The Touareg, dressed in distinctive indigo robes and turbans, are an ancient nomadic people who still live from what the desert provides. They are famous for their fighting abilities and for their artwork. However, drought and government policies now threaten their way of life.

The Dogons are farmers, living on the edges of the inland river delta. Their homeland, the Pays Dogon, has been designated a World Heritage site because of its cultural importance: the Dogon are famous for their artistic abilities and elaborate masks.

Tensions between the different ethnic groups have led to a number of civil conflicts in Mali. The present government is working to give local communities decision-making powers to try to avoid future conflicts.