Niger, officially Republic of Niger, French République du Niger, landlocked western African country. … The country takes its name from the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of its territory.
Is there a country named Niger in Africa?
Niger is one of the largest inland countries in West Africa and is historically a gateway between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. With two-thirds of the country lying within the Sahara Desert, it is one of the hottest countries in the world.
What are citizens of Niger called?
Though “Nigerien” is the formal name for a resident of Niger, other sources such as the BBC and Associated Press often refer to the country’s residents as “Nigerois” to create a clear difference between residents of Niger and Nigeria.
How did Niger become a country?
Independence. On 11 July 1960 France agreed to Niger becoming fully independent. The French Fifth Republic passed a revision of the French Community allowing membership of independent states. … Subsequently, in November 1960 Diori was elected to the new position of President of Niger by the National Assembly.
What is Niger known for?
Niger sits on some of the world’s largest uranium deposits, but is one of the “Heavily Indebted Poor Countries” (HIPC). Its economy is based on subsistence agriculture, like crops and livestock, and the export of raw commodities.
Why is Niger so poor?
Causes of poverty in Niger include limited arable land, widespread illiteracy and agricultural vulnerability to climate shock. An integral part of Niger’s culture is the hereditary system of distributing land. This system is not sustainable because the land becomes further divided with each generation.
Is Niger safe to live?
There are a number of health risks in Niger that should be considered before an expatriate embarks upon a trip there. … Poverty in Niger is high; as a result, the levels of crime, particularly in Niamey, the country’s capital, are high. One of the most prevalent forms of crime that expatriates are at risk of is theft.
Is Niger bigger than Nigeria?
While Niger is geographically larger than Nigeria, 80 percent of its land area is covered by the Sahara desert. Its population, at a World Bank-estimated 20.67 million, is perhaps one tenth the size of Nigeria’s.
Who ruled Niger before independence?
Nigeria became a British protectorate in 1901. The period of colonisation lasted until 1960, when an independence movement succeeded. Nigeria first became a republic in 1963, but succumbed to military rule three years later, after a bloody coup d’état.
Is Niger developed?
A vast, arid state on the edge of the Sahara desert, Niger is rated by the UN as one of the world’s least-developed nations. … Niger is betting on increased oil exploration and gold mining to help modernize its economy.
Is Nigeria Arab country?
Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in West Africa. The CIA estimates over 50% of the population is Muslim while the BBC estimated in 2007 that slightly over 50% of the population is Muslim. Muslims in Nigeria are predominantly Sunnis of the Maliki school of thought.
Who is the richest man in Niger Republic?
As of 2021, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is the richest person in Africa, and the African countries with the most billionaires are Egypt (5), South Africa (5), Nigeria (3), and Morocco (2).
How does Niger make money?
Niger’s economy is based largely on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world’s largest uranium deposits. … Traditional subsistence farming, herding, small trading, and informal markets dominate an economy that generates few formal sector jobs.
What is the national food of Niger?
Djerma Stew is the official dish of Niger. It can be made with meat or without. Traditionally, if a meat version is being cooked, chicken is usually the meat of choice.