Niger was historically part of powerful West African empires, including the Songhai and Hausa states, before becoming a French colony in the 19th century. It gained independence in 1960 but has faced military coups, droughts, and economic struggles. Agriculture and uranium mining are key sectors of its economy.
Niger, officially the Republic of the Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest. Covering an area of approximately 1,267,000 square kilometers, Niger has a population of about 26 million people as of 2024. The capital and largest city is Niamey. The official language is French, with several indigenous languages also recognized. Niger operates as a unitary republic under a military junta as of 2023. The economy is primarily based on agriculture and mining, with significant deposits of uranium. Niger faces challenges such as desertification, high population growth, and limited infrastructure. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States.
