Timbuktu is an ancient city located in the western African country of Mali. It lies about 12 to 15 miles (approximately 20 kilometers) north of the Niger River, on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. Geographically, its coordinates are roughly 16.77°N latitude and 3.00°W longitude. Timbuktu serves as the capital of the Tombouctou Region, one of Mali's administrative regions
. The city is situated within the Sahara Desert, specifically in the western part, near a curve of the Niger River, which historically contributed to its prominence as a trading post on the trans-Saharan caravan routes
. In summary:
- Country: Mali, West Africa
- Region: Tombouctou Region
- Location: About 20 km north of the Niger River, on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert
- Coordinates: Approximately 16.77°N, 3.00°W
This strategic location made Timbuktu historically significant as a center of trade and Islamic culture
