Overview of Niger

Profile

Approximately 80% of the country is covered by the Sahara Desert, with the Niger River, Africa's third-longest river, flowing through the southwest. Most of the population practices farming, herding, and commerce in the southern Sahel, while the north focuses on nomadic lifestyles and mining. Major exports include uranium and oil, and as a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, it uses the CFA franc. Following the military coup in 2023, the country is under transitional governance, with security and development challenges requiring urgent attention.

Official name: Republic of Niger
Common name: Niger
Numeric code: 562
Alpha-3 code: NER
Alpha-2 code: NE
Population: Approximately 26.2 million (2024)
Population density: Approximately 21 people/km²
Primary languages: French
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: La Nigérienne
Calling code: +227
Internet TLD: .ne

History

Gained independence from France in 1960. Has alternated between civilian rule and military coups, transitioning back to military rule in 2023.

After independence, the Diori regime collapsed due to drought and economic stagnation. Since 1974, military and short-term civilian governments have alternated, with multi-party democracy introduced in the 1990s. Democratization progressed with the 2010 constitution, but a July 2023 coup overthrew the civilian government, and the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland seized power. The country is currently in a transitional period, pledging a return to civilian rule within five years.

Geography & climate

The north features dry desert with rocky mountains and sand dunes, the center is the Ténéré sand sea, and the south encompasses Sahel grasslands and alluvial plains along the Niger River.

Desert climate to steppe climate

Area: Africa / 1267000 km²
Capital: Niamey
Largest city: Niamey
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Chad
Bordering countries: Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Nigeria, Chad, Libya

Natural resources

Uranium, Petroleum, Gold, Coal, Phosphate ore, Gypsum, Iron ore, Limestone, Natural gas, Salt

Politics

Government: Republic (under transitional military rule)

Economy

Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)

GDP (nominal): 16.6 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 42.4 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French

Time zone: West Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, Fulani, Kanuri, Toubou, Arab, Gourmantché

Life expectancy

63 years

Literacy rate

31%

National sports

Soccer, Traditional wrestling (La Lutte), Camel racing, Bullfighting (Zarma style), Ram fighting