According to localcollegeexplorer, Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. It has an area of 1.267 million square kilometers and a population of about 21 million people. The official language of Niger is French and the predominant religion is Islam. Niger’s history can be traced back to the 12th century when it was settled by various nomadic tribes from North Africa and the Middle East. These tribes brought with them their own cultures and traditions which still influence the culture of Niger today. In the 16th century, Niger was part of several powerful empires such as Songhai and Mali before becoming a French colony in 1894. During this period, French rule brought economic development to some parts of the country while other areas remained largely untouched by colonial rule until independence in 1960. Since independence, Niger has seen a number of coups d’état as well as periods of political instability due to ethnic tensions between different communities as well as regional conflicts such as those between Tuareg rebels in northern Niger and government forces during the 1990s and 2000s. Despite these challenges however, progress has been made on certain fronts such as improvements in healthcare provision (life expectancy has risen from 36 years in 1960 to 59 years today) and poverty reduction (poverty levels have dropped from 54% in 1996 to 24% according to World Bank estimates from 2018). In recent years, Niger has also seen some positive developments with regards to its democracy such as free elections leading to peaceful transfers of power since 1999 when President Mamadou Tandja assumed office after winning elections that year. Tandja was succeeded by Mahamadou Issoufou who won elections again in 2011 before being re-elected for a second term in 2016 thus bringing more stability to this fragile nation after decades of turmoil. Overall, then, while there have been many challenges faced throughout its history, Niger continues on its path towards greater prosperity for all its citizens despite continued periods of political instability caused mainly by ethnic tensions between different communities within the country as well as recurring regional conflicts involving Tuareg rebels who seek autonomy over northern regions within Niger’s borders. In 2010, Niger was a country that was still struggling with the after-effects of its civil war that had ended in 2009. Poverty levels were high and many of the population lived in extreme poverty. The government was making some strides towards economic growth and development, but it was still a long way from being able to provide adequate living standards for its people. Health care, education and infrastructure were all lacking in many parts of the country, which made it difficult for the population to access basic services. In addition, corruption within the government was rampant and limited resources were often misused or mismanaged. Despite these challenges, progress had been made in some areas such as agricultural reform and environmental protection. In addition, foreign aid had started to pour into Niger which helped to stabilize the economy somewhat. The country also attracted investment from abroad which helped create jobs and provide some income for its citizens. All in all, Niger in 2010 was a country with great potential but many challenges ahead of it on its journey towards true prosperity for its people. Check extrareference for Niger in 2007.
Animals and Plants Nature in Niger Niger is largely located in the desert, in the Sahara. The south lies in the still very dry Sahel zone. In such a barren landscape, the flora and fauna are correspondingly barren and not very rich in species. But there are areas in Niger where things look different, for example in the Aïr Mountains or in the fertile south-west. Which animals live in Niger? The animal inhabitants of Niger are the desert fox fennec,…
Niger – country information Country name Niger Official name Niger Republic Capital Niamey continent Africa Area 1,267,000 km Population 17 129 076 (2012) The highest mountains Mount Greboun 2012 m Longest rivers Niger 4160 km (in the country 550 km) State system a pluralist republic with a unicameral parliament The biggest cities Niamey (capital) 520,000 (conurbation 850,000), Zinder 160,000, Maradi 150,000 Official language French Ethnicity/National Composition Hausa 54.1%, Songhai/Zerm/Dendi 21.7%, Fulba 10.1%, Tuareg 8.4%, Kanuri 4.2%, Ted 0.2%, others 1.3%…