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Koutiala is both a city and the administrative body of Sikasso in Mali. Koutiala serves as the capital city of its administrative commune Cercle. The total population of Koutiala along with its 36 communes is approximately 355,289. The location of Koutiala in the southern part of Mali, o-ordinates the longitudes and latitudes by 12°23' North and 5°28' West. Koutiala in Mali is situated 290 meters above the sea level.
According to an estimation made in 2005, almost 96,600 people inhabited the city of Koutiala. The total area of Koutiala is around 18 000 sq km. Koutiala is situated 140kms north of Sikasso. The city is well connected by roadways to San, Segou and Sikasso. The Koutiala Airport is the only airport in the region and serves several domestic flights to other parts of the country.
There are 36 communes in the Cercle of Koutiala, among which Konina, Gouadji Kao, Karagouana Malle, Kafo Faboli and Diedougou are the few prominent ones. San, Sikasso and Bamako are some of the important cities of Mali located near Koutiala.
The tourist attractions of Koutiala include some amusement parks and market places. Shopping, eating out in great restaurants and bars and rejuvenating in the spa centers are some of the popular activities enjoyed by the tourists. The adventure lovers can also enjoy the safari or caravan tours conducted from this city.
Koutiala is often referred as the white gold capital for its extensive cotton production. CMDT is the largest textile company in the city employing majority of the population. Huilerie cotonniere du Malo or HUICOMA is another well established company in Koutiala. The city is the second most intensive industrial regions of Mali.
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