The Quiz: What African country’s name is derived from a local word for hippopotamus?
Gabon
Egypt
Botswana
Mali
Mali’s name, which first appeared with the ancient Empire of Mali, derives its name from the original Bambara word for “hippopotamus.” Throughout the centuries, though, Mali has come to mean “the place where the king lives.” The hippo still has a place in the legend, however, with one legendary tale describing the founder of the Malian empire, Sundiata Keita, changing himself into a hippopotamus upon his death.
The correct answer to this quiz is Mali.