Located in the west-central portion of the African continent, Niger has no access to the sea and borders Libya (to the north), Chad (to the east), Nigeria (to the south), Benin and Burkina Faso (to the southwest), Mali (to the west) and Algeria (to the northwest). Approximately 65% of the territory is covered by the Sahara desert, with the remainder (35%) located in a semi-desert area called the Sahel. The few arable areas are being affected by the rapid process of desertification.
In the 19th century, the French began the colonization of Niger, which gained its independence in the year 1960. The country's official language (French) is one of the legacies of this occupation process.
The national economy is underdeveloped and loans made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have aggravated socioeconomic crises. Niger is one of the economically poorest nations in the world, having little arable land and few natural resources of commercial value. Uranium is the main responsible for the country's exports, which also produces beans and onions.
According to data released in 2010 by the United Nations (UN), Niger has the third lowest Human Development Index (HDI) on the planet: 0.261. Among the various social problems are: malnutrition affects 29% of the population; the infant mortality rate is 85 deaths per thousand live births; environmental sanitation services are insufficient; the majority of the population lives on less than $1.25 a day and the illiteracy rate is 72%.
Niger Coat of Arms
Niger data:
Territorial extension: 1,267,000 km².
Location: Africa.
Capital: Niamey.
Climate: Arid tropical (north) and tropical (south).
Government: Republic with mixed form of government.
Administrative division: 7 regions and 1 municipality (Niamei).
Languages: French (official), regional languages (Tuareg, Hausa, Djerma and Fulani).
Religions: Islam 90.3%, traditional beliefs 9.2%, Christianity 0.4%, no religion 0.1%.
Population: 15,290,102 inhabitants. (Men: 7,657,127; Women: 7,632,975).
Composition: Huaçás 56%, djermas 22%, Fulani 9%, Tuareg 8%, Berber 4%, other 1%.
Demographic density: 12 inhab/km².
Average annual population growth rate: 3.8%.
Population residing in urban areas: 16.56%.
Population residing in rural areas: 83.44%.
Undernourished population: 29%.
Life expectancy at birth: 56.2 years.
Households with access to clean water: 42%.
Households with access to a health network: 7%.
Human Development Index (HDI): 0.261 (low).
Currency: CFA Franc.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 5.3 billion dollars.
GDP per capita: $289.
External relations: World Bank, IMF, WTO, UN, AU.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
countries - geography - Brazil School
