Gao

Gao is a city in Mali, located on the Niger River in the eastern-central part of the country. It serves as the capital of Gao Region and of the Gao Cercle. Gao is one of West Africa’s oldest urban centers, historically a major trading hub and political seat on the Niger Bend. It was the capital of the Songhai Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries, linking trans-Saharan trade routes between the Sahel and the broader Islamic world. In recent decades, Gao has experienced periods of instability associated with broader conflicts in Mali, and it remains an administrative and regional center.

Gao is also a Chinese surname. In Mandarin, the surname 高 is commonly romanized as Gao and traditionally means “high” or “tall.” It is among the more common Chinese surnames and is spread worldwide with Chinese communities. The spelling Gao reflects the Pinyin transcription system, while other languages or dialects may render the name differently, such as Kao in older or regional transliterations.