The city of Timbuktu can be found in Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa. Timbuktu is historically significant, known for its role as a major trading hub and center of learning during the medieval period. It was a focal point of the trans-Saharan trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods such as gold, salt, and spices, as well as ideas, particularly in the fields of science, mathematics, and religion. Today, Timbuktu is recognized for its ancient manuscripts and distinctive architecture, drawing interest from historians and tourists, although it faces challenges due to environmental and political issues.