |
What people die of in Mali
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Mali in 2023 was pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections, which accounted for 10.2% of all deaths, about 46 a day. It was followed by diarrhoeal diseases and preterm birth complications.
Deaths from heart disease (ischaemic) have risen by 76% since 2000, from about 3,802 to 6,690 a year. Deaths from diarrhoeal diseases have fallen by 55% since 2000, from about 25,311 to 11,394 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 16,682 | 46 | 10.2% | +2% |
| 2 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 11,394 | 31 | 7% | -55% |
| 3 | Preterm birth complications | 10,145 | 28 | 6.2% | +18% |
| 4 | Stroke | 10,010 | 27 | 6.1% | +48% |
| 5 | Malaria | 9,430 | 26 | 5.8% | -54% |
| 6 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 6,690 | 18 | 4.1% | +76% |
| 7 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 6,225 | 17 | 3.8% | -7% |
| 8 | Meningitis | 5,915 | 16 | 3.6% | +3% |
| 9 | Road injuries | 4,283 | 12 | 2.6% | +37% |
| 10 | Cirrhosis of the liver | 3,849 | 11 | 2.4% | +55% |
Deaths in Mali since 2000
WHO estimates that about 162,890 people died in Mali in 2023, 3% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 168,167 deaths |
| 2010 | 172,003 deaths |
| 2019 | 167,476 deaths |
| 2023 | 162,890 deaths |
Life expectancy in Mali since 1950
A baby born in Mali in 1950 could expect to live about 28.7 years. By 2023 that had risen to 60.4, a gain of 31.7 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 28.7 years |
| 1980 | 40.3 years |
| 2000 | 50.6 years |
| 2010 | 56 years |
| 2019 | 59.2 years |
| 2023 | 60.4 years |
Mali compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Mali ranks 41st for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mali | 521 | 58.9 | Malaria |
| Burkina Faso | 438 | 59.3 | Malaria |
| Zambia | 384 | 61.2 | HIV/AIDS |
| Malawi | 329 | 62.9 | HIV/AIDS |
| Niger | 575 | 62 | Malaria |
| Cameroon | 575 | 60.3 | Malaria |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Mali every day?
In Mali, about 521 people die every day, or roughly one death every 3 minutes. That adds up to about 190,000 deaths a year, 0.3% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Mali?
Malaria is the leading cause of death in Mali. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections first in 2023, with 10.2% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Mali?
Life expectancy at birth in Mali is 58.9 years, 13.9 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 185th of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Mali high?
Mali records about 8.2 deaths per 1,000 people each year, above the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.