Niger

Niger became independent from France in 1960 and experienced single-party and military rule until 1991, when Gen. Ali SAIBOU was forced by public pressure to allow multiparty elections, which resulted in a democratic government in 1993. Political infighting brought the government to a standstill and in 1996 led to a coup by Col. Ibrahim BARE. In 1999 BARE was killed in a coup by military officers who promptly restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power in December of that year. TANDJA was reelected in 2004. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 12,894,865 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Nigerien(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Nigerien

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: French, Hausa, Zarma

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Niger

Country Name (short form): Niger

Country Name (local long form): Republique du Niger

Country Name (local short form): Niger

Name of Capital: Niamey

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Niger: Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad

Land Area: 1266700 sq km

Water Area: 300 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Total Land Boundry: 5,697 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958)

International Phone Code: 227

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note

Internet Country Code: .ne

US Embassy Location: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 11201, Niamey