Niger, officially the Republic of Niger, is a landlocked sub-Saharan country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River. It borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the East. The capital city is Niamey.
Niger is a landlocked nation in West Africa located along the border between the Sahara and Sub-Saharan regions. Niger borders seven countries on all sides and has a total of 5,697 kilometres (3,540 mi) of borders. The longest border is Chad to the east, at 1,175 kilometres (730 mi). This is followed by Nigeria to the south (1,497 km; 930 mi), Algeria to the north-northwest (956 km; 594 mi), and Mali at 821 kilometres (510 mi). Niger also has small borders in its far southwest frontier with Burkina Faso at 628 kilometres (390 mi) and Benin at 266 kilometres (165 mi) and to the north-northeast (Libya at 354 kilometres (220 mi).
Niger's subtropical climate is mainly hot and dry, with much desert area. In the extreme south there is a tropical climate on the edges of the Niger River basin. The terrain is predominantly desert plains and sand dunes, with flat to rolling plains in south and hills in the north.
The largest ethnic groups in Niger are the Hausa, who also constitute the major ethnic group in northern Nigeria, and the Djerma-Songhai, who also are found in parts of Mali. Both groups, along with the Gourmantche, are sedentary farmers who live in the arable, southern tier of the country. The remainder of Nigeriens are nomadic or semi-nomadic livestock-raising peoples-Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Arabs, and Toubou. With rapidly growing populations and the consequent competition for meager natural resources, lifestyles of agriculturalists and livestock herders have come increasingly into conflict in Niger in recent years.
Spread along the northern bank of the River Niger, Niamey is a sprawling city with a modern center and shanty towns on the outskirts. The two markets, the Small and Great markets, are worth a visit. Other places of interest include the Great Mosque, the National Museum (including a large park with botanical gardens and a zoo, and an artisan/crafts area), the Franco-Nigerian Cultural Center and the Hippodrome where horse and camel races often take place on Sundays. Tours of the city are available.
Outside Niamey is the famous ‘W’ National Park, with its abundant wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals and baboons. The birdlife is also prolific.
Agadez, Beautiful old Tuareg capital is still a caravan trading city. Beautiful silver and leatherwork can be bought in the back streets and the minaret of the mosque can be climbed at sunset for a spectacular view of the town.
Aïr Mountains, North of Agadez, the Aïr Mountains enjoy slightly more rain than the surrounding semi-desert lowlands and were, until recently, home to many species of animals not generally seen at this latitude, including leopards, lions and giraffes. However, the drought has even taken hold here and the stranded populations are dwindling rapidly. Special permission may be required to visit the region.
Zinder, Zinder was the capital of Niger until 1927. The old part of the town is a compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa town. Near the center is the Sultan’s Palace and the mosque, which offers a good view from the minaret. The part of the town known as Zengou was formerly a caravan encampment. There is an excellent market here on Thursdays, selling beautiful leatherwork.
Republic of Niger
National name: République du Niger
Area: 489,191 sq mi (1,267,000 sq km)
Population (2006 est.): 12,525,094 (growth rate: 2.9%); birth rate: 50.7/1000; infant mortality rate: 118.2/1000; life expectancy: 43.8; density per sq mi: 26
Capital: Niamey
Other cities: Zinder, Maradi
Currency : CFA Franc
Languages: French (official), Hausa, Djerma
Ethnicity: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 1,200 French expatriates
Religions: Islam 80%, indigenous beliefs and Christian 20%
Literacy: 18%.
