Category: Niger

Niger is a nation named after Niger River situated in Western Africa. Niger is bordered by Benin, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, Algeria and Chad. The capital of Niger is Niamey and it is the largest nation of West Africa. About 80% of the land is covered by Sahara desert. Evidences of complex culture with pastoralists’ population dated back to 10,000 BCE were found in Niger. Archeological sites and former villages dated back 7,500 to 3,500 BCE were also found in the nation. Modern Niger was found by Songhai Empire from 15th century. Several empires ruled the country and the country became the colony of France in 1922. The country gained independence in the year 1960.

New constitution of Niger was approved in the year 1999 and semi-presidential government system was restored in the 1992 constitution. The president of the country is elected through universal suffrage and the term of the president elected is five years. The executive power of the country is shared by both president and prime minister. The economy of the country depends on agriculture, livestock, uranium, subsistence and raw material exports. Niger is blessed with oil and coal deposits.

The population of the country is more than 21.4 million and the major ethnic group of the country is Hausa. About half of the population constitutes the ethnic group Hausa. Another major group is Zarma-Songhai and remaining of the population are Fulani, Kanuri, Arabs, Toubou and Tuareg. Around 95% of the population is following Islamic religion. Other religions of the country are Animism and Christianity. French is the official language of the country which was inherited from colonial period and French is spoken as second language in Niger. Other languages are Hausa, Kanuri, Gulmancema, Zarma, Colloquial Arabi, Toubou, Tamasheq and Fulfulde.

Niger is famous for colorful and fascinating tourist attractions. Niger is known for its natural and scenic landscapes with mountains, valleys, plateaus and rivers. Sahara Desert is the major attraction of the country and the tourists can enjoy camel-trekking on the desert. The desert is inhabited several tribes as well as clans that have their own customs and culture. Another major tourist spot of the country is the River Niger. To the close proximity of the river, there are several wildlife reserves and national parks. River Niger offers the tourists several water-sport activities such as fishing, motor boating and canoeing. Timia is a fantastic waterfall worth seeing.

Zinder, Agadez and Niamey are the cities of the country with various historical monuments and architectural buildings. Niamey, the capital of the country has many tourist attractions. Some of the major attractions of Niamey are Museum of vernacular architecture, Craft centre and Niger national museum. Tourists can explore Air Mountains to watch the wild animals like giraffes, lions and leopards. Dogon and Gao villages are suitable for sightseeing. Ahmed Baba Museum situated in Timbuktu display ancient books and manuscripts which are worth seeing. Djenne is famous for purchasing mud cloth. While cruising through the Niger River, you can find some restaurants and bars.