BAMAKO, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE di. - The vicariate in French West Africa, Sudan, was created in 1921 by division of the pre-existing vicariate of the Sahara, directed by the White Fathers. With the western region, the apostolic prefecture of
Kayes was erected in 1947. The population is about 976,904 inhabitants, belonging to the Sudanese race, for the most part Bambara; in the city, however (since 1908 B. has been the capital of Sudan), it is cosmopolitan. The dominant religion is Islam, persistent, active, and protected by the governmental authorities.
The mission covers about 20,000 sq. km. The first station was that of Kati, a military center 15 km. from B., where there had been only a chapel since 1908; this, however, did not become a permanent residence until 1923. The Catholics, who numbered 3,793 in 1934, are now (latest statistics, 1948) 6,741, directed by 24 foreign Fathers and 1 native priest, 3 brothers, and 33 sisters; the catechumens number 1,571. The Muslims number about 370,000 and the pagans (animists) 600,000. There are 7 elementary schools with 917 pupils, 4 vocational schools with 56 pupils, and 3 schools for catechists with 36 pupils.