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Niger pilage du mil
© Creative Commons / etrenard
Niger Travel Guide
Key Facts
Geography
Area:
1,267,000 sq km (489,191 sq miles).
Population:
12.9 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population density:
10.2 per sq km.
Capital:
Niamey. Population: 890,000 (UN estimate 2003).
Government:
Republic since 1960.
Head of state:
President Mahamadou Issoufou since 2011.
Head of government:
Brigi Rafini was appointed Prime Minister in 2011.
Electricity:
220 volts AC, 50Hz; Round two-pin plugs are used.
Adventurous travellers to Niger might encounter nomadic tribes, spot baboons or elephants in 'W' National Park, take a canoe down the River Niger or tour the fabulous old Tuareg capital, Agadez.
This former French colony is West Africa's largest state, bordering Libya, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger gained independence in 1960 and has since maintained close links with France.
Niger remains one of the world's least-developed countries. A largely desert landscape, shortage of arable land and recurring drought mean alleviating poverty will prove difficult. From 2005 to 2006, a serious food crisis affected up to 2.5 million people, requiring a major international relief operation.
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