Mali contains two distinct, stratified societies. Most of the population belong to orthodox social groups, which have inherited hierarchical social structures. These groups consist of nobles, vassals, and members of various castes, all of whom acquired their status by birth. The second Malian society is formed by the urban population. Privileged groups are the educated government officials and the traders. The middle socioeconomic group is composed of civil servants and industrial workers. The lowest group is made up of the unemployed.

Historically, good inter-ethnic relations throughout the rest of the nation were facilitated by easy mobility on the Niger River and across the nation's large savannahs. Each ethnic group was traditionally tied to a specific occupation, all working within close proximity. The Bambara, Malinke, and Dogon are farmers; the Fulani, Maur, and Tuareg are herders; the Saracolés are traders; while the Bozo are fishers. In recent years, this linkage has shifted as ethnic groups seek various, nonorthodox sources of income. Although each ethnic group speaks a separate language, nearly 80% of Malians communicate in Bambara, the common language of the marketplace. Malians enjoy a relative harmony rare in African states.