Country Information on Niger

Terrain Niger can be divided into three zones as far as terrain is concerned. The Sahara, located in the northern part, occupies more than two thirds of the country's total area. Second, there is a desert-like highland plateau averaging 250 to 350 m in height with the country's highest elevation, Bagzane (2,022 m) further south. In the south there are the country's fertile areas. This region profits by sufficient rainfall and the river Niger, which is the only important river of the country and which regularly bursts its banks. In the south-east the country borders Lake Chad, which is one of the largest lakes of the continent. Climate Generally speaking, Niger is remarkably hot, with average temperatures around 30°C, but capable of reaching over 50°C in some areas in the hot season between March and June. From December to February more moderate temperatures prevail, which can actually drop to freezing point, especially in the night time desert. The Harmattan winds usually arrive just before the rains. The rainy season usually lasts from June to October and is restricted to the south of the country. Fauna/Flora The rapid desertification of Niger is due to several factors: the devastating droughts of the 1970s, overgrazing, the scavenging of trees for firewood, and the pure quartz sands of the region that make planting and high yield crops (and subsequent anchoring of top soil) impossible. This situation is particularly noticeable in the northern region. In other parts of the country there are large stretches of dry savannah covered with grass, as well as fertile areas with baobabs, kapok trees, tamarinds, and mahogany trees. The country's diverse fauna includes elephants, hippopotamuses, panthers, zebras, and camels. History/Politics Evidence of human settlement in the area of present-day Niger dates back to prehistoric times. Later, the area was predominantly inhabited by nomadic tribes. Around the 3rd century BC the area became one of the most important centres of salt and gold trade within the Sahara region and far beyond. Later and right up to the 19th century, the area remained within the dominion of the Sahel kingdoms, with Mali and Songhai rule in the country's west, Haussa sovereignty in the centre and parts of the south, and the south and parts of the east ruled by the Bornu. Tuareg tribes dominated central parts of present-day Niger; nomadic tribes living on animal breeding inhabited the northern parts. The Kingdom of Sakoto conquered half of the territory in the 19th century, thriving on trade. That was the time when Europeans (having settled the coastal areas for a long time) decided to conquer the country's central areas, which sparked conflict between the British and the French. France finally succeeded in gaining control over the territory in 1890 and started colonizing it. In 1900, Niger was turned into a military territory and became a French colony in 1922 despite popular resistance. In 1946 Niger became an overseas territory, in 1958 it was granted the status of an autonomous republic within the French Union. In 1960 Niger finally became independent. Independence movement leader Hamani Diori was elected first president of the National Assembly and in 1965 and in 1970 he was confirmed in his office. Devastating drought in the early 1970s forced the military to supply food to the rural population and overthrow Diori in 1974. After that Niger was governed by a military council led by lieutenant colonel Seyni Kountché. His primary aim was to boost the country's economy, which he succeeded in due to the country's uranium exports. However, a decline in uranium prices in the 1980s resulted in severe economic and social crisis, riots and the establishment of the Tuareg guerrilla movement. When Kountché died in 1987, Ali Seybou succeeded him. Seybou became head of government in 1989 after he had implemented a new constitution. Opposition parties were admitted in 1990 after a wave of strikes and protests. One of the opposition parties gained a majority in the 1993 elections and Mahamane Ousmane became the country's first president. In 1996 a military coup resulted in the suspension of the constitution. Boukary Adji was appointed head of government by the rebels and subsequently formed a transitional government that entirely consisted of civilians. In May 1996 a new constitution was adopted after the majority of the electorate had voted for it in a referendum. In April 1999 Baré Mainassara was assassinated and since December 1999 Mamadou Tandja has been president of Niger. Economy Despite the aridity of the country agriculture accounts for the largest parts of the country's earnings. The chief agricultural commodities are peanuts (for export) and millet, manioc, beans, and rice (for subsistence). A large majority of Nigeriens derive their livelihood from subsistence farming. Niger possesses several mineral deposits, in Central Niger salt and sodium bicarbonate have been mined for centuries. Tin is also found in this area. In the north of the country rich uranium deposits are mined. Industry is basically restricted to food and to building and construction. Culture The Cure Salé is one of the greatest celebrations in West Africa. It takes place just before the rains come, and is an important social event, as herders meet around the salt pans of Ingal with their huge herds and wait for the blessed rain. One of the highlights of the Cure Salé is the Gerewol festival held by the nomadic Wodaabé tribe. All Wodaabé men participate in a beauty contest and are judged by certain women of the tribe. The contest includes getting dressed up for the competition and prove one's dancing and singing skills. Finally, the most handsome man of the tribe is chosen.