# Niger

> sovereign state in western Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q1032](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1032)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/niger

## Summary
Niger is a sovereign state located in western Africa, recognized for its landlocked geography and diverse cultural heritage. It is officially known as the Republic of Niger and gained independence in 1960. The country is predominantly situated in the Sahel region of West Africa and is characterized by its membership in numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union.

## Key Facts
- Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa with an area of 1,267,000 square kilometers.
- The capital of Niger is Niamey.
- The official language is French, though Hausa is also widely used.
- Niger became independent on 3 August 1960, from French colonial rule.
- The population of Niger was approximately 21,477,348 as of 2017.
- The currency used in Niger is the West African CFA franc (XOF).
- The national anthem of Niger was "La Nigérienne" from 1961 to 2023, and is now "L'Honneur de la Patrie".
- The country is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (since 20 September 1960), African Union, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
- The flag of Niger was adopted on 23 November 1959.
- The predominant religion is Islam, specifically following the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence.
- The country operates in the Africa/Niamey time zone (UTC+01:00).
- The highest point in Niger is Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès, and the lowest point is the Niger River at 200 meters above sea level.
- The current head of state is military ruler Abdourahamane Tchiani, who assumed power on 28 July 2023.
- The current head of government is Ali Lamine Zeine, who took office on 8 August 2023.
- The country's economy had a nominal GDP of approximately $13.97 billion in 2022.
- Niger shares borders with seven countries: Chad, Libya, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Nigeria.
- The country's life expectancy was 60.058 years in 2016 and has been increasing gradually.
- The total fertility rate in 2014 was 7.599 children per woman.
- The Gini coefficient in 2018 was 37.3, indicating significant income inequality.
- The country is part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

## FAQs
### What is the official name of Niger?
The official name of the country is the Republic of Niger, or "la République du Niger" in French.

### When did Niger gain independence?
Niger gained independence on 3 August 1960, from French colonial administration.

### What are the official languages of Niger?
French is the official language, while Hausa is also widely spoken and recognized as a national language.

### What is the capital of Niger?
The capital city of Niger is Niamey.

### What organizations is Niger a member of?
Niger is a member of the United Nations (since 20 September 1960), African Union, World Trade Organization, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1969), and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), among others.

### What is the current population of Niger?
The population of Niger was approximately 21,477,348 in 2017.

### What is the currency of Niger?
The currency used in Niger is the West African CFA franc (XOF).

### What are the national anthems of Niger?
"La Nigérienne" was the national anthem from 1961 to 2023, succeeded by "L'Honneur de la Patrie."

### What is the time zone of Niger?
Niger operates in the Africa/Niamey time zone, which is UTC+01:00.

### What is the current leadership structure in Niger?
The current head of state is Abdourahamane Tchiani, who assumed power on 28 July 2023. The current head of government is Ali Lamine Zeine, who took office on 8 August 2023.

### What is the life expectancy in Niger?
The life expectancy in Niger was 60.058 years in 2016, and it has been gradually increasing.

### What is the total fertility rate in Niger?
The total fertility rate in 2014 was 7.599 children per woman.

### What is the Gini coefficient of Niger?
The Gini coefficient in 2018 was 37.3, indicating significant income inequality.

### What are the geographical coordinates of Niger?
Niger is located between latitudes 11.69°S and 23.52°N, and longitudes 0.17°E and 15.99°E.

### What is the area of Niger?
Niger covers an area of 1,267,000 square kilometers.

### What is the highest point in Niger?
The highest point in Niger is Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès.

### What is the lowest point in Niger?
The lowest point in Niger is the Niger River, which is 200 meters above sea level.

### What is the climate of Niger like?
Niger's climate is generally hot and dry, with the Sahel region experiencing semi-arid conditions.

### What is the economic status of Niger?
Niger's economy had a nominal GDP of approximately $13.97 billion in 2022.

### What is the political system of Niger?
Niger is a republic with a presidential system, and the current head of state is a military ruler.

### What are the demographics of Niger?
Niger has a high birth rate, with 45.029 births per 1,000 people in 2022 and 7.834 deaths per 1,000 people.

### What is the literacy rate in Niger?
The number of out-of-school children was approximately 3,410,345 in 2015.

### What is the HDI of Niger?
Niger's Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.400 in 2021.

## Why It Matters
Niger holds strategic importance in West Africa due to its geographic location, acting as a bridge between North and Sub-Saharan Africa. It plays a critical role in regional stability, particularly in addressing issues such as migration, terrorism, and climate change. The country's rich uranium resources also make it significant in the global energy market. Additionally, its cultural diversity and historical heritage contribute to the broader understanding of African history and identity.

## Notable For
- Being one of the largest countries in West Africa by area.
- Its capital, Niamey, serving as a central hub for regional diplomacy and economic activity.
- The adoption of "L'Honneur de la Patrie" as its current national anthem since 2023.
- Its significant role in regional organizations like ECOWAS and the African Union.
- The high birth rate and young population, with a total fertility rate of 7.599 in 2014.
- A Gini coefficient of 37.3 in 2018, indicating significant income inequality.
- Being a landlocked country with diverse neighbors including Algeria, Libya, Chad, and Nigeria.
- The 2017 population estimate of over 21 million people.
- A Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.400 in 2021, indicating significant development challenges.
- The use of the West African CFA franc as its national currency.
- Hosting the Lake Chad Basin Commission, which addresses regional water and environmental issues.

## Body

### History
Niger gained independence on 3 August 1960, from French colonial rule. The country was previously part of French West Africa. Since independence, Niger has been a republic, and has undergone various political changes, including military coups and transitions to democratic governance.

### Geography and Climate
Niger is located in the Sahel region of West Africa and is landlocked. It shares borders with seven countries: Chad, Libya, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Nigeria. The country's climate is generally hot and dry, with semi-arid conditions in the Sahel region. The lowest point in the country is the Niger River, which is 200 meters above sea level, while the highest point is Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès.

### Demographics
Niger has a high birth rate, with 45.029 births per 1,000 people in 2022 and 7.834 deaths per 1,000 people. The population of Niger was approximately 21,477,348 in 2017. The life expectancy in Niger was 60.058 years in 2016, and it has been gradually increasing. The total fertility rate in 2014 was 7.599 children per woman. The Gini coefficient in 2018 was 37.3, indicating significant income inequality.

### Government and Politics
Niger is a republic with a presidential system. The current head of state is military ruler Abdourahamane Tchiani, who assumed power on 28 July 2023. The current head of government is Ali Lamine Zeine, who took office on 8 August 2023. The country's political system has seen various transitions, including military rule and democratic elections. The national anthem of Niger was "La Nigérienne" from 1961 to 2023, succeeded by "L'Honneur de la Patrie."

### Economy
Niger's economy had a nominal GDP of approximately $13.97 billion in 2022. The country uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) as its national currency. The economic landscape is influenced by its rich uranium resources, which are significant in the global energy market. The country is part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

### Culture and Society
Niger is known for its diverse cultural heritage, with French as the official language and Hausa as a widely spoken national language. The country's cultural identity is also shaped by its historical heritage and traditional practices. The national motto is "Fraternité, Travail, Progrès" (Fraternity, Work, Progress). The country is also part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, reflecting its predominantly Muslim population.

### International Relations
Niger is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (since 20 September 1960), African Union, World Trade Organization, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1969). The country is also part of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, which addresses regional water and environmental issues. Niger's membership in these organizations underscores its commitment to regional and international cooperation.

### Infrastructure and Development
Niger's infrastructure is characterized by its landlocked status, which impacts its trade and transport logistics. The country's development is influenced by its natural resources, particularly uranium, and its strategic location in West Africa. The Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.400 in 2021 indicates significant development challenges, but also highlights the country's potential for growth and improvement.

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