Niger

Niger

area:	1,267,000sq km (489,189sq mi)
population:	11,825,400
capital (population):	Niamey (723,200)
government:	Multiparty republic
ethnic groups:	Hausa 53%, Zerma-Songhai 21%, Tuareg 11%, Fulani (or Peul) 10%
languages:	French (official)
religions:	Islam 98%
currency:	CFA franc = 100 centimes

Republic in n central Africa. The Republic of Niger is a landlocked nation in n central Africa. The n plateaux lie in the Sahara. Central Niger contains the rugged, partly volcanic Aïr Mountains, which reach a height of 2022m (6634ft) near Agadez. The s consists of broad plains, including the Lake Chad basin in se Niger, on the borders with Chad and Nigeria. The only major river is the Niger in the sw. The narrow Niger valley is the country's most fertile and densely populated region, and includes the capital, Niamey.

Climate and Vegetation

Niger is one of the world's hottest countries. The warmest months are March to May, when the harmattan wind blows from the Sahara. Niamey has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from June to September. Rainfall decreases from s to n. Northern Niger is practically rainless. The far s consists of tropical savanna. Buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and lions are found in the W National Park, which Niger shares with Benin and Burkina Faso. Most of s Niger lies in the Sahel region of dry grassland. The Aïr Mountains support grass and scrub. The n deserts are generally barren.

History and Politics

Neolithic remains have been found in the n desert. Nomadic Tuareg settled in the Aïr Mountains in the 11th century ad, and by the 13th century established a state centred around Agadez and the trans-Saharan trade. In the 14th century, the Hausa settled in s Niger. In the early 16th century, the Songhai Empire controlled much of Niger, but the Moroccans supplanted the Songhai at the turn of the century. In the early 19th century, the Fulani gained control of much of s Niger. The first French expedition arrived in 1891, but Tuareg resistance prevented full occupation until 1914.

In 1922, Niger became a colony within French West Africa. In 1958, Niger voted to remain an autonomous republic within the French Community. It gained full independence in 1960, and Hamani Diori became Niger's first president. He maintained close ties with France. Drought in the Sahel began in 1968, and killed many livestock and destroyed crops. In 1974, a group of army officers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Seyni Kountché, overthrew Hamani Diori and suspended the constitution. Kountché died in 1987, and was succeeded by his cousin General Ali Saibou. In 1991, the Tuareg in n Niger began an armed campaign for greater autonomy. A national conference removed Saibou and established a transitional government. In 1993 multi-party elections, Mahamane Ousmane of the Alliance of Forces for Change (AFC) coalition became president. The collapse of the coalition led to fresh elections in 1995, which were won by the National Movement for a Development Society (MNSD), but a military coup, led by Colonel Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, seized power. In 1995, the government and the Tuaregs signed a peace accord. Elections in 1996 confirmed Mainassara as president. In 1999, bodyguards assassinated Mainassara. Tanja Mamadou became president in the ensuing elections.

Economy

Droughts have caused great hardship and food shortages in Niger. They also have destroyed much of the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Niger's chief resource is uranium, and it is the world's second-largest producer. Uranium accounts for more than 80% of exports, most of which goes to the French Atomic Energy Authority. Some tin and tungsten are also mined. Other mineral resources are largely unexploited. Despite its resources, Niger is one of the world's poorest countries (2000 GDP per capita, US$1000). Farming employs 85% of the workforce, although only 3% of the land is arable and 7% is used for grazing. Food crops include beans, cassava, millet, rice, and sorghum. Cotton and groundnuts are leading cash crops.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.nigerembassyusa.org