Located in the western part African continent, on the banks of the river of the same name, the name of which translates as “Great River”. Approximately 80% of the country's territory is occupied by the majestic Sahara Desert. Meanwhile, Niger is the largest state in West Africa, occupying an area of over one million, two hundred and fifty thousand square kilometers. The maximum height of the plains, which cover a significant part of the territory of the republic, is no more than 500 meters above sea level. The highest mountain peak is Bagezan, 1900 meters high.
The east of the country is covered by the Tenere desert, with sparse grass and shrubs in its southern part, while the west is dominated by river beds, abundantly filled with water during the rainy season. In the area of the Air plateau there are moving sand dunes, and a little to the west there are plains, the basis of which is clay, so this area is actively used by nomads grazing cattle. The southwestern region of Niger is the most vibrant and colorful, as well as rich in wildlife. Cotton trees ("bombaxes"), mangoes, papaya and many palm trees grow in these places. Giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, lions, and antelopes live here. On the coast of Lake Chad you can often find herds of elephants that regularly visit the local waters in search of life-giving moisture. Birds, insects and reptiles are also widely represented in Niger.
Despite the huge reserves of uranium, oil and gas fields, as well as other Natural resources, the republic has for many years been considered one of the poorest countries on the planet. One of the main reasons is poorly developed infrastructure and high levels of corruption at the top of government. In addition, like any agricultural country, Niger largely depends on weather conditions and quality land plots. Meanwhile, only three percent of the local land area is suitable for agriculture, and given the climatic conditions, with minimal rainfall throughout the year and long dry periods, this industry can hardly be called promising for the state economy.
However, sugarcane, sorghum, cotton, peanuts, cassava and other crops are grown in Niger. The fishing industry is developing quite well. On this moment In the republic, over 65% of the indigenous population live below the poverty line. One of the highest infant mortality rates on the planet, Africa’s traditional problems with medical care and healthcare, rampant crime and the absolute social defenselessness of citizens periodically result in serious armed conflicts that end the same in all cases.
The capital of Niger is the city Niamey, located on the banks of the Niger River. Today, about one million people live here. Moreover, in the 60s of the last century, this number was only 30 thousand. Approximately 90% of the townspeople belong to the Muslim religion, while almost all residents represent various African nationalities. There are very few Europeans and people from other continents in Niamey. In addition to the fact that the city is considered the most important transport hub for the entire country, there are several enterprises focused on light industry, as well as factories for the production of silver and gold products. Among the most interesting attractions are the Grand Mosque, symbolizing the religious status of the capital, and the building of the national museum, where visitors are invited to get acquainted with the history, culture and traditions of Niger, as well as learn a lot of interesting things about the times of the prehistoric period. The architectural appearance of the city is similar to the settlements of ancient Judea. Low adobe houses form residential areas, and large massive buildings, in a modern manner, belong to large manufacturing or financial companies. All buildings are surrounded by the foliage of evergreen trees, which give the simple urban landscapes a bright and colorful hue. The main sports facility here is a large stadium, which hosts international competitions in various sports and is completely filled on days when the Niger national football team plays here.
The republic has an arid equatorial climate. Formally, winter in the country lasts from June to October. At the same time, it rains, which, however, are irregular and periodic. All other months in Niger are dry, and you have to wait for a very long time for saving moisture. The average annual air temperature is +30 degrees. But at night, especially in the desert, the heat gives way to coolness, so much so that sometimes it’s not a sin to wear something warm.
While in Niger, you should be careful about religion and not dress provocatively. In the dark, it is not advisable to go outside the hotel, since at these hours animals that become more active during cool weather pose no less a danger than people, as evidenced by the sounds of the jungle, which are heard especially clearly at night. In addition, before traveling to West Africa, it is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever, which is a traditional companion for local residents. A huge number of insects, including the famous Tsetse fly, are also not friendly and hospitable, so for a complete “ammunition” you should grab several more types of ointments and tablets for stomach pain, because Nigerian dishes are as exotic as they are specific. Based on the above, it is worth noting that for avid travelers this country is an excellent opportunity to learn a lot of new things and get to know the mysterious world of Africa in all its diversity.
NIGER, Niger Republic. State in West Africa.
The capital is Niamey (700 thousand people - 2002).
Territory – 1.267 million square meters. km.
Administrative division: 7 departments and the capital municipal district.
Population – 12.5 million people. (2005, evaluation).
Official language- French.
Religion – Islam, traditional African beliefs and Christianity.
The monetary unit is the CFA franc.
Niger has been a member of the UN since 1960, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1963, and since 2002 its successor - the African Union (AU), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since 1975, the Common Organization of Afro-Mauritian (OCAM) since 1965, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Economic and Monetary Union of West African States (EUMOA) since 1994 and International organization Francophonie (OF).
The territory of Niger is located within the ancient African platform. Basement rocks - granites, gneisses and crystalline schists - come to the surface in the north - in the Air massif, in the southwest - on the coast of the Niger River and in the south - between the cities of Zinder and Gure. Air divides the country into western and eastern parts. Its steep, steep slopes stand out sharply against the background of the surrounding plateaus. The massif is composed of ancient crystalline rocks, intruded by volcanic intrusions. Aira contains rich deposits of uranium ores in the Arlit and Imuraren areas, as well as coal deposits in Anu Araren.
In the west and east of the country, the foundation is covered by a thick layer of sedimentary rocks. Thick oil-bearing layers have been discovered here, which are being developed in the Tin-Tumma area. On the right bank of the Niger River, industrial deposits of iron ore were discovered near the city of Sai and phosphorites near Tapoa and Tahua. Deposits of gypsum and tin have also been discovered.
The Air massif has a general slope towards the west, where the heights reach only 700–800 m. There are many deep valleys with dry river beds (locally called “kori”), which occasionally fill with water during rains. In the central part of the massif, average heights reach 1300–1700 m. The highest points of the country are located here - Tamgak (1988) and Idukaln-Tages (2022 m).
The eastern part of Aira drops steeply towards the vast Tenere desert, where mobile dunes predominate, forming dune ridges and massifs.
In the north of Niger there are the Mangeni and Djado plateaus, dissected by deep canyons. The average heights of the plateau are 800–900 m (highest point 1054 m on the Mangeni plateau).
The southern regions of the country are dominated by leveled plateaus composed of sandstones, sands and loams with isolated outcrops of crystalline rocks. Average heights are 200–500 m. The monotony of the relief is broken by the highly dissected Adar-Duchi plateau southeast of Tahoua and the picturesque granite hills in the vicinity of Zinder.
Niger is located in one of the hottest regions globe. The average annual temperature here is 27–29° C. Evaporation reaches 2000–3000 mm, while the annual precipitation almost never exceeds 600 mm.
The vast northern regions located in the Sahara Desert are characterized by a tropical desert climate with very dry air, high daytime temperatures and sharp daily temperature fluctuations (more than 20°). The southern regions included in the Sahel zone are characterized by a variable humid tropical climate with one rainy season lasting from two to four months. Here, too, there are large differences in day and night temperatures, and the midday heat can reach 40° C.
If in the Sahara generally less than 100 mm of precipitation falls per year and there are areas where there is no rain at all for several years, then in the Sahel region the average annual precipitation in the north does not exceed 300 mm, and in the south, at the latitude of Tahoua and Niamey, sometimes it increases to 400–600 mm.
In the extreme southwest of Niger, near the border with the Republic of Benin, the climate is more humid. The average annual precipitation exceeds 800 mm, and the rainy season lasts 5–7 months.
The change of seasons and the amount of precipitation depend on the wind regime. In April - June, a hot, dry wind prevails - harmattan, blowing from the Sahara. In July–August it is replaced by the southwest monsoon, bringing more humid air from the Atlantic Ocean.
Frequent droughts cause great damage to Niger's agriculture. In 1968–1974, a severe drought broke out throughout the country, accompanied by the death of crops and livestock.
The country's largest river, the Niger, is fed by rainfall that falls in its upper reaches. Floods in the Niamey area occur in late January – early February. To the south, near the city of Gaya, there are two floods - in February and September-October. The Niger Valley is the most important agricultural region of the country, in which the river's waters are widely used for irrigation.
Niger owns part of the waters of Lake Chad, which often changes the contours of its shores and water level. Depths range from 1 to 4 m depending on the amount of precipitation and the volume of river flow. The highest level occurs in January, the lowest in July. The lake is rich in fish, but its shores, heavily overgrown with grasses and bushes, are marshy and difficult to access.
The main part of Niger's territory is located in the desert zone and only 1/4 is in the savannah zone. In the north, in the Tenere desert and on the Air, Djado and other plateaus, only after the rains does a bright carpet of ephemeral herbaceous plants appear, which lasts for several weeks and then dries out. Palm trees grow in the oases - date and doum.
The savannas of the Sahel are dominated by grasses and other grasses, as well as thorny shrubs and rare trees. The natural vegetation here is heavily damaged by livestock grazing.
As you move south, more trees are found in the savannas, especially acacias with umbrella crowns. Baobabs and palm trees (dum, etc.) also grow, and bearded grass and elephant grass predominate among the grasses. In the extreme southwest, woody vegetation begins to dominate, with large trees with lush green crowns appearing: bombax (cotton tree), mangoes with bright orange fruits, papayas and palms. Bamboo grows along the rivers.
Numerous rodents, fennec foxes, oryx and addax antelopes are found in the deserts of Niger. The vast savannas are home to graceful gazelles and many predators (cheetah, hyena, jackal). The world of birds is rich: there are ostriches, eagles, bald vultures, and kites.
In the southern savannah, some of the large mammals that remain are giraffes, antelopes and wild boars, and lions are among the predators. Large herds of elephants are found on the right bank of the Niger and near Lake Chad. The rivers are home to hippopotamuses and crocodiles. Birds are especially numerous: ducks, geese, waders, herons, cranes, ibises, storks, black marabou. Among them there are many migratory species. Lots of insects, especially termites and locusts.
Nature reserves have been created in the area of the Air mountain plateau and the Tener desert.
Capital – Niamey
Population
TYPICAL VILLAGE HOUSE in Niger
One of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa, the average population density is 9.1 people. per 1 sq. km (2002). Average annual population growth is 3.5%. Niger is one of the countries with a high birth rate (48.3 per 1000 people), mortality is 21.33 per 1000 people. The infant mortality rate (278 per 1,000 births) is one of the highest in the world. Average age population – 16.25 years. 47.3% of the population are children under 14 years of age. Residents over 65 years of age – 2.1%. Life expectancy is 42.13 years (men – 42.46, women – 41.8). (All indicators are given in estimates for 2005).
Niger is a multi-ethnic state. The country's African population belongs to more than 20 ethnic groups. The most numerous peoples are: Hausa (56%), Derma (22%), Fulbe (8.5%), Tuareg (8%) and Kanuri (4.3%). The country is also home to Arabs, French (about 1,200 people) and other peoples. From local languages The most common languages are Hausa, Jerma, Fulfulde, Kanuri and Tamashek.
The rural population is approx. 80%, urban – approx. 20% (2002). Large cities - Zinder (185.1 thousand people), Maradi (172.9 thousand people) and Tahoua (87.7 thousand people) - 2001.
There is labor migration of Nigerians to Benin, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Togo.
Religions. 95% of the population are Muslims (they profess Sunni Islam), 4.5% are adherents of traditional African beliefs (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors, forces of nature, etc.), 0.5% are Christians (the vast majority are Catholics) - 2004. The spread of Islam began in the 9th–11th centuries. n. e. The Sufi order (tariqa) Tijaniyya enjoys especially great influence among Muslims. The tariqats of Senusiyya and Hamaliyya are also influential.
STATE STRUCTURE
Niger is a presidential republic. There is a constitution in force, approved by a referendum on July 18, 1999 and which came into force on August 9, 1999. The head of state is the president, who is elected by universal direct and secret ballot for a 5-year term. Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral parliament (National Assembly), which consists of 113 deputies elected on the basis of universal direct and secret suffrage. His term of office is 5 years.
Administrative structure. The country is divided into 7 departments and the capital municipal district.
Judicial system. Based on French civil law, the rules of Sharia and customary law also apply. There are Supreme, High, Courts of Appeal and the State Security Court.
Armed forces and defense. The national armed forces were created in August 1961. In 2002 they numbered 5.3 thousand people. (army - 5.2 thousand people, air force - 100 people). Paramilitary forces numbering 5.4 thousand people. consist of the gendarmerie (1.4 thousand people), the Republican Guard (2.5 thousand people) and the police (1.5 thousand people). Military service lasts two years. Defense spending is $33.3 million (1.1% of GDP) – 2004.
Foreign policy. It is based on the policy of non-alignment. The main foreign policy partners are France and Nigeria. Supporting the concept of strengthening security in the Sahara-Sahel region, Niger regularly participates in meetings on top level with the remaining Saharo-Sahelian states - Libya, Burkina Faso and Mali. Good neighborly relations with Algeria are developing. Interstate relations with Côte d'Ivoire are complicated due to the problem of the influx of refugees from this country.
ECONOMY
Niger is an agricultural country. It ranks second (after Sierra Leone) in the world in terms of poverty levels. According to the UN, approx. 3.5 million people suffer from hunger. 75% of the population has an annual income of $365, with 35% living below the poverty level. 40% of the population (mostly in rural areas) suffers from chronic malnutrition.
Agriculture. The share of the agricultural sector in GDP is 39% (2001), it employs 85% of the population (2005 estimate). 3.54% of land is cultivated (2001). Agricultural production depends almost entirely on the amount of rainfall. The annual production growth in the agricultural sector is approx. 2%. The main export crops are peanuts and vegetables. Oranges, bananas, legumes, corn, millet, rice, sugar cane, sorghum, cotton and tobacco are also grown. Nomadic livestock farming has been developed (breeding camels, horses, cattle, donkeys, sheep and goats). Fish catch in 2000 amounted to 16.27 thousand tons.
GRAIN STORAGE
Industry. Share in GDP – 17% (2001). The main industries are mining and manufacturing. Niger ranks third (after Canada and Australia) in the world in uranium production. Its share in the country's exports is constantly declining; in 2002 it was 32% (in 1990 – 60%). Coal and gold mining is also carried out. There are enterprises for processing agricultural products, including the production of peanut butter, flour and beer. There are small textile and leather factories.
International trade. The volume of imports significantly exceeds the volume of exports: in 2002, imports (in US dollars) amounted to 400 million, and exports - 280 million. The bulk of imports are grain, food products, cars and oil. Main import partners: France (17.4%), Ivory Coast (11.3%), Italy (8.4%), Nigeria (7.3%), Germany (6.5%), USA (5 .5%) and China (4.8%) - 2004. The main export products are uranium ore, live cattle, animal products and vegetables. The main export partners are France (47.1%, is the main importer of Nigerian uranium), Nigeria (22.7%), Japan (8.6%) and USA (5.4%) - 2004.
Energy. Electricity consumption is increasing due to uranium mining. Electricity production partially meets domestic needs. Its production in 2002 amounted to 266.2 million kilowatt-hours, and imports (from Nigeria) amounted to 80 million kilowatt-hours. Electricity is generated at thermal power plants running on diesel fuel.
Transport. The transport network is not developed. Railways No. Total length highways is 14 thousand km, including 3.62 thousand km with hard surface (2000, estimate). Navigation along the Niger River has been established; the length of the waterways is 300 km. There are 27 airports and runways (9 of them have hard surfaces) - 2004. International airports are located in the cities of Niamey and Agadez.
SOCIETY
The AIDS incidence rate is 1.2% (2003). In 2003, there were 70 thousand people with AIDS and HIV-infected people, 4.8 thousand people died. In the UN report on the humanitarian development of the planet in 2001, Niger was ranked 174th.
Architecture. In the south and east of the country traditional dwellings among the peoples engaged in agriculture (Hausa, Djerma, Songhai), they are round in plan adobe or straw huts. Their roof is made of straw and has a conical shape. Near the dwelling, granaries covered with a thatched roof are built - clay vessels reaching up to 3 m in height. The dwellings of nomadic peoples (Tuaregs and Fulani) are round or rectangular tents and tents made of mats, covered with leather.
IN modern cities houses are built from brick and reinforced concrete structures.
| Number | City (French) | Population | |||
| 1977 | 1988 | 2001 | 2007 | ||
| 1. | Niamey | 233 414 | 391 876 | 674 950 | 829 255 |
| 2. | Zinder | 53 914 | 119 827 | 170 574 | 202 072 |
| 3. | Maradi | 44 458 | 110 005 | 147 038 | 171 603 |
| 4. | Agadez | 20 643 | 49 424 | 76 957 | 94 682 |
| 5. | Arlit | 10 386 | 32 272 | 67 398 | 92 452 |
| 6. | Tahoua | 31 252 | 49 948 | 72 446 | 84 558 |
| 7. | Dosso | 16 959 | 25 695 | 43 293 | 53 278 |
| 8. | Birni N'Konni | 16 286 | 29 034 | 42 897 | 50 813 |
| 9. | Tessaoua | 10 590 | 19 737 | 31 276 | 38 174 |
| 10. | Gaya | 8 709 | 14 868 | 27 856 | 35 973 |
| 11. | Dogondoutchi | 14 629 | 20 407 | 28 951 | 33 216 |
| 12. | Diffa | 4 253 | 13 387 | 23 233 | 30 525 |
| 13. | Ayorou | 12 462 | … | … | 27 370 |
| 14. | Madaoua | 14 988 | 11 649 | 21 749 | 26 555 |
| 15. | Mayahi | 3 292 | 5 723 | 16 740 | 25 589 |
| 16. | Birni N'Gaouré | 10 479 | … | … | 25 029 |
| 17. | Tera | 8 761 | 12 313 | 18 872 | 22 275 |
| 18. | Mirya | 8 420 | 13 225 | 18 783 | 21 721 |
| 19. | Tibiri | 7 283 | 15 000 | … | 21 218 |
| 20. | Tillaberi | 5 270 | 8 377 | 16 181 | 21 011 |
| 21. | Magaria | 7 856 | 11 723 | 17 444 | 20 455 |
| 22. | Dakoro | 10 688 | 14 577 | 18 551 | 20 400 |
| 23. | N'Guigmi | 8 267 | 9 537 | 15 807 | 19 036 |
| 24. | Matameye | 7 085 | 11 151 | 15 376 | 17 587 |
| 25. | Illela | 8 299 | 11 699 | 15 463 | 17 281 |
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Niamey 01:42 35°C
Mainly cloudy
Hotels
Niger receives a record low number of tourists per year, so the choice of hotels here is appropriate. Most hotels are located in the country's capital, Niamey. But finding a good and comfortable room with modest amenities is a real rarity.
Judging by the reviews on travel portals, the Grand Hotel du Niger and the Hotel Terminus are the most comfortable places to stay. The rooms even have air conditioning (which is a rarity for most hotels in Niger).
Attractions
Niger is a unique and beautiful country. The only pity is that 80% of its territory is located in the Sahara Desert. The remaining 20% is threatened by drought and desertification.
W National Park is the main pride of West Africa. It received its unusual name because of the shape of the river flowing through its territory. This is one of the few places in the country surrounded by greenery. Buffaloes, hippos, elephants, antelopes, and more than 100 species of birds live here.
The West African giraffe is the main pride of the park. There are only 200 individuals left in the world, but the park's population is gradually growing. A great place to explore African nature and have a safari adventure.
The Timia Oasis is also called the “pearl” of the Sahara Desert. The local nature differs from the harsh landscapes of the country. Here is a real kingdom of orchards, date palms and exotic birds that fly here for the winter. The Tuaregs, a nomadic tribe from West Africa, live here. They are very hospitable people with a rich culture, history and amazingly delicious cuisine.
There are very few architectural landmarks in the country. The Great Mosque of Niamey is the most beautiful and well-kept building in the capital. Built at Gaddafi's expense.
Museums
The National Museum of Niger is the largest and most diverse in the country. Founded in 1959. The age of the main museum of the country is relatively small, but the collection on display is impressive. Historical artifacts will tell about the history of the country, its multinationality and the life of ordinary residents. In the museum's collection you can see quite unusual exhibits: the last tree of the Sahara desert, the remains of dinosaurs, traditional costumes of numerous African tribes inhabiting the country.
Climate of Niger:: Desert. Mostly hot, dry, dusty. Tropical part in the south.
Resorts
Niger has no access to the sea, so there are no resort areas, in the traditional sense of the word. Most tourists visit the capital of the country, Niamey, the city of Agadez and the W National Park.
Leisure
Niger - no tourist country. There is no infrastructure, good transport or interesting leisure activities that are worth coming for. The casual tourist can be entertained by a safari in the National Park or a trip to the National Museum of Niger.
Terrain of Niger: Mostly desert plains and sand dunes. Hills to the north.
Transport
There are no direct flights from Russia to Nigeria. Transfers are possible in France or Morocco. To obtain a tourist visa, you need a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
There are no railways in the country (but projects for its construction are now being developed). Local residents travel by bus or car. In the central part of the country, traffic is difficult due to the lack of asphalt roads.
Standard of living
Niger is the poorest country in the world. Even agriculture It is extremely difficult to practice here due to desertification of the land. 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. The country lives mainly on foreign aid. New deposits of uranium and oil have recently been discovered. Perhaps the standard of living will be higher in the future.
Niger has resources like: Uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salts, oil.
Cities of Niger
Niamey is the capital of the country. Tourists will have to pay 126 US dollars to obtain a permit to stay in the city (per day). The city is located on the banks of the Niger River, one of the few green places in the country. Like any African capital, Niamey is growing rapidly. But its infrastructure is in a deplorable state.
Zinder is the second Big City countries. Former capital of colonial Niger. Once upon a time it was richest city Africa due to its favorable geographical location. The city was on the trade route with Nigeria. Its colonial architecture has partially survived to this day.
Population
Coordinates
13.5125 x 2.11178 13.80487 x 8.98837 Alaghsas 17.0187 x 8.0168 14.8888 x 5.2692 Birnie N Connie 13.79562 x 5.2553 Tessaoua 13.75737 x 7.9874 11.88435 x 3.44919 Dogonduchi 13.63933 x 4.02875 13.31536 x 12.61134 Tillaberi Useful information for tourists about Niger, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Niger, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of Niger. The Republic of Niger is a state in West Africa. It borders on the north with Algeria and Libya, on the east on the Republic of Chad, on the south and southwest on Nigeria, on the southwest on Benin and Burkina Faso, on the west on Mali. Landlocked. The country's topography is dominated by plains with altitudes of 300-500 m above sea level. In the northwest is the Air massif - a system of plateaus of different heights. The highest point, Mount Bagesan, reaches 1900 m. The eastern part of Aira drops steeply to the huge sandy desert of Tenere. The northern part of the country is occupied by high rocky plateaus. The southern regions of the country are dominated by leveled plateaus composed of sandstones, sands and loams with isolated outcrops of crystalline rocks. Average altitudes 200–500 m. Republican form of government. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is the National Assembly. Official language: French The most common local languages are Hausa, Djerma, Fulfulde, Kanuri and Tamashek. 95% of the population are Muslims (Sunni Islam), 4.5% are adherents of traditional African beliefs (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors, forces of nature, etc.), 0.5% are Christians (the majority are Catholics). International name: KFA Currency exchange can be done at banks and exchange offices; the exchange rate can vary significantly. The use of credit cards and traveler's checks is only possible in banks and international hotels in the capital; Visa and MasterCard are preferred (although significant commissions are very likely). Checks and credit cards from French banks have the best exchange rates. In the provinces, their use is almost impossible.Information about Niger
Geography of Niger
State
State structure
Language
Religion
Currency
