Mali

where the Sahara desert meets the Sahara of bureaucracy.

Mali: where the only thing more abundant than the sand is the number of times you'll have to bribe someone.

Mali: where the national pastime is arguing about who has the best t'igi (that's "the best millet porridge" for you non-French speakers)."

Mali was home to the richest man in history, Mansa Musa, whose wealth was based on the country's vast gold and salt mines.

The Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud-brick building in the world.