Gao Region

Gao Region is an administrative area in northeastern Mali that spans across different territories and borders Niger and Burkina Faso. The Niger River runs through the land, and the area divides into several administrative zones with the city of Gao serving as the regional capital and main hub.

This area has been an important trading center for centuries before it lost its northern territories in 1991 to form the new Kidal Region. That administrative change reshaped how the area is managed and how power flows through northern Mali today.

The population here includes Songhai, Tuareg, Bozo, and other groups who speak different languages and follow distinct ways of life. You can see how each community has shaped local crafts, trade routes, and the character of towns throughout the area.

The city of Gao has the most services and best transport links, while smaller administrative zones require more effort to reach. Before visiting, it helps to learn about local conditions and plan your movement around the region accordingly.

The Niger River floods reach their peak water level later here than in upstream areas, creating different conditions for farming. This timing shift allows farmers to plan their harvest in a rhythm that differs from other river regions.

Location: Mali

Capital city: Gao

Elevation above the sea: 371 m

GPS coordinates: 17.09861,0.35139

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:40