BAMBAR BA, one of the states of Sudan, western Africa, lying, so far as has been ascertained, between lat. 12° and 14' n., lung. 15° e., and 5 w., and occupying both sides of the Joliba or Niger. which flows through its center front s.w. to n.e. The principal towns of B. stand on the banks of this river. The mountains in which the Niger has its source divide it on the s. from Guinea; the Sahara desert bounds it on the n.; on the NV., Senegambia; and on the e., some of its sister-states. In its general aspect, the country is said to bear a considerable resemblance to the agricultural districts of England; but in the w. there are low chains of granite hills, forming continuations of the highlands from which the Niger springs. The climate in some parts is intensely hot; in others, it is more temperate, but it is generally- healthy. The rainy season lasts from June to November. The land is well watered and fertile. Double crops of corn, rice, maize, yarns, etc., are raised annually without much labor.
The butter-tree, cotton-tree, oil-palm, baobab, and date, are among the most impor tant indigenous growths. The manufacturing industry of B. is important; the women making a soft coarse cloth, much esteemed for its beautiful blue color, and the men articles in gold, iron, and ivory, in which a pretty extensive trade is carried on. The
inhabitants, chiefly Mandingoes, are said to be superior to their neighbors in intelligence, and to be much sought after as warriors by the petty chiefs around them, who are at constant war with each other. They generally lend their assistance on condition of a certain payment. The upper classes profess Mohammedanism, but the lower are pagans. The introduction of the former religion has had al least one good effect. It has supplied the native dialect with a written speech through the use of Arabic letters. The chief domestic animals are horned cattle, goats, sheep, and fine horses. The wild animals are lions, leopards, elephants, wolves, panthers, etc.; and venomous reptiles, of which the natives are lunch afraid. Crocodiles are numerous in the rivers, which also abound with fish. The principal towns are Sego. Sansanding, Yamina, and Banimakit, which are all populous. The country has a nominal monarch, but it is in reality ruled by sev eral chiefs.