Niger

Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa. Its capital city is Niamey, located in the western part of the country, near the Niger River. The country takes its name from that river, which runs through it.

Niger shares borders with Algeria and Libya to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, and Burkina Faso and Mali to the west. Much of the land consists of the Sahara Desert and the Sahel region, while the southern parts that receive rainfall are where most of the farmland and population are concentrated.

Geography and climate

The climate is hot and dry. The north contains the Aïr Mountains and the Ténéré Desert, while the south has Sahelian climate with a short rainy season (mostly in summer). Drought and rainfall variability affect crop production and pastoralism, on which many households depend. The Niger River and Lake Chad (in its nearby section) are important water sources.

Political history

The territory of present-day Niger was crossed by kingdoms and Saharan trade routes, including the famous city of Agadez. During the 19th century and early 20th century, France incorporated the region into French West Africa. Niger gained independence in 1960. Subsequent history included military rule and several transitions between military and civilian government.

In recent years, security instability in the Sahel has affected the country. Armed groups operating across the Mali and Nigeria borders have carried out attacks, leading to the presence of foreign troops and regional cooperation within the country. In 2023, the military took control of power, after which the country's relations with some of its former Western partners changed.

People and economy

Niger's population comprises various ethnic groups, including Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, Fulani (Peul), and Kanuri. French is the official language, while Hausa and other languages are widely spoken in daily life. Islam is the predominant religion. The economy depends on agriculture, pastoralism, and mining—particularly uranium, which was long the main export, and oil found in the eastern region. The human development index is among the world's lowest, and the birth rate is among the highest.