Niger

National name

République du Niger

Government

Republic, emerging from military rule.

Geography

Niger, in West Africa’s Sahara region. The Niger River in the southwest flows through the country’s only fertile area. Elsewhere the land is semiarid
 
Historical Background

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa.

Facts & Figures

Name

NIGER

Capital

Niamey

Government

Military Junta

Language

 Gulmancema, Kanuri, Zarma, Tamasheq (as "national")

Religion

Islam, spread from North Africa beginning in the 10th century, has greatly shaped the mores of the people of Niger. More than 90% of the population is Muslim,

Area

1,267,000 km2 ,489,678 sq mi

Population

July 2009 estimate 15,306,252 ,2001 census 10,790,352

Currency

West African CFA franc (XOF)

GDP(PPP)

2009 estimate Total $10.206 billion

GDP(nominal)

2009 estimate Total $5.261 billion