The largest country in Africa, Niger has emerged after a prolonged and brutal military rule as one of the least-developed nations in the world.
Officially known as the Republic of Niger, Niger is a landlocked country in western Africa. The total area of this African country, also known as Republique du Niger (in French), is about 489,500 square miles. This makes it the 22nd largest country in the world. The total estimated population of Niger is about 16.5 million. The estimated per capita nominal GDP of Niger is a trifle $370. The official language of Niger is French but Djerma and Hausa are also spoken widely. Almost 80% people in Niger practice Islam, but Christianity and other local religions are followed as well.
The history of Niger goes back to 10,000 BC at the earliest when it used to be a fertile land with a rich wildlife and pastoral culture. Niger was under the rule of French from 1922 onwards. However, it achieved complete independence on August 3, 1960. Since its independence, Niger has witnessed a combination of military rule and Republican setups.
The economy of Niger is dependent primarily on agricultural products and uranium deposits. The major agricultural products of Niger are cowpeas, cattle, cotton, sheep, peanuts, goats, millet, camels, sorghum, donkeys, cassava, horses, rice and poultry. The major industries in Niger are uranium mining, textiles, cement, food processing, brick, chemicals, soap and slaughterhouses. The major goods and services exported by Niger are uranium ore, cowpeas, livestock and onion. It primarily imports foodstuffs, petroleum, machinery, cereals and cars along with automobile parts.
