{{Short description|Country in West Africa}}
{{About|the country|the adjacent country|Nigeria|the state in Nigeria|Niger State|other uses|}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of the Niger
| native_name = {{lang|ha|Jamhuriyar Nijar}}
| common_name = Niger
| image_flag = Flag of Niger.svg
| flag_alt = Horizontal tricolor (orange, white, green) with an orange circle in the center
| flag_size = 100
| image_coat = Coat of arms of Niger.svg
| coa_size = 110
| image_map = {{Switcher|[[File: Niger (orthographic projection).svg|frameless]]|Show globe|[[File:Location Niger AU Africa.svg|upright=1.15|frameless]]|Show map of Africa|default=1}}
| map_caption =
| image_map2 =
| national_motto = {{native phrase|fr|Fraternité, Travail, Progrès|nolink=yes}}
{{native phrase|ha|Yan'uwantaka, Aiki, Ci gaba|nolink=yes}}
"Fraternity, Work, Progress"
| national_anthem = {{native phrase|fr|[[L'Honneur de la Patrie]]|nolink=yes}}
"The Honour of the Fatherland"{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:«L'Honneur de la Patrie» performed by the Royal Netherlands Army Band instrumental.ogg]]}}
| official_languages = [[Hausa language|Hausa]]
| languages_type = [[Working language]]s
| languages = {{flatlist|
* [[English language|English]]
* [[French language|French]]}}
| religion_ref = [{{cite web|url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/nigerien|title=Nigerien – definition of Nigerien in English from the Oxford Dictionaries|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301230120/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/nigerien|archive-date=1 March 2018}}]
| capital = [[Niamey]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|13|30|49|N|2|06|32|E|type:city_region:NE}}
| largest_city = Niamey
| government_type = Unitary [[semi-presidential republic]] under a [[military junta]]
| leader_title1 = [[President of Niger|President]] and [[National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland|President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland]]
| leader_name1 = [[Abdourahamane Tiani]]
| leader_title2 = [[Vice President of Niger|Vice President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland]]
| leader_name2 = [[Salifou Modi]]
| leader_title3 = [[Prime Minister of Niger|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name3 = [[Ali Lamine Zeine]]
| legislature = [[National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland]]
| area_rank = 21st
| area_km2 = 1,267,000
| area_sq_mi = 489,678
| percent_water = 0.02
| population_estimate = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 28,814,878[{{cite web |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2025 |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2025/april |language=en}}]
| GDP_PPP_year = 2025
| GDP_PPP_rank = 128th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $2,100[{{cite news |last1=Mamane |first1=Dalatou |title=Niger's junta leader cements his grip on power as he is sworn in as president |url=https://apnews.com/article/niger-president-e7763dca5a85e790eeaca43f39237c04 |access-date=5 April 2025 |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=26 March 2025}}]
| Gini_year = 2021
| Gini_change = decrease
| Gini = 32.9
| Gini_ref = [[http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI/ World Bank GINI index] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209003326/http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI |date=9 February 2015 }}, accessed on 21 January 2016.]
| HDI_year = 2023
| HDI_change = increase
| HDI = 0.419
| HDI_ref = [{{cite web|url= https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210204222738/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison/ |url-status= dead |archive-date= 4 February 2021 |title=Gini Index coefficient|publisher=[[The World Factbook]]|access-date=25 March 2024}}]
| HDI_rank = 188th
| currency = [[West African CFA franc]]
| currency_code = XOF
| time_zone = [[West Africa Time|WAT]]
| utc_offset = +1
| time_zone_DST =
| utc_offset_DST =
| drives_on = right[[http://www.brianlucas.ca/roadside/ Which side of the road do they drive on?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414073422/http://brianlucas.ca/roadside/ |date=14 April 2012 }} Brian Lucas. August 2005. Retrieved 28 January 2009.]
| calling_code = [[+227]]
| cctld = [[.ne]]
| footnote_a =
| ethnic_groups_ref = [[http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2003/07/how_do_you_pronounce_niger.html How Do You Pronounce "Niger"?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314184006/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2003/07/how_do_you_pronounce_niger.html|date=14 March 2012}} from [[Slate.com]], retrieved 4 March 2012]["Niger." ''The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Ed.'' 2003. Houghton Mifflin Company 22 February 2013 [http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Niger thefreedictionary.com/Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512034128/http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Niger |date=12 May 2013 }}] {{langx|ha|Nijar}} {{IPA|ha|nìːd͡ʒâr|}}; {{langx|ar|النيجر}}; {{langx|ff|Niiser}}}} officially the '''Republic of the Niger''',{{Efn|{{Langx|ha|Jamhuriyar Nijar|links=no}}, {{IPA|ha|d͡ʒamhuːɽijaɽ nìːd͡ʒâr|pron|small=no}}}} is a [[landlocked country]] in [[West Africa]]. It is a [[unitary state]] bordered by [[Libya]] to the [[Libya–Niger border|northeast]], [[Chad]] to the [[Chad–Niger border|east]], [[Nigeria]] to the [[Niger–Nigeria border|south]], [[Benin]] and [[Burkina Faso]] to the [[Benin-Niger border|southwest]], [[Mali]] to the [[Mali–Niger border|west]] and [[Algeria]] to the [[Algeria–Niger border|northwest]]. It covers a land area of almost {{convert|1.27|e6km2|mi2|abbr=unit}}, making it the sixth-largest country in Africa and the second-largest landlocked nation in Africa behind Chad. Over 80% of its land area lies in the [[Sahara]]. Its [[Islam in Niger|predominantly Muslim population]] of about {{million|28,814,878}} lives mostly in clusters in the south and west of the country. The capital [[Niamey]] is located in the southwest corner along the namesake [[Niger River]].
Following the spread of Islam to the region, Niger was on the fringes of some states, including the [[Kanem–Bornu Empire]] and the [[Mali Empire]] before more significant parts of its territory became included in states such as the [[Sultanate of Agadez]] and the [[Songhai Empire]]. It was colonized by France during the [[Scramble for Africa]] as part of [[French West Africa]], becoming a [[Colony of Niger|distinct colony]] in 1922. Since obtaining independence in 1960, Niger has experienced five coups d'état and four periods of military rule. Niger's seventh and most recent constitution was enacted in 2010, establishing a multiparty, unitary semi-presidential system. Following the most recent [[2023 Nigerien coup d'état|coup in 2023]], the country has been ruled by [[National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland]], a [[military junta]], led by President [[Abdourahamane Tiani]].
The [[Hausa people|Hausa]] are the largest ethnic group, making up around 56% of the population.[{{Cite web |last=Ajala|first=Olayinka|date=2021-04-02|title=Botched coup in Niger points to deep fissures in the country|url=https://theconversation.com/botched-coup-in-niger-points-to-deep-fissures-in-the-country-158330|access-date=2026-08-15|website=The Conversation|language=en-US|quote=The largest ethnic group in Niger are the Hausa which constitute about 56% of the population}}][{{Cite web |title=Niger (04/03)|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/niger/30112.htm|access-date=2026-08-15|website=U.S. Department of State|quote=Ethnic groups: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%}}] [[Hausa language|Hausa]] is the official and national language;[{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Actes du Président du Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie |trans-title=Acts of the President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland |url=https://niger.dk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Charte-Refondation-26Mars2025.pdf |website=[[Government of Niger]]}}] According to the UN's [[Multidimensional Poverty Index]] report of 2023, Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world.[{{Cite report|author=United Nations|date=2023-07-11|title=2023 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)|url=https://hdr.undp.org/content/2023-global-multidimensional-poverty-index-mpi|language=en|access-date=13 July 2023|archive-date=13 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713210119/https://hdr.undp.org/content/2023-global-multidimensional-poverty-index-mpi|url-status=live}}] Some non-desert portions of the country undergo periodic drought and desertification. [[economy of Niger|Its economy]] is concentrated around subsistence agriculture, with some export agriculture in the less arid south, and the export of raw materials, including [[uranium ore]]. It faces challenges to development due to its landlocked position, desert terrain, low literacy rate, [[Islamist insurgency in Niger|an Islamist insurgency]], and high fertility rates due to birth control not being used and the resulting rapid population growth.[{{cite news|title=Population Explosion|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21612239-runaway-birth-rates-are-disaster-population-explosion|access-date=3 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=16 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729151128/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21612239-runaway-birth-rates-are-disaster-population-explosion|archive-date=29 July 2015|url-status=live}}]
== Etymology ==
The name comes from the [[Niger River]] which flows through the west of the country. The origin of the river's name is uncertain. Alexandrian geographer [[Ptolemy]] wrote descriptions of the [[wadi]] ''{{Lang|grc|Gir}}'' (in neighbouring modern [[Algeria]]) and the {{Lang|grc|Ni-Gir}} {{Gloss|Lower Gir}} to the south, possibly referring to the Niger River.[{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Niger|volume=19|page=676|first=Frank Richardson|last=Cana}}] possibly derived from the [[Tuareg language|Tuareg]] phrase the {{Lang|tmh|(e)gărăw-n-gărăwăn}} meaning literally {{Gloss|river of rivers}}.[{{cite book |last=Hunwick |first=John O. |author-link=John Hunwick |title=Timbuktu and the Songhay Empire: Al-Sadi's Tarikh al-Sudan down to 1613 and other contemporary documents |publisher=Brill |place=Leiden |orig-date=1999 |year=2003 |isbn=978-90-04-11207-0 |page=275 Fn 22}}] There is broad consensus among linguists that it does not derive from the Latin {{Lang|la|niger}} {{Gloss|black}} as was first erroneously believed.[{{cite journal|last1=Jeffreys|first1=Mervyn David Waldegrave|title=Niger: Origins of the Word|journal=Cahiers d'Études africaines|date=1964|volume=4|issue=15|pages=443–451|doi=10.3406/cea.1964.3019|url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/cea_0008-0055_1964_num_4_15_3019|access-date=11 August 2023|archive-date=11 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811194204/https://www.persee.fr/doc/cea_0008-0055_1964_num_4_15_3019|url-status=live|issn = 0008-0055}}] The standard pronunciation in English is {{IPAc-en|n|iː|ˈ|ʒ|ɛər}}, while in some Anglophone media {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|aɪ|dʒ|ər}} is also used.
== History ==
{{Main|History of Niger}}
=== Prehistory ===
[[File:1997 278-10 Sahara glyph.jpg|thumb|Rock engraving showing herds of giraffe, [[ibex]], and other animals in the southern Sahara near Tiguidit, Niger]]
Stone tools, some dating as far back as 280,000 years before present (BP), have been found in [[Adrar Bous]], [[Bilma]] and [[Djado]] in the northern [[Agadez Region]].[Geels, Jolijn, (2006) ''Bradt Travel Guide – Niger'', pgs. 15–22] Some of these finds have been linked with the [[Aterian]] and [[Mousterian]] tool cultures of the [[Middle Paleolithic]] period, which flourished in northern Africa circa 90,000 BP.[{{Cite journal|title = On the industrial attributions of the Aterian and Mousterian of the Maghreb|journal = Journal of Human Evolution|date = 1 March 2013|pages = 194–210|volume = 64|issue = 3|doi = 10.1016/j.jhevol.2012.10.010|first1 = Harold L.|last1 = Dibble|first2 = Vera|last2 = Aldeias|first3 = Zenobia|last3 = Jacobs|first4 = Deborah I.|last4 = Olszewski|first5 = Zeljko|last5 = Rezek|first6 = Sam C.|last6 = Lin|first7 = Esteban|last7 = Alvarez-Fernández|first8 = Carolyn C.|last8 = Barshay-Szmidt|first9 = Emily|last9 = Hallett-Desguez|pmid=23399349| bibcode=2013JHumE..64..194D }}][Gwin, Peter. [http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/green-sahara/gwin-text/1 "Lost Tribes of the Green Sahara"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903071614/http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/green-sahara/gwin-text/1 |date=3 September 2010 }}, ''National Geographic'', September 2008.][[[Roland Oliver|Oliver, Roland]] (1999), ''The African Experience: From Olduvai Gorge to the 21st Century'' (Series: History of Civilization), London: [[Weidenfeld & Nicolson|Phoenix Press]], revised edition, pg 39.]
The [[Neolithic]] era, beginning circa 10,000 BP, saw a number of changes such as the introduction of [[pottery]] (as evidenced at Tagalagal, Temet and Tin Ouffadene), the spread of cattle husbandry, and the burying of the dead in stone [[tumuli]].[{{in lang|fr}} [http://www.larousse.fr/encyclopedie/pays/Niger/135284 Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702234937/http://www.larousse.fr/encyclopedie/pays/Niger/135284 |date=2 July 2014 }}. ''Encyclopédie Larousse''] Agriculture spread, including the planting of [[millet]] and [[sorghum]], and pottery production.[Duncan E. Miller and N.J. Van Der Merwe, 'Early Metal Working in Sub Saharan Africa' Journal of African History 35 (1994) 1–36; Minze Stuiver and N.J. Van Der Merwe, 'Radiocarbon Chronology of the Iron Age in Sub-Saharan Africa' Current Anthropology 1968.][{{citation | last=Grébénart | first=Danilo | year=1993 | url=http://siris-libraries.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001~!752653!0#focus | title=Azelik Takedda et le cuivre médiéval dans la région d'Agadez | journal=Le Saharien (Paris) | volume=125 | issue=2 | pages=28–33 | access-date=12 November 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093526/https://siris-libraries.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001~!752653!0#focus | archive-date=24 July 2018 | url-status=live }}][[http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=3432&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html Iron in Africa: Revisiting the History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025192915/http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID%3D3432%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D201.html |date=25 October 2008 }} – Unesco (2002)] The [[Kiffian culture|Kiffian]] (circa 8000–6000 BC) and [[Tenerian culture|Tenerian]] (circa 5000–2500 BC) cultures, centred on [[Adrar Bous]] and [[Gobero]] where skeletons have been uncovered, flourished during this period.[[https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=5593387 Ancient cemetery found in 'green' Sahara Desert] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811115708/https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=5593387 |date=11 August 2014 }}. By Randolph E. Schmid. Associated Press /ABC News.][{{cite book|last1=Clark|first1=J. Desmond|last2=Gifford-Gonzalez|first2=Diane|title=Adrar Bous: archaeology of a central Saharan granitic ring complex in Niger|date=2008|publisher=Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren}}][{{cite web|url = https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080815101317.htm|title = Stone Age Graveyard Reveals Lifestyles Of A 'Green Sahara'|publisher = Science Daily|date = 15 August 2008|access-date = 15 August 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080816060031/http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080815101317.htm|archive-date = 16 August 2008|url-status = live}}][{{cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/science/15sahara.html|title = Graves Found From Sahara's Green Period|first = John Noble|last = Wilford |work = [[The New York Times]]|date = 14 August 2008|access-date = 15 August 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120123154828/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/science/15sahara.html|archive-date = 23 January 2012|url-status = live}}][{{cite journal|vauthors=Sereno PC, ((Garcea EAA)), Jousse H, Stojanowski CM, ((Saliège J-F)), Maga A|title=Lakeside Cemeteries in the Sahara: 5000 Years of Holocene Population and Environmental Change|journal=PLOS ONE|date=2008|volume=3|issue=8|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0002995|display-authors=etal|pmid=18701936|pmc=2515196|article-number=e2995|bibcode=2008PLoSO...3.2995S|doi-access=free}}]
Societies continued to grow with regional differentiation in agricultural and funerary practices. A culture of this period is the [[Bura culture]] (circa 200–1300 AD) named for the [[Bura archaeological site]] where a burial replete with iron and ceramic statuettes were discovered.[{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5045/|title=Site archéologique de Bura|first=UNESCO World Heritage|last=Centre|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210180203/http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5045/|archive-date=10 December 2019|url-status=live}}] The Neolithic era saw the flourishing of Saharan rock art, including in the [[Aïr Mountains]], Termit Massif, Djado Plateau, Iwelene, Arakao, Tamakon, Tzerzait, [[Iferouane]], Mammanet and [[Dabous Giraffes|Dabous]]; the art spans the period from 10,000 BC to 100 AD and depicts a range of subjects, from the varied fauna of the landscape to depictions of spear-carrying figures dubbed 'Libyan warriors'.[{{citation|url=https://africanrockart.britishmuseum.org/country/niger/|publisher=British Museum|title=African Rock Art – Niger|access-date=11 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702080140/https://africanrockart.britishmuseum.org/country/niger/|archive-date=2 July 2019|url-status=live}}][{{citation|url=https://www.icomos.org/studies/rockart-sahara-northafrica/07sous-zone3.pdf|publisher=ICOMOS|author=Caulson, David|title=Sub-Zone 3: Niger|access-date=11 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212111121/https://www.icomos.org/studies/rockart-sahara-northafrica/07sous-zone3.pdf|archive-date=12 December 2018|url-status=live}}][Shillington, Kevin (1989, 1995). ''History of Africa, Second Edition''. St. Martin's Press, New York. Page 32.]
Archaeological evidence has indicated that the megalithic monuments in the Saharan region of Niger and the eastern Sahara which developed, as early as 4700 BCE, may have served as antecedents for the [[Mastaba|mastabas]] and pyramids of [[ancient Egypt]].[ p.17 - "During [[Predynastic Egypt]], tumuli were present at various locations (e.g., [[Naqada]], [[Helwan]]). The appearance of megalithic monumental tombs and tumuli in the Nigerian Sahara as early as 4700 BC, and presumably much earlier in the Eastern Sahara (Wendorf et al., 1992/3), clearly predates the construction of Egyptian mastabas and pyramids by a very long time. Such structures might have been the precursors of Egyptian pyramids and monumental architecture. It is noteworthy that tumuli appear in Egypt in several localities, such as at Nagada and Helwan, during Predynastic times (Hassan, 1988)."{{cite journal |last1=Hassan |first1=F. A. |title=Palaeoclimate, Food and Culture Change in Africa: An Overview |journal=Droughts, Food and Culture: Ecological Change and Food Security in Africa's Later Prehistory |date=2002 |pages=11–26 |doi=10.1007/0-306-47547-2_2 |url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/0-306-47547-2_2 |publisher=Springer US |language=en|url-access=subscription }}]
=== Empires and kingdoms in pre-colonial Niger ===
By at least the 5th century BC the territory had become an area of [[trans-Saharan trade]]. Led by [[Tuareg people|Tuareg tribes]] from the north, camels were used as a means of transportation through what became desert.[Lewicki, T. (1994). "The Role of the Sahara and Saharians in Relationships between North and South". In ''UNESCO General History of Africa: Volume 3.'' University of California Press, {{ISBN|92-3-601709-6}}.][
Masonen, P: "[https://web.archive.org/web/19981206194916/http://www.hf-fak.uib.no/institutter/smi/paj/Masonen.html Trans-Saharan Trade and the West African Discovery of the Mediterranean World.] "
] This mobility, which would continue in waves for centuries, was accompanied with migration to the south and intermixing between [[Sub-Saharan Africa|sub-Saharan African]] and [[North Africa|North African]] populations, and the spread of Islam.[{{cite book|url = https://oxfordre.com/africanhistory/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.001.0001/acrefore-9780190277734-e-266|author = Sirio Canós-Donnay|title = Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History|chapter = The Empire of Mali| publisher = Oxford Research Encyclopedias|date = February 2019|doi = 10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.013.266|isbn = 978-0-19-027773-4|access-date = 13 November 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190730024800/https://oxfordre.com/africanhistory/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.001.0001/acrefore-9780190277734-e-266| archive-date = 30 July 2019| url-status = live}}][{{cite web|url = https://www.worldhistory.org/Mali_Empire/|title = Mali Empire|publisher = Ancient Origins|date = 1 March 2019|access-date = 13 November 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190729130448/https://www.worldhistory.org/Mali_Empire/|archive-date = 29 July 2019|url-status = live}}] From its heartland around the later Guinea-Mali border region, the empire expanded under successive kings and came to dominate the trans-Saharan trade routes, reaching its greatest extent during the rule of [[Mansa Musa]] in the 14th century.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} Parts of the [[Tillabéri Region]] fell under Malian rule.[{{cite encyclopedia| last1=Cartwright | first1=Mark |url = https://www.worldhistory.org/Mali_Empire/|title = Mali Empire| encyclopedia=World History Encyclopedia | date=March 2019 |access-date = 13 November 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190729130448/https://www.worldhistory.org/Mali_Empire/|archive-date = 29 July 2019|url-status = live}}] The empire began "declining" in the 15th century due to a combination of internecine strife over the royal succession, weak kings, the shift of European trade routes to the coast, and rebellions in the empire's periphery by [[Mossi people|Mossi]], [[Wolof people|Wolof]], Tuareg and [[Songhai people|Songhai]] peoples.[Boubou Hama and M Guilhem, "L'histoire du Niger, de l'Afrique et du Monde"; Edicef, ''Les royaumes Haoussa'', pp. 104–112][{{cite book|editor1-last=Metz|editor1-first=Helen Chapin|editor1-link=Helen Chapin Metz |title=Nigeria: A Country Study|date=1991|publisher=GPO for the Library of Congress|location=Washington, DC|url=http://countrystudies.us/nigeria/9.htm|access-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103012936/http://countrystudies.us/nigeria/9.htm|archive-date=3 November 2016|url-status=live}}] From 1000 to 1325, the Songhai Empire managed to maintain peace with the Mali Empire, its neighbour to the west. In 1325 Songhai was conquered by Mali until regaining its independence in 1375.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} Under king [[Sonni Ali]] (r. 1464–1492) Songhai adopted an expansionist policy which reached its apogee during the reign of [[Askia Mohammad I]] (r. 1493–1528); at this point the empire had expanded from its Niger-bend heartland, including to the east where most of later western Niger fell under its rule, including [[Agadez]] which was conquered in 1496.[{{cite encyclopedia| last1=Cartwright | first1=Mark |url = https://www.worldhistory.org/Songhai_Empire/|title = Songhai Empire| encyclopedia=World History Encyclopedia | date=8 March 2019 |access-date = 13 November 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190729123752/https://www.worldhistory.org/Songhai_Empire/|archive-date = 29 July 2019|url-status = live}}][[http://www.africankingdoms.com African Kingdoms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519102901/http://www.africankingdoms.com/|date=19 May 2019}} African kingdoms – The Songhai Empire] The empire was unable to withstand repeated attacks from the [[Saadi Sultanate|Saadi dynasty]] and was decisively defeated at the [[Battle of Tondibi]] in 1591; it then collapsed into several smaller kingdoms.[
==== Sultanate of Aïr (15th century–1906) ====
[[File:1997 277-9A Agadez mosque cropped.jpg|thumb|right|[[Agadez Mosque|The Grand Mosque of Agadez]]]]In {{circa|1449}} in the north of what is now Niger, the [[Sultanate of Agadez|Sultanate of Aïr]] was founded by Sultan Ilisawan, based in Agadez.][ It was founded by the [[Zaghawa people|Zaghawa]] around the 8th century and based in [[Njimi]], north-east of the lake. The kingdom gradually expanded, including during the rule of the [[Sayfawa dynasty]] which began in {{circa|1075}} under ''Mai'' (king) [[Hummay]].][{{cite web| url = https://www.worldhistory.org/Kingdom_of_Kanem/| title = Kingdom of Kanem| publisher = World History Encyclopedia| author = Cartwright, Mark| date = 23 April 2019| access-date = 13 November 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190508165923/https://www.worldhistory.org/Kingdom_of_Kanem/| archive-date = 8 May 2019| url-status = live}}][{{cite book|last=Ryder|first=A.F.C.|title=General History of Africa: Africa from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth Century|year=1981|publisher=UNESCO|location=Paris|page=239|editor=D.T. Niane}}] The kingdom reached its greatest extent in the 13th century, partly due to the effort of ''Mai'' [[Dunama Dibbalemi]], and grew "richer" from its control of some trans-Saharan trade routes; most of eastern and south-eastern Niger, including [[Bilma]] and [[Kaouar]], was under Kanem's control in this period.[{{cite book|last=Ryder|first=A.F.C.|title=General History of Africa: Africa from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth Century|year=1981|publisher=UNESCO|location=Paris|pages=251–52|editor=D.T. Niane}}] Islam had been introduced to the kingdom by Arab traders from the 11th century, gaining more converts over the following centuries.[{{cite book|last=Ryder|first=A.F.C.|title=General History of Africa: Africa from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth Century|year=1981|publisher=UNESCO|location=Paris|pages=258–65|editor=D.T. Niane}}][{{cite book|title=The History of Islam in Africa|author-link=Nehemia Levtzion|author1=Nehemia Levtzion|author2=Randall Pouwels|publisher=Ohio University Press|page=81}}] Bornu prospered during the rule of ''Mai'' [[Idris Alooma]] (r. circa 1575–1610) and re-conquered most of the "traditional lands" of Kanem, hence the designation 'Kanem–Bornu' for the empire. By the 18th century the Bornu kingdom had entered a period of decline, shrinking back to its Lake Chad heartland.[{{cite web| url = https://www.worldhistory.org/Hausaland/| title = Hausaland| publisher = World History Encyclopedia| author = Cartwright, Mark| date = 9 May 2019| access-date = 13 November 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191226173321/https://www.worldhistory.org/Hausaland/| archive-date = 26 December 2019| url-status = live}}] The Hausa are thought to be a mixture of autochthonous peoples and migrant peoples from the north and east, emerging as a distinct people sometime in the 10th to 15th century when the kingdoms were founded.[{{cite web| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/features/storyofafrica/4chapter5.shtml| title = Hausa States| publisher = BBC| access-date = 13 November 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180915100345/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/features/storyofafrica/4chapter5.shtml| archive-date = 15 September 2018| url-status = live}}] They gradually adopted Islam from the 14th century, and sometimes this existed alongside other religions, developing into syncretic forms; some Hausa groups such as the Azna resisted Islam altogether (the area of [[Dogondoutchi]] remains an animist stronghold).[
The Hausa kingdoms were not a compact entity but several federations of kingdoms more or less independent of one other. Their organisation was hierarchical and somewhat democratic: the Hausa kings were elected by the notables of the country and could be removed by them.][H. J. Fisher. The Sahara and Central Sudan. in The Cambridge History of Africa: From C 1600 to C 179. Richard Gray, J. D. Fage, Roland Anthony Oliver, eds. Cambridge University Press, (1975) {{ISBN|0-521-20413-5}} pp. 134–6] After conquering most of Hausaland (though not the Bornu Kingdom, which remained independent), he proclaimed the [[Sokoto Caliphate]] in 1809.[ Some of these surviving states harassed the Caliphate and a period of wars and skirmishes commenced, with some states (such as Katsina and Gobir) maintaining independence whereas elsewhere newer ones were formed (such as the [[Sultanate of Tessaoua]]). The Caliphate managed to survive until, "fatally weakened" by the invasions of Chad-based warlord [[Rabih az-Zubayr]], it finally fell to the British in 1903, with its lands later being partitioned between Britain and France.][{{cite book|last=Falola|first=Toyin|title=Colonialism and Violence in Nigeria|year=2009|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington, IN}}]
Other smaller kingdoms of the period include the [[Dosso Kingdom]] and [[Dendi Kingdom]].[{{citation|url=https://fall.fsulawrc.com/collection/LimitsinSeas/IBS093.pdf|title=International Boundary Study No. 93 – Niger-Nigeria Boundary|date=15 December 1969|access-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001160001/https://fall.fsulawrc.com/collection/LimitsinSeas/IBS093.pdf|archive-date=1 October 2019|url-status=live}}] France then set about making a reality of their rule on the ground. In 1897 French officer [[Marius Gabriel Cazemajou]] was sent to Niger. He reached the [[Sultanate of Damagaram]] in 1898 and stayed in [[Zinder]] at the court of Sultan Amadou Kouran Daga. He was later killed, as Daga feared he would ally with the Chad-based warlord [[Rabih az-Zubayr]].[{{citation|url=https://fall.fsulawrc.com/collection/LimitsinSeas/IBS146.pdf|title=International Boundary Study No. 146 – Burkina Faso-Niger Boundary|date=18 November 1974|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001160026/https://fall.fsulawrc.com/collection/LimitsinSeas/IBS146.pdf|archive-date=1 October 2019|url-status=live}}][{{citation|url=https://fall.fsulawrc.com/collection/LimitsinSeas/IBS073.pdf|title=International Boundary Study No. 73 – Chad-Niger Boundary|date=1 August 1966|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001160014/https://fall.fsulawrc.com/collection/LimitsinSeas/IBS073.pdf|archive-date=1 October 2019|url-status=live}}]
The French generally adopted a form of indirect rule, allowing existing native structures to continue to exist within the colonial framework of governance providing that they acknowledged French supremacy.[{{cite book |author1=Decalo, Samuel |author2=Idrissa, Abdourahmane |title=Historical Dictionary of Niger |date=1 June 2012 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-7090-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GFFjEMjKrWkC&pg=PA286 |access-date=25 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725153320/https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=GFFjEMjKrWkC&pg=PA286&lpg=PA286 |archive-date=25 July 2018 |url-status=live }}][''UNESCO General History of Africa'', Vol. VIII: Africa Since 1935. Ali A. Mazrui, Christophe Wondji, Unesco International Scientific Committee for the Drafting of a General History of Africa, eds. University of California Press, (1999) {{ISBN|0-520-06703-7}} pp. 70–3] While largely successful in subduing the sedentary populations of the south, the French faced more difficulty with the Tuareg in the north (centered on the Sultanate of Aïr in Agadez), and France was unable to occupy Agadez until 1906.[Joseph R. De Benoist, "The Brazzaville Conference, or Involuntary Decolonization." ''Africana Journal'' 15 (1990) pp: 39–58.] The French Union, which lasted from 1946 to 1958, conferred a limited form of French citizenship on the inhabitants of the colonies, with some decentralisation of power and limited participation in political life for local advisory assemblies. It was during this period that the [[Nigerien Progressive Party – African Democratic Rally|Nigerien Progressive Party]] (''Parti Progressiste Nigérien'', originally a branch of the African Democratic Rally, or ''[[Rassemblement Démocratique Africain]]'') was formed under the leadership of former teacher [[Hamani Diori]], as was the left-wing [[Mouvement Socialiste Africain-Sawaba]] (MSA), led by [[Djibo Bakary]]. Following the Overseas Reform Act (''Loi Cadre'') of 23 July 1956 and the establishment of the [[Fifth French Republic]] on 4 December 1958, Niger became an autonomous state within the [[French Community]]. On 18 December 1958, an autonomous Republic of Niger was officially created under the leadership of Hamani Diori. MSA was banned in 1959 for its perceived excessive anti-French stance.[Mamoudou Djibo. Les enjeux politiques dans la colonie du Niger (1944–1960). Autrepart no 27 (2003), pp. 41–60.] Niger left the French Community and acquired full independence on 3 August 1960;[Keesing's Contemporary Archives, page 17569.] Diori thus became the first [[List of Presidents of Niger|president]] of the country.
=== Post-colonial ===
==== Diori years (1960–1974) ====
[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F028554-0009, Niger, Staatsbesuch Bundespräsident Lübke.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|right|President [[Hamani Diori]] and visiting [[German President]] [[Heinrich Lübke]] greet crowds on a state visit to Niamey, 1969. Diori's single party rule was characterised by "good" relations with the West and a preoccupation with foreign affairs.]]
For its first 14 years as an independent state, Niger was run by a single-party civilian regime under the presidency of Hamani Diori.[{{citation|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hamani-Diori|title=Encyclopedia Britannica – Hamni Diori|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903003241/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hamani-Diori|archive-date=3 September 2019|url-status=live}}] The 1960s saw an expansion of the education system and some limited economic development and industrialisation.[{{cite book |author=Jon Abbink |author2=Mirjam de Bruijn, Klaas van Walraven |title=Rethinking Resistance: revolt and violence in African history |year=2003 |url=https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/9606/ASC_1267345_058.pdf?sequence=1 |publisher=Brill Academic Publishers |isbn=90-04-12624-4 |chapter=''Sawaba's Rebellion in Niger (1964-64)'' |access-date=21 November 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805010044/https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/9606/ASC_1267345_058.pdf?sequence=1 |url-status=live }}] In the 1970s, a combination of economic difficulties, droughts and accusations of rampant corruption and mismanagement of food supplies resulted in a [[1974 Nigerien coup d'état|1974 coup d'état]] that overthrew the Diori regime.
==== First military regime (1974–1991) ====
The coup had been masterminded by Colonel [[Seyni Kountché]] and a military group under the name of the ''Conseil Militaire Supreme'', with Kountché going on to rule the country until his death in 1987.[{{in lang|fr}} [http://perspective.usherbrooke.ca/bilan/servlet/BMEve?codeEve=574 Renversement du président Hamani Diori au Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022153822/http://perspective.usherbrooke.ca/bilan/servlet/BMEve?codeEve=574 |date=22 October 2014 }}. ''Perspective monde'', 15 avril 1974] Whilst political prisoners of the Diori regime were released after the coup, political and individual freedoms in general deteriorated during this period. There were attempted coups (in 1975, 1976 and 1984) which were thwarted, their instigators being punished.[[https://nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/societe/2547-niamey-une-forte-tendance-a-la-depravation-des-moeurs Kountché: 30 ans après son coup d'état] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727084909/https://nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/societe/2547-niamey-une-forte-tendance-a-la-depravation-des-moeurs |date=27 July 2018 }}. ''Nigerdiaspora'', 10 novembre 2007 (republished on 6 November 2017).] In the 1980s, Kountché began cautiously loosening the grip of the military, with some relaxation of state censorship and attempts made to 'civilianise' the regime.[Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) ''Elections in Africa: A data handbook'', p685 {{ISBN|0-19-829645-2}}]
Saibou's efforts to control political reforms failed in the face of trade union and student demands to institute a [[multi-party democracy|multi-party democratic system]]. On 9 February 1990, a violently repressed student march in Niamey led to the death of three students, which led to increased national and international pressure for further democratic reform.[Walter S. Clarke, "The National Conference Phenomenon and the Management of Political Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa," in ''Ethnic Conflict and Democratization in Africa'', ed. Harvey Glickman. Atlanta: African Studies Assoc. Press, (1995) {{ISBN|0-918456-74-6}}] [[1993 Nigerien parliamentary election|Elections were held in 1993]], and [[Mahamane Ousmane]] became president of the Third Republic.[{{cite book|title=Niger Foreign Policy and Government Guide |date=2007 |publisher=Int'l Business Publications |isbn=978-1-4330-3687-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gwInUH18i8wC&q=The+niger+agreed+to+absorb+some+of+the+former+rebels+into+the+military+and%2C+with+French+assistance%2C+to+help+others+return+to+a+productive+civilian+life.&pg=PA28 |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}]
==== Second and third military regimes (1996–1999) ====
The governmental paralysis prompted the military to intervene; a [[1996 Nigerien coup d'état|coup on 27 January 1996]], led by Colonel [[Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara]] deposed Ousmane and ended the Third Republic.[[https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/28/world/world-news-briefs-niger-s-elected-president-ousted-in-military-coup.html?pagewanted=1 Niger's Elected President Ousted in Military Coup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803195752/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/28/world/world-news-briefs-niger-s-elected-president-ousted-in-military-coup.html?pagewanted=1 |date=3 August 2018 }} New York Times, 28 January 1996][{{cite news |last=Whiteman |first=Kaye |title=Obituary: Ibrahim Bare Mainassara |date=12 April 1999 |work=The Independent }}] Maïnassara headed a ''Conseil de Salut National'' (National Salvation Council) composed of military officials which carried out a six-month transition period, during which a constitution was drafted and adopted.[{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358644/Ibrahim-Bare-Mainassara|title=Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=9 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330145938/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358644/Ibrahim-Bare-Mainassara|archive-date=30 March 2012|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|title=1999: President of Niger 'killed in ambush'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/9/newsid_2463000/2463927.stm|access-date=9 April 2014|newspaper=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415001633/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/9/newsid_2463000/2463927.stm|archive-date=15 April 2015|url-status=live}}]
Major [[Daouda Malam Wanké]] then took over, establishing a transitional National Reconciliation Council to oversee the drafting of a constitution with a French-style [[semi-presidential system]]. This was adopted and was followed by presidential and legislative [[1999 Nigerien general election|elections in 1999]].[[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/315663.stm Niger: A copybook coup d'etat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202132822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/315663.stm |date=2 February 2020 }}, 9 April 1999, BBC. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/316037.stm Military controls Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202133756/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/316037.stm |date=2 February 2020 }}, 10 April 1999, BBC.] The elections were generally found to be free and fair by international observers. Wanké then withdrew from governmental affairs.[{{citation|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2005/07/144962-un-world-court-decides-niger-benin-border-dispute|publisher=UN News|title=UN World Court decides Niger, Benin border dispute|date=13 July 2019|access-date=8 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108193311/https://news.un.org/en/story/2005/07/144962-un-world-court-decides-niger-benin-border-dispute|archive-date=8 November 2019|url-status=live}}][Fabio Spadi (2005) [http://www.ljil.leidenuniv.nl/index.php3?m=5&c=186 The ICJ Judgment in the Benin-Niger Border Dispute: the interplay of titles and 'effectivités' under the uti possidetis juris principle, ''Leiden Journal of International Law''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929032048/http://www.ljil.leidenuniv.nl/index.php3?m=5&c=186 |date=29 September 2006 }} 18: 777–794] In August 2002, unrest within military camps occurred in Niamey, [[Diffa]], and [[N'guigmi|Nguigmi]], and the government was able to restore order within days. Municipal elections were held to elect local representatives previously appointed by the government. These elections were followed by presidential elections, in which Mamadou was re-elected for a second term, thus becoming the first president of the republic to win consecutive elections without being deposed by military coups.[[http://democratie.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/NIGER_RMO1611_04122004.pdf "RAPPORT DE LA MISSION D'OBSERVATION DES ELECTIONS PRESIDENTIELLES ET LEGISLATIVES DES 16 NOVEMBRE ET 4 DECEMBRE 2004"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622081649/http://democratie.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/NIGER_RMO1611_04122004.pdf |date=22 June 2007 }}, democratie.francophonie.org {{in lang|fr}}.] The legislative and executive configuration remained somewhat similar to that of the first term of the president: [[Hama Amadou]] was reappointed as prime minister and [[Mahamane Ousmane]], the head of the CDS party, was re-elected as the president of the National Assembly (parliament) by his peers.
By 2007, the relationship between Tandja and Ousmane had deteriorated, and Ousmane was replaced by [[Seyni Oumarou]] following a successful vote of no confidence at the Assembly.[[https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLQ2439220090626 Niger president rules by decree after court snub] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629050556/http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLQ2439220090626 |date=29 June 2009 }}. Reuters. Fri 26 June 2009][[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8121974.stm Emergency powers for Niger leader] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116071655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8121974.stm |date=16 November 2018 }}. BBC. 26 June 2009.] The opposition boycotted the referendum, and the constitution was adopted with 92.5% of voters and a 68% turnout, according to official results. The adoption of the constitution created a Sixth Republic, with a [[presidential system]], the suspension of the 1999 constitution, and a three-year interim government with Tandja as president. The events generated political and social unrest.[[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8523196.stm "Military coup ousts Niger president Mamadou Tandja"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219053310/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8523196.stm |date=19 February 2010 }}, [[British Broadcasting Corporation]], 19 February 2010] The [[Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy]], headed by Djibo, carried out a one-year transition plan, drafted a constitution, and held elections in 2011.
==== Seventh Republic (2010–2023) ====
[[File:Niger, Barkiawal Béri (04), vue aérienne avec RN25.jpg|thumb|Semi-arid Niger is threatened by further [[Desertification in Africa|desertification]].]]
Following the adoption of a constitution in 2010 and [[2011 Nigerien general election|presidential elections in 2011]], [[Mahamadou Issoufou]] was elected president of the Seventh Republic; he was [[2016 Nigerien general election|re-elected in 2016]].[[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niger-election-idUSKCN0WO0ZN "Boycott helps Niger President Issoufou win re-election"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304072455/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niger-election-idUSKCN0WO0ZN |date=4 March 2020 }}, Reuters, 22 March 2016.] The constitution restored the semi-presidential system which had been abolished a year earlier. An attempted coup against him in 2011 was thwarted and its ringleaders arrested.[{{cite web|title=Freedom in the World 2012: Niger|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2012/niger|publisher=Freedom House|access-date=8 April 2013|year=2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025073132/http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2012/niger|archive-date=25 October 2012|url-status=live}}] Issoufou's time in office was marked by threats to the country's security, stemming from the fallout from the [[Libyan Civil War]] and [[Mali War|Northern Mali conflict]], [[Islamist insurgency in Niger|an insurgency in western Niger]] by [[al-Qaeda]] and [[Islamic State]], the spillover of Nigeria's [[Boko Haram insurgency]] into south-eastern Niger, and the use of Niger as a transit country for migrants (often organised by [[people-smuggling]] [[gang]]s).[{{citation|url= https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_unhcr-attacks-nw-nigeria-send-thousands-fleeing-niger/6176607.html|publisher= News 24|title= UNHCR: Attacks in NW Nigeria Send Thousands Fleeing to Niger|date= 27 September 2019|access-date= 8 November 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191108190356/https://www.voanews.com/africa/unhcr-attacks-nw-nigeria-send-thousands-fleeing-niger|archive-date= 8 November 2019|url-status= live}}] French and American forces assisted Niger in countering these threats.[{{cite web|title=France ready to strike extremists on Libya border|url=http://asian-defence-news.blogspot.fr/2015/01/france-ready-to-strike-extremists-on.html|website=Asian Defense News|date=6 January 2015|publisher=6 January 2015|access-date=6 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031907/http://asian-defence-news.blogspot.fr/2015/01/france-ready-to-strike-extremists-on.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}]
On 10 December 2019, a large group of fighters belonging to the [[Islamic State in the Greater Sahara]] (IS-GS) [[Battle of Inates|attacked]] a military post in [[Inates]],[{{cite news |title=Behind the Jihadist Attack in Inates |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/niger/behind-jihadist-attack-inates |work=[[ReliefWeb]] |date=13 December 2019}}] killing over seventy Nigerien soldiers and kidnapping others.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191211-niger-soldiers-killed-attack-sahel-military-camp-issoufou-keita-macron-france-tuareg-islamic-state-al-qaeda-dead|title=At least 70 soldiers killed in attack on Niger military camp|date=2019-12-11|website=France 24|language=en|access-date=2019-12-12}}] The attack was the deadliest single incident Niger's military has ever experienced.[{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/scores-soldiers-killed-niger-base-attack-191211184533878.html|title=Scores of soldiers killed in Niger base attack|date=11 December 2019|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=15 December 2019}}] On 9 January 2020, a large group of IS-GS militants [[Battle of Chinagodrar|assaulted]] a Nigerien military base at Chinagodrar, in Niger's [[Tillabéri Region]], killing at least 89 Nigerien soldiers.[{{Cite news |last1=Aksar |first1=Moussa |last2=Lewis |first2=David |last3=Balima |first3=Boureima |last4=Ross |first4=Aaron |date=2020-01-11 |title=Niger army base attack death toll rises to at least 89: security sources |language=en |work=Reuters |editor-last=Elgood |editor-first=Giles |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niger-security-idUSKBN1ZA0TH |access-date=2023-07-09}}]
In December 2020, Nigeriens [[2020–21 Nigerien general election|went to the polls]] after Issoufou announced he would step down, paving the way to a [[peaceful transition of power]].[{{Cite web|last=AfricaNews|date=2021-01-07|title=Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou set to exit power|url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/01/07/nigerien-president-mahamadou-issoufou-set-to-exit-power/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Africanews|language=en|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204003650/https://www.africanews.com/2021/01/07/nigerien-president-mahamadou-issoufou-set-to-exit-power//|url-status=live}}] No candidate won an absolute majority in the vote: [[Mohamed Bazoum]] came closest with 39.33%. Per the constitution, a run-off election was held, with Bazoum taking 55.75% of the vote and opposition candidate (and former president) Mahamane Ousmane taking 44.25%, according to the electoral commission.[{{Cite news|date=2021-02-23|title=Niger election: Mohamed Bazoum wins landmark vote amid protests|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56175439|access-date=2021-02-23|archive-date=23 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223191809/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56175439|url-status=live}}]
At the start of 2021 with the [[Tchoma Bangou and Zaroumdareye massacres]], IS-GS began killing civilians en masse.[{{Cite web |date=2021-03-25 |title=Massacres au Niger: peut-on éviter une guerre sans fin? |url=https://www.lavie.fr/actualite/massacres-au-niger-peut-on-eviter-une-guerre-sans-fin-72347.php |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=La Vie.fr |language=fr-FR}}] On 21 March the IS-GS militants [[Tillia massacres|attacked]] several villages around [[Tillia]], killing 141 people, mostly civilians.[{{Cite web |last=Macé |first=Célian |title=Au Niger, l'escalade macabre de l'Etat islamique |url=https://www.liberation.fr/international/afrique/au-niger-les-tueries-a-repetition-de-letat-islamique-20210322_3YXC74YX6NHWPELFD5OH6MR3VQ/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Libération |language=fr}}] On 31 March Niger's security forces thwarted an [[2021 Nigerien coup d'état attempt|an attempted coup]]. Gunfire was heard in the presidential palace. The attack took place two days before Bazoum was due to be sworn into office. The Presidential Guard arrested some people during the incident.[{{Cite web|title=Niger: Attack on presidential palace an 'attempted coup'|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/31/heavy-gunfire-heard-near-nigers-presidency|access-date=2021-03-31|website=aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331175659/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/31/heavy-gunfire-heard-near-nigers-presidency|url-status=live}}]
==== Fifth military regime (2023–present) ====
{{clear}}
[[File:Alliance of Sahel States.svg|thumb|upright|The [[Alliance of Sahel States]]]]
On 26 July 2023, a [[2023 Nigerien coup d'état|coup by the military]] overthrew Bazoum, putting an end to the Seventh Republic and the [[Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou's government|government]] of Prime Minister [[Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou]].[{{Cite web |date=27 July 2023 |title=Niger soldiers announce coup on national TV |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66320895 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727000929/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66320895 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |access-date=27 July 2023 |work=BBC.com}}] On 28 July, General [[Omar Tiani]] was proclaimed as the ''de facto'' head of state of the country.[{{cite news |date=28 July 2023 |title=Niger general Tchiani named head of transitional government after coup |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/28/niger-general-tchiani-named-head-of-transitional-government-after-coup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728112129/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/28/niger-general-tchiani-named-head-of-transitional-government-after-coup |archive-date=28 July 2023 |access-date=28 July 2023 |publisher=Aljazeera}}] Former finance minister [[Ali Lamine Zeine]] was declared [[Prime Minister of Niger]].[{{Cite web |date=10 August 2023 |title=Officiel: voici la liste des membres du gouvernement de Transition |url=https://www.actuniger.com/politique/19415-officiel-voici-la-liste-des-membres-du-gouvernement-de-transition.html |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=actuniger.com |language=French |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907183917/https://actuniger.com/politique/19415-officiel-voici-la-liste-des-membres-du-gouvernement-de-transition.html |url-status=live }}]
The coup was condemned by [[ECOWAS]] (the Economic Community of West African States), which in the [[2023 Nigerien crisis]] threatened to use military intervention to reinstate the government of Bazoum if the coup leaders did not by 6 August.[{{Cite web |last=Lawal |first=Shola |title=Niger coup: Divisions as ECOWAS military threat fails to play out |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/6/niger-coup-divisions-as-ecowas-military-threat-fails-to-play-out |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=7 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807213944/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/6/niger-coup-divisions-as-ecowas-military-threat-fails-to-play-out |url-status=live }}] The deadline passed without military intervention, though ECOWAS imposed sanctions, including cuts of Nigerian energy exports to Niger which had previously provided 70–90% of Niger's power.[{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=West Africa bloc lifts coup sanctions on Niger in a new push for dialogue to resolve tensions |url=https://apnews.com/article/west-africa-ecowas-niger-mali-burkina-faso-abuja-ae53abf8464dce5487cd7a3d73e0a9c0 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312031034/https://apnews.com/article/west-africa-ecowas-niger-mali-burkina-faso-abuja-ae53abf8464dce5487cd7a3d73e0a9c0 |url-status=live }}][{{Cite web |date=2023-08-21 |title=Power cuts in Niger threaten to spoil millions of vaccines as sanctions take their toll, UN says |url=https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-unicef-vaccines-5e7d6610635b0aa2ffe6570cc417930e |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405213918/https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-unicef-vaccines-5e7d6610635b0aa2ffe6570cc417930e |url-status=live }}] In November the coup-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the [[Alliance of Sahel States]] in opposition to potential military intervention.[{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=A newly formed alliance between coup-hit countries in Africa's Sahel is seen as tool for legitimacy |url=https://apnews.com/article/sahel-coups-niger-tchiani-mali-burkina-faso-insecurity-e96627c700aa4fcf8d060dd9d2d16667 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308183048/https://apnews.com/article/sahel-coups-niger-tchiani-mali-burkina-faso-insecurity-e96627c700aa4fcf8d060dd9d2d16667 |url-status=live }}] In February 2024 several ECOWAS sanctions against Niger were dropped, reportedly for humanitarian and diplomatic reasons,[{{Cite news |date=2024-02-25 |title=Nigeria restores electricity supply to Niger as ECOWAS lifts sanctions|url=https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-restores-electricity-supply-to-niger-as-ecowas-lifts-sanctions/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |newspaper=[[Daily Trust]]|language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405213918/https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-restores-electricity-supply-to-niger-as-ecowas-lifts-sanctions/ |url-status=live }}] and Nigeria agreed to resume electricity exports to Niger.[{{Cite web |date=2023-08-05 |title=Niger's junta asks for help from Russian group Wagner as it faces military intervention threat |url=https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-coup-niger-military-force-e0e1108b58a9e955af465a3efe6605c0 |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011083602/https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-coup-niger-military-force-e0e1108b58a9e955af465a3efe6605c0 |url-status=live }}] though Wagner mercenaries were not known to have entered the country as a result.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} In October the junta expelled French troops from the country, presenting the move as a step towards sovereignty from the former colonial power,[{{Cite web |date=2023-10-11 |title=French troops are starting to withdraw from Niger and junta leaders give UN head 72 hours to leave |url=https://apnews.com/article/france-niger-coup-military-withdrawal-bfa3afe3fdfa034dabe3dce265540411 |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=12 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512023400/https://apnews.com/article/france-niger-coup-military-withdrawal-bfa3afe3fdfa034dabe3dce265540411 |url-status=live }}] and in December it suspended cooperation with the [[Francophonie]] alleging its promotion of French interests.[{{Cite web |title=Niger suspends cooperation with international Francophone body |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/12/25/niger-suspends-cooperation-with-international-francophone-body |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421154427/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/12/25/niger-suspends-cooperation-with-international-francophone-body |url-status=live }}] UN resident coordinator [[Louise Aubin]] was also expelled in October after the junta alleged "underhanded maneuvers" by UN secretary-general António Guterres to prevent the country's participation in the UN General Assembly.[{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=The US declares the ousting of Niger's president a coup and suspends military aid and training |url=https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-united-states-designation-2ab984947c69e99e83ce417696a758c7 |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421154427/https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-united-states-designation-2ab984947c69e99e83ce417696a758c7 |url-status=live }}] In April 2024, Russian military trainers and equipment began to arrive in Niger under a new military agreement,[{{Cite news |date=2024-04-12 |title=Russian troops arrive in Niger as military agreement begins |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68796359 |access-date=2024-04-21 |language=en-GB}}] and the U.S. agreed to withdraw troops from Niger[{{Cite news |date=2024-04-20 |title=US agrees to pull troops out of Niger |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68860092 |access-date=2024-04-21 |language=en-GB |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421084251/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68860092 |url-status=live }}] following the termination of a Niger–U.S. agreement that had allowed U.S. personnel to be stationed in the country.[{{Cite news |date=2024-03-17 |title=Niger's junta revokes military agreement with US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68590531 |access-date=2024-04-23 |language=en-GB}}]
On 29 August 2026, an unsuccessful [[2026 Nigerien coup attempt|coup attempt]] against President Tiani was carried out by mutinous military officers within the [[Nigerien Army]].[{{Cite web |date=2026-08-29|title=Niger says military activity in Niamey brought under control|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/niger-says-military-activity-in-niamey-brought-under-control/4040984|access-date=2026-08-29|work=[[Anadolu Agency]]}}]
{{clear}}
== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Niger}}
[[File:Ng-map.png|thumb|upright=1.15|A map of Niger]]
{{MapLibrary|Niger sat.png|Niger}}
Niger is a [[landlocked]] nation in [[West Africa]] along the border between the [[Sahara]] and [[Sub-Saharan Africa|Sub-Saharan]] regions. It borders [[Nigeria]] and [[Benin]] to the south, [[Burkina Faso]] and [[Mali]] to the west, [[Algeria]] and [[Libya]] to the north and [[Chad]] to the east. It lies between latitudes [[11th parallel north|11°]] and [[24th parallel north|24°N]], and longitudes [[prime meridian|0°]] and [[16th meridian east|16°E]]. Its area is {{convert|1.267|e6km2|mi2|abbr=unit|0}} of which {{convert|300|km2|0}} is water.[{{cite web |title=Africa :: Niger — The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |website=cia.gov |access-date=1 September 2019 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330032003/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |url-status=dead }}] Niger borders seven countries and has a perimeter of {{convert|5697|km|0}}. The longest border is with Nigeria ({{cvt|1497|km|0|disp=or}}).
The lowest point is the [[Niger River]], with an elevation of {{convert|200|m|0}}. The highest point is [[Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès]] in the [[Aïr Mountains]] at {{cvt|2022|m|0}}. The terrain is predominantly desert plains and sand dunes, with flat to rolling savanna in the south and hills in the north.
=== Climate ===
{{Further|Sahel drought}}
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map NER present.svg|thumb|Map of Köppen climate classification]]
The hotter and drier climate within desert areas causes more frequent fires in some regions.[{{Cite journal|last1=Ramo|first1=Ruben|last2=Roteta|first2=Ekhi|last3=Bistinas|first3=Ioannis|last4=Wees|first4=Dave van|last5=Bastarrika|first5=Aitor|last6=Chuvieco|first6=Emilio|last7=Werf|first7=Guido R. van der|date=2021-03-02|title=African burned area and fire carbon emissions are strongly impacted by small fires undetected by coarse resolution satellite data|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|language=en|volume=118|issue=9|article-number=e2011160118 |doi=10.1073/pnas.2011160118|pmc=7936338|issn=0027-8424|pmid=33619088|bibcode=2021PNAS..11811160R |hdl=10810/50523 |doi-access=free }}] In the south, there is a tropical climate on the edges of the Niger River basin.
=== Biodiversity ===
{{Further|Wildlife of Niger}}
[[File:Elephant dust bath park w niger.jpg|thumb|An elephant in the [[W National Park]] ]]
There are five terrestrial ecoregions: [[Sahelian Acacia savanna]], [[West Sudanian savanna]], [[Lake Chad flooded savanna]], [[South Saharan steppe and woodlands]], and [[West Saharan montane xeric woodlands]].[{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|display-authors=1|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287|doi-access=free}}] The north is covered by desert and semi-desert. The typical mammal fauna consists of [[addax]] antelopes, [[scimitar-horned oryx]], gazelles, and in the mountains, Barbary sheep. The [[Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve]] was founded in the northern parts to protect these species.
Southern Niger is dominated by savanna. The [[W National Park]], situated in the bordering area to Burkina Faso and Benin, belongs to one of the most important areas for wildlife in Western Africa, which is called the WAP (W–[[Arli National Park|Arli]]–[[Pendjari National Park|Pendjari]]) Complex. It has a population of the [[West African lion]] and one of the last populations of the [[Northwest African cheetah]]. Other wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, [[roan antelopes]], [[Kob|kob antelopes]] and warthogs. A [[relict]] population of [[West African giraffe]] is in the north.
Environmental issues include destructive farming practices as a result of population pressure, illegal hunting, bush fires in some areas and human encroachment upon the flood plains of the Niger River for paddy cultivation. Dams constructed on the Niger River in the neighboring countries of Mali and Guinea and within Niger are cited as a reason for a reduction of water flow in the Niger River—which has a direct effect upon the environment. A lack of adequate staff to guard wildlife in the parks and reserves is another factor cited for loss of wildlife.[{{Cite magazine|last=Hertsgaard|first=Mark|date=2009-11-19|title=Regreening Africa|language=en-US|magazine=The Nation|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/regreening-africa/|access-date=2021-11-26|issn=0027-8378|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126115102/https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/regreening-africa/|url-status=live}}]
== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Government of Niger|Politics of Niger}}
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2020}}
[[File:Shinzo Abe and Mahamadou Issoufou at the Enthronement of Naruhito (1).jpg|thumb|President [[Mahamadou Issoufou]] and Japanese Prime Minister [[Shinzo Abe]] in October 2019]]
Niger's [[Constitution of Niger|most recent constitution]] was approved [[2010 Nigerien constitutional referendum|by a 2010 referendum]].[{{cite web|url=http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE6A204C20101103|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106054152/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE6A204C20101103|archive-date=6 November 2010|title=Niger backs new constitution towards civilian rule|publisher=Reuters|date=3 November 2010}}][{{cite web |url=https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ner128397.pdf |title=Niger's Constitution of 2010 |website=faolex.fo.org |date=26 September 2013 |access-date=1 May 2025}}] It restored the semi-presidential system of government of the 1999 constitution[[http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/CAFRAD/UNPAN002961.pdf Constitution du Niger du 18 juillet 1999] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002081815/http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/CAFRAD/UNPAN002961.pdf |date=2008-10-02 }} and [http://www.parliament.go.th/parcy/sapa_db/cons_doc/constitutions/data/Niger/Niger(english%20summary)(rev).doc CONSTITUTION OF THE FIFTH REPUBLIC OF NIGER. Adopted on 18 July 1999, promulgated on 9 August 1999] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002081817/http://www.parliament.go.th/parcy/sapa_db/cons_doc/constitutions/data/Niger/Niger%28english%20summary%29%28rev%29.doc |date=2 October 2008 }}.] (Fifth Republic) in which the president, elected by [[universal suffrage]] for a five-year term, and a prime minister named by the president share [[executive power]].[{{cite web |url=https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/usdos/2010/en/72356 |title=2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Niger |author=((Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor)) |website=refworld.org |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=10 May 2025}}][{{cite web |url=https://wipolex-res.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/ne/ne005en.html |title=Constitution of Niger |date=2 December 2013 |access-date=10 May 2025 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}] Since the July [[2023 Nigerien coup d'état]], the government has been led by [[Omar Tiani]][{{cite web |url=https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9855/CBP-9855.pdf |author=Sebastian Elischer |title=July 2023 coup in Niger |date=25 September 2023 |access-date=10 May 2025}}] and the constitution dissolved.[{{Cite news |date=2023-07-26 |title=Niger soldiers declare coup on national TV |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66320895 |access-date=2023-07-27}}]
=== Foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Niger}}
Niger pursues a moderate foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with the West and the Islamic world as well as non-aligned countries. It belongs to the UN and its main specialized agencies and in 1980–81 served on the [[UN Security Council]]. It maintains a special relationship with former colonial power France and has close relations with its West African neighbors.
Niger is a charter member of the [[African Union]] and the [[West African Monetary Union]] and belongs to the [[Niger Basin Authority]] and [[Lake Chad Basin Commission]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] and the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa ([[OHADA]]). The westernmost regions are joined with contiguous regions of Mali and Burkina Faso under the [[Liptako–Gourma Authority]].
In 2024, Niger withdrew from the [[Economic Community of West African States]][{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/28/niger-mali-burkina-faso-announce-withdrawal-from-ecowas|title=Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso announce withdrawal from ECOWAS|website=Al Jazeera}}] and entered into the [[Confederation of Sahel States]] with [[Burkina Faso]] and [[Mali]]. The border dispute with Benin, inherited from colonial times and concerning inter alia [[Lété Island]] in the Niger River, was solved by the [[International Court of Justice]] in 2005 to Niger's advantage.
=== Military ===
[[File:Niger Army 322nd Parachute Regiment.jpg|thumb|right|Soldiers from the 322nd Parachute Regiment practice field tactics with the U.S. Army, 2007.]]
The [[Niger Armed Forces]] (Forces armées nigériennes) are the military and paramilitary forces under the president as supreme commander. They consist of the Niger Army (Armée de Terre), the Niger Air Force (Armée de l'Air) and the auxiliary paramilitary forces, such as the [[Gendarmerie Nationale (Niger)|National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie nationale)]] and the [[National Guard of Niger|National Guard (Garde nationale)]]. Both paramilitary forces are trained in military fashion and have some military responsibilities in wartime. In peace time their duties are mostly policing.
The armed forces are composed of approximately 12,900 personnel, including 3,700 gendarmes, 3,200 national guards, 300 air force personnel, and 6,000 army personnel. The armed forces have been involved in several military coups over the years with the most recent in 2023.[{{Cite web |title=Soldiers announce coup in Niger – DW – 07/28/2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/niger-army-declares-support-for-coup-leaders/video-66361471 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en |archive-date=1 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201060017/https://www.dw.com/en/niger-army-declares-support-for-coup-leaders/video-66361471 |url-status=dead }}] The armed forces have a long history of military cooperation with France and the United States. From 2013, Niamey was home to a U.S. drone base. In 2024, Niger broke its military cooperation agreement with the United States.[{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/niger-revokes-military-accord-with-us-junta-spokesperson-says-2024-03-16/ |title=Niger revokes military accord with US, junta spokesperson says |last1=Balima |first1=Boureima |last2=Felix |first2=Bate |date=16 March 2024 |work=Reuters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326095805/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/niger-revokes-military-accord-with-us-junta-spokesperson-says-2024-03-16/ |archive-date=26 March 2024}}]
=== Judicial system ===
The current [[Judiciary of Niger]] was established with the creation of the Fourth Republic in 1999. It is based on the [[Code Napoleon]] "''[[Inquisitorial system]]''", established during French colonial rule and the 1960 constitution. The Court of Appeals reviews questions of fact and law, while the Supreme Court reviews application of the law and constitutional questions. The High Court of Justice deals with cases involving senior government officials. The justice system also includes civil criminal courts, customary courts, traditional mediation, and a military court.[[http://www.etat.sciencespobordeaux.fr/institutionnel/niger.html#Syst%E8me%20judiciaire Niger:Système judiciaire] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081126022100/http://www.etat.sciencespobordeaux.fr/institutionnel/niger.html |date=26 November 2008}}. NIGER Situation institutionnelle. Sory Baldé, CEAN, IEP-Université Montesquieu-Bordeaux IV (2007) Accessed 13 April 2009] The military court provides the same rights as civil criminal courts; however, customary courts do not. The military court cannot try civilians.[[https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175359/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119017.htm 2008 Human Rights Report: Niger] in 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. (25 February 2009) As a publication of the United States Federal Government, this report is in the [[Public Domain]]. Portions of it may be used here verbatim.]
=== Law enforcement ===
[[Law enforcement in Niger]] is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense through the National Gendarmerie and the Ministry of the Interior through the [[National Police of Niger|National Police]] and the National Guard. The National Police is primarily responsible for law enforcement in urban areas. Outside big cities and in rural areas, this responsibility falls on the National Gendarmerie and the National Guard.
=== Finance ===
Government finance is derived from revenue exports (mining, oil and agricultural exports) as well as various forms of taxes collected by the government. In the past, foreign aid has contributed to large percentages of the budget. In 2013, the government adopted a zero-deficit budget of 1.279 trillion CFA francs ($2.53 billion) which claimed to balance revenues and expenditures by an 11% reduction in the budget from the previous year.[[http://in.reuters.com/article/niger-budget-idINL5E8KM1TI20120922 Niger government adopts $2.53 bln budget for 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028043246/http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/22/niger-budget-idINL5E8KM1TI20120922 |date=28 October 2014}}. [[Reuters]], 22 September 2012.] The 2014 budget was 1.867 trillion CFA which is distributed as follows according to: public debt (76,703,692,000 CFA), personnel expenditures (210,979,633,960 CFA), operating expenditures (128,988,777,711 CFA); subsidies and transfers (308,379,641,366 CFA) and investment (1,142,513,658,712 CFA).[{{in lang|fr}}[http://nigerexpress.info/2013/11/28/niger-le-budget-2014-porte-a-1-867-milliards/ Niger : le budget 2014 porté à 1.867 milliards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805215851/http://nigerexpress.info/2013/11/28/niger-le-budget-2014-porte-a-1-867-milliards/ |date=5 August 2020}}. ''Niger Express'', 28 November 2013.]
The importance of external support for Niger's development is demonstrated by the fact that about 45% of the government's FY 2002 budget, including 80% of its capital budget, derives from donor resources.[[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm Background Notes for Niger: January 2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524232128/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm |date=24 May 2019}} Bureau of African Affairs, United States State Department. Retrieved 26 February 2009. Portions of the "Economy" section are here used verbatim, as this document is in the public domain.] The most important donors in Niger are France, the [[European Union]], the [[World Bank]], the [[International Monetary Fund]], and various [[United Nations]] agencies ([[UNDP]], [[UNICEF]], [[FAO]], [[World Food Programme]], and [[United Nations Population Fund]]). Other principal donors include the United States, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and [[Saudi Arabia]].{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} While [[USAID]] does not have an office in Niger, the United States is a major donor, contributing nearly $10 million each year to Niger's development.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} The U.S. also is a major partner in policy coordination in such areas as food security and HIV/AIDS.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
=== Administrative divisions ===
[[File:Niger administrative divisions.svg|thumb|upright=1.6|Administrative divisions of Niger]]Niger is divided into 7 [[Regions of Niger|regions]] and one capital district. These regions are subdivided into 36 [[Departments of Niger|departments]]. The 36 departments are broken down into [[Communes of Niger|communes]] of varying types. {{As of|2006}} there were 265 communes, including communes urbaines (urban communes: as subdivisions of major cities), communes rurales (rural communes), in sparsely populated areas and postes administratifs (administrative posts) for largely uninhabited desert areas or military zones.
Rural communes may contain official villages and settlements, while urban communes are divided into quarters. Subvisions were renamed in 2002, in the implementation of a decentralisation project, first begun in 1998.
=== Largest cities and towns ===
{{Further|List of cities in Niger}}
{{Largest cities
| country = Niger
| stat_ref = According to the 2012 Census[{{cite web|url=http://citypopulation.de/Niger-Cities.html|title=Niger|access-date=2019-11-06|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406180216/http://www.citypopulation.de/Niger-Cities.html|url-status=live}}]
| list_by_pop =
| div_name = Region
| div_link =
| city_1 = Niamey
| div_1 = Niamey
| pop_1 = 978,029
| city_2 = Maradi, Niger{{!}}Maradi
| div_2 = Maradi Region{{!}}Maradi
| pop_2 = 267,249
| city_3 = Zinder
| div_3 = Zinder Region{{!}}Zinder
| pop_3 = 235,605
| city_4 = Tahoua
| div_4 = Tahoua Region{{!}}Tahoua
| pop_4 = 117,826
| city_5 = Agadez
| div_5 = Agadez Region{{!}}Agadez
| pop_5 = 110,497
| city_6 = Arlit
| div_6 = Agadez Region{{!}}Agadez
| pop_6 = 78,651
| city_7 = Birni-N'Konni
| div_7 = Tahoua Region{{!}}Tahoua
| pop_7 = 63,169
| city_8 = Dosso, Niger{{!}}Dosso
| div_8 = Dosso Region{{!}}Dosso
| pop_8 = 58,671
| city_9 = Gaya, Niger{{!}}Gaya
| div_9 = Dosso Region{{!}}Dosso
| pop_9 = 45,465
| city_10 = Tessaoua
| div_10 = Maradi Region{{!}}Maradi
| pop_10 = 43,409
}}
== Economy ==
{{See also|Oil and mining industry of Niger}}
The [[economy of Niger]] centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest [[uranium]] deposits.[{{Cite web |date=2025-06-20 |title=Niger military leaders to nationalise uranium firm Somaïr |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx5v2x8yejo |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}] In 2021, Niger was the main supplier of uranium to the EU.[{{cite news |title=Niger coup sparks concerns about French, EU uranium dependency |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/niger-coup-spark-concerns-france-uranium-dependency/ |work=Politico |date=31 July 2023 |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802193208/https://www.politico.eu/article/niger-coup-spark-concerns-france-uranium-dependency/ |url-status=live }}] Drought cycles, desertification, a 2.9% population growth rate—as well as a drop in world demand for uranium—have undercut the economy. Niger shares a common currency, the [[CFA franc]], and a common central bank, the [[Central Bank of West African States]], with seven other members of the [[West African Monetary Union]].[{{cite web | title = OHADA.com: The business law portal in Africa | url = http://www.ohada.com/index.php | access-date = 22 March 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090326033744/http://www.ohada.com/index.php | archive-date = 26 March 2009 | url-status = live}}]
Two trans-African automobile routes pass through Niger:
* the [[Algiers-Lagos Highway]]
* the [[Dakar-Ndjamena Highway]]
In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program for [[Heavily Indebted Poor Countries]] (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund for [[Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility]]. Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations, freeing funds for expenditures on basic health care, primary education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction.
In 2005, Niger had received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which translates into the forgiveness of approximately US$86 million in debts to the IMF, excluding the remaining assistance under HIPC. Nearly half of the government's budget is derived from foreign donor resources. Future growth may be sustained by the exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources. A drought and locust infestation in 2005 led to food shortages for as many as 2.5 million Nigeriens.[{{Cite web |date=2005-07-01 |title=Niger: Drought and Locusts Situation Report #1 (FY 2005) - Niger {{!}} ReliefWeb |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/niger/niger-drought-and-locusts-situation-report-1-fy-2005 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=reliefweb.int |language=en}}]
Niger was ranked 139th out of 139 in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2025.[{{Cite web |title=GII Innovation Ecosystems & Data Explorer 2025 |url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/niger |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=WIPO}}][{{Cite book |last1=Dutta |first1=Soumitra |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2025/en/index.html |title=Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads |last2=Lanvin |first2=Bruno |publisher=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]] |year=2025 |isbn=978-92-805-3797-0 |page=19 |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.58864 |access-date=2025-10-17}}] In June 2025 it was reported that Niger's military leaders plan to take control of Somaïr, a uranium company mostly owned by France. They accuse the company of "irresponsible acts." Since taking power in 2023, Niger's leaders have wanted more control over the country's resources and have distanced themselves from France, moving closer to Russia.
== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Niger}}
[[File:Niger single age population pyramid 2020.png|thumb|Population age pyramid of Niger in 2020]]
[[File:1997 275-15 young Wodaabe women.jpg|thumb|[[Wodaabe]] women with traditional [[face tattoo|facial tattoos]] ]]
{{As of|{{UN_Population|Year}}}}, the population was {{UN_Population|Niger}},{{UN_Population|ref}}[{{Cite web |title=Land / Niger {{!}} Interactive Country Fiches |url=https://dicf.unepgrid.ch/niger/land#section-pressures |access-date=2026-08-10 |website=dicf.unepgrid.ch |language=en}}]{{UN_Population|ref}}[{{Cite web |date=2026|title=UN Population Division Data Portal|url=https://population.un.org/dataportal/data/indicators/54,49/locations/562/start/1990/end/2026/table/pivotbylocation?df=b906198c-ad81-4dc9-9b6b-607c2a859375|access-date=6 August 2026|website=[[United Nations]]}}] which has rapidly increased from 3.4 million in 1960 and has a current growth rate of 3.3% (7.1 children per mother).[{{in lang|fr}} ''Annuaires Statistiques du Niger 2007–2011''. [http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/Annuaires_Statistiques/AS2007-2011STRUCTUREPOPULATION.pdf Structure de la population] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726234159/http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/Annuaires_Statistiques/AS2007-2011STRUCTUREPOPULATION.pdf |date=26 July 2014}} (Niger's National Statistics Institute Report)][{{cite web |url=https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/niger-population/ |title=Niger Population |publisher=Worldometers |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814061458/https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/niger-population/ |archive-date=14 August 2019 |url-status=live}}] This growth rate is one of the highest in the world and is a source of concern for the government and international agencies.[[http://www.irinnews.org/report/75801/niger-population-explosion-threatens-development-gains Niger: Population explosion threatens development gains] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725165712/http://www.irinnews.org/report/75801/niger-population-explosion-threatens-development-gains |date=25 July 2014}}. [[The New Humanitarian|IRIN]], 11 December 2007.] The population is predominantly young, with 49.2% under 15 years old and 2.7% over 65 years, and predominantly rural with only 21% living in urban areas.[{{Cite news |date=2005-06-02 |title=The Shackles of Slavery in Niger |url=https://abcnews.com/International/Story?id=813618&page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219150212/https://abcnews.go.com/International/Story?id=813618&page=1 |archive-date=2009-02-19 |work=ABC News}}][{{Cite news |date=2005-02-11 |title=Born to be a slave in Niger |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4250709.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806031036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4250709.stm |archive-date=2017-08-06 |access-date=2026-05-29 |work=BBC News}}][{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specials/1357_slavery_today/page3.shtml |title=Slavery Today |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113131049/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specials/1357_slavery_today/page3.shtml |archive-date=13 November 2010 |url-status=live |website=BBC World Service}}]
=== Urban settlements ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Cities of Niger
! rowspan="2"| Rank !! rowspan="2" | City !! colspan="2" | Population !! rowspan="2" | Region
|-
! 2001 Census[{{cite web|url=http://citypopulation.de/en/niger/cities/|title=Niger: Regions, Cities & Urban Centers – Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information|website=citypopulation.de|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321050141/https://www.citypopulation.de/en/niger/cities/|archive-date=21 March 2020|url-status=live}}]!! 2012 Census[{{cite web|url=http://www.stat-niger.org/frame/demographie.htm|title=DEMOGRAPHIE|website=stat-niger.org|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922235514/http://www.stat-niger.org/frame/demographie.htm|archive-date=22 September 2019|url-status=live}}]
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Ethnic Groups
|right1=percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|Hausa|darkgreen|55.4}}
{{bar percent|Zarma & Songhai|purple|21}}
{{bar percent|Tuareg|red|9.3}}
{{bar percent|Fula|black|8.5}}
{{bar percent|Kanuri|orange|4.7}}
{{bar percent|Toubou|green|0.4}}
{{bar percent|Arab|darkblue|0.4}}
{{bar percent|Gurma|white|0.4}}
{{bar percent|Other|darkred|0.1}}
}}As in most West African countries, Niger has a wide variety of ethnic groups.[{{cite web |date=27 April 2021 |title=Africa: Niger – The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/#people-and-society |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330032003/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/#people-and-society |archive-date=30 March 2021 |access-date=1 May 2021 |website=cia.gov}}] The ethnic makeup of Niger as per the 2001 census was as follows: [[Hausa people|Hausa]] (55.4%), [[Zarma people|Zarma]] & [[Songhay people (subgroup)|Songhay]] (21%), [[Tuareg people|Tuareg]] (9.3%), [[Fula people|Fula]] ({{langx|fr|Peuls}}; {{langx|ff|Fulɓe}}) (8.5%), [[Kanuri people|Kanuri Manga]] (4.7%), [[Tubu people|Tubu]] (0.4%), [[Diffa Arabs]] (0.4%), [[Gurma people|Gourmantche]] (0.4%), other (0.1%).[{{cite web|url=https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/niger-downgrades-french-as-it-distances-from-its-colonial-past-with-a-new-official/xl6ldbr|title=Niger downgrades French as it distances from its colonial past with a new official language|date=8 April 2025|first=Chinedu|last=Okafor|access-date=8 April 2025|work=Business Insider}}] In 1970, Niger was a founding member of the [[Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique]] (ACCT) which later went on to become the [[Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie]] (OIF); the convention that created the ACCT was signed in Niamey.[{{cite web |last=Léger |first=Jean-Marc |date=1999 |title=Souvenirs de la première conférence de Niamey |url=https://agora-2.org/francophonie.nsf/Documents/Jean-Marc_Leger--Souvenirs_de_la_premiere_conference_de_Niamey_par_Jean-Marc_Leger |website=Encyclopédie de la Francophonie |access-date=31 August 2026}}] However, Niger suspended cooperation with the OIF months after the 2023 coup.[[http://www.axl.cefan.ulaval.ca/afrique/niger-loi-2001-037-LNG.htm République du Niger, "Loi n° 2001-037 du 31 décembre 2001 fixant les modalités de promotion et de développement des langues nationales." L'aménagement linguistique dans le monde] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019123028/http://www.axl.cefan.ulaval.ca/afrique/niger-loi-2001-037-LNG.htm|date=19 October 2018}} (accessed 21 September 2016)] Each is spoken as a first language primarily by the ethnic group with which it is associated.[Ethologue. [https://www.ethnologue.com/country/NE/languages Niger languages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727114820/https://www.ethnologue.com/country/NE/languages |date=27 July 2018}}][Présidence de la République du Niger. [https://www.presidence.ne/gographie/ Le Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727090206/https://www.presidence.ne/gographie/ |date=27 July 2018}}] However, the 2025 transitional charter made Hausa the sole national language of the country while other languages were recognized as "being spoken in Niger".[{{cite web | url = http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/RGPH2012/ETAT_STRUCTURE_POPULATION.pdf | title = Recensement général de la population et de l'habitat 2012 | last = Institut national de la statistique | date = November 2015 | access-date = 12 July 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042241/http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/RGPH2012/ETAT_STRUCTURE_POPULATION.pdf | archive-date = 13 July 2018 | url-status = dead}}]
The other two main religions of Niger are [[Christianity]], practiced by 0.3% of the population, and animism ([[African traditional religion|traditional indigenous religious beliefs]]), practiced by 0.2% of the population.[{{Cite web |title=Niger is number 33 on the World Watch List |url=https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/niger/ |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=opendoorsuk.org |language=en |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606201822/https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/niger/ |url-status=live }}] Relations between Muslims and Christians have generally been cordial, according to the respective representatives of Christian and Muslim groups in Niger.[{{Cite web |date=22 June 2022 |title=2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Niger |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/niger/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921012612/https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/niger/ |url-status=live }}]
[[File:Niger, Kiota (06), people leaving mosque after prayers.jpg|thumb|Worshipers leaving the grand mosque of [[Kiota]] after [[Friday prayer]]s]]
The numbers of animist practitioners are a point of contention. In the late 19th century, much of the south center of the nation was unreached by Islam, and the conversion of some rural areas has been only partial. There are areas where animist based festivals and traditions (such as the [[Hausa animism|Bori religion]]) are practiced by [[syncretic]] Muslim communities (in some Hausa areas as well as among some Toubou and [[Wodaabe]] pastoralists), as opposed to several small communities who maintain their pre-Islamic religion. These include the Hausa-speaking [[Maouri people|Maouri]] (or ''Azna'', the Hausa word for "pagan") community in [[Dogondoutci]] in the south-west and the [[Kanuri language|Kanuri]]-speaking Manga near Zinder, both of whom practice variations of the pre-Islamic Hausa [[Maguzawa]] religion. There are also Boudouma and Songhay animist communities in the south-west.[ Syncretic practices have become less common among Muslim Nigerien communities.][{{cite web |url=http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Muslim/the-worlds-muslims-full-report.pdf |title=The World's Muslims: Unity and Diversity |access-date=2 June 2014 |date=9 August 2012 |publisher=Pew Forum on Religious & Public life |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024125551/http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Muslim/the-worlds-muslims-full-report.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2012 }}][[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90113.htm International Religious Freedom Report 2007: Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216213927/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90113.htm |date=16 December 2019 }}. United States [[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor]] (14 September 2007). ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the [[public domain]].''] Islam was spread into what is now Niger beginning in the 15th century, by both the expansion of the [[Songhai Empire]] in the west, and the influence of the [[Trans-Saharan trade]] traveling from the [[Maghreb]] and [[Egypt]]. [[Tuareg people|Tuareg]] expansion from the north, culminating in their seizure of the far eastern oases from the [[Bornu Empire|Kanem–Bornu Empire]] in the 17th centuries, spread distinctively [[Berber mythology|Berber]] practices.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}
[[File:Niger, Filingué (25), street scene with mosque.jpg|thumb|Small mosque in [[Filingue|Filingué]] ]]
Both [[Zarma people|Zarma]] and [[Hausa people|Hausa]] areas were greatly influenced by the 18th- and 19th-century [[Fula jihads|Fula-led]] [[Sufi]] brotherhoods, most notably the [[Sokoto Caliphate]] (in today's Nigeria). Modern Muslim practice in Niger is often tied to the [[Tijaniya]] [[Sufism|Sufi]] [[Tariqah|brotherhoods]], although there are small minority groups tied to [[Hammallism]] and [[Nyassist]] Sufi orders in the west, and the [[Sanusiya]] in the far north-east.[Decalo, James. ''Historical Dictionary of Niger''. Scarecrow Press, Metuchen, New Jersey – London, 1979. {{ISBN|0-8108-1229-0}}. pp. 156–7, 193–4.]
A small center of followers of [[Salafi]] movement within Sunni Islam have appeared in the last thirty years, in the capital and in [[Maradi, Niger|Maradi]].[Decalo (1997) p. 261–2, 158, 230.] These small groups, linked to similar groups in [[Jos]], Nigeria, came to public prominence in the 1990s during a series of religious riots.[Ben Amara, Ramzi. [http://www.sharia-in-africa.net/pages/staff/amara.php "The Development of the Izala Movement in Nigeria: Its Split, Relationship to Sufis and Perception of Sharia Implementation"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228012116/http://www.sharia-in-africa.net/pages/staff/amara.php |date=28 December 2016 }}. Research Summary (n.d.)][[http://www.conflict-prevention.net/page.php?id=40&formid=73&action=show&surveyid=1 Summary for Shedrack Best's ''Nigeria, The Islamist Challenge, the Nigerian 'Shiite' Movement'', 1999] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113202500/http://www.conflict-prevention.net/page.php?id=40&formid=73&action=show&surveyid=1 |date=13 January 2009 }}; conflict-prevention.net.]
Despite this, Niger maintains a tradition as a [[secular state]], protected by law.[[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2001/5684.htm International Religious Freedom Report 2001: Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804183525/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2001/5684.htm |date=4 August 2020 }}. United States [[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor]], 26 October 2001.] Interfaith relations are deemed very good, and the forms of Islam traditionally practiced in most of the country are marked by tolerance of other faiths and lack of restrictions on personal freedom.[t'Sas, Vincent. [http://www.iol.ie/~afifi/BICNews/Islam/islam19.htm "Islam is thriving in impoverished Niger"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228011857/http://www.iol.ie/~afifi/BICNews/Islam/islam19.htm |date=28 December 2016 }}, Reuters, 6 December 1997.] Alcohol, such as the locally produced Bière Niger, is sold openly in most of the country.
=== Education ===
{{Main|Education in Niger}}
[[File:Niger primary school MCC3500.jpg|thumb|A primary classroom in Niger]]
The literacy rate is 35.6% (47.9% male and 25.7% female) according to the [[CIA]],[{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |title=The World Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=25 April 2014 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330032003/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |url-status=dead }}] and 38% (46% male and 30% female) according to the [[World Bank]], both as of 2022.[{{cite web |title=Literacy rate - Niger |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS?locations=NE |publisher=World Bank |access-date=25 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825153704/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS?locations=NE |archive-date=25 August 2025 |url-status=live}}] Primary education in Niger is compulsory for six years.[[http://www.dol.gov/ilab/media/reports/iclp/tda2001/Niger.htm "Niger"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205044526/http://www.dol.gov/ilab/media/reports/iclp/tda2001/niger.htm |date=5 December 2008 }}. ''2001 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor''. [[Bureau of International Labor Affairs]], [[U.S. Department of Labor]] (2002). ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the [[public domain]].''] Primary school enrollment and attendance rates are low, particularly for girls.[ In 1997 the gross primary enrollment rate was 29.3 percent, and in 1996 the net primary enrollment rate was 24.5 percent.][
About 60 percent of children who finish primary schools are boys, as the majority of girls rarely attend school for more than a few years.][ Children are often forced to work rather than attend school, particularly during planting or harvest periods.][ Nomadic children in the north often do not have access to schools.][
=== Health ===
{{Main|Health in Niger}}[[File:HOPITAL DE REFERENCE DE MARADI.jpg|thumb|Maradi Reference Hospital]]The child mortality rate (deaths among children between ages 1 and 4) is high (248 per 1,000) due to generally poor health conditions and inadequate nutrition. According to [[Save the Children]], Niger has the world's highest [[infant mortality rate]].][{{cite news |first=Jeff |last=Green |url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/parenting/05/08/mothers.index/index.html |title=U.S. has second worst newborn death rate in modern world, report says |work=CNN|date=10 May 2006 |access-date=3 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209065002/http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/parenting/05/08/mothers.index/index.html |archive-date=9 February 2019 |url-status=live }}] Niger also has the highest [[fertility rate]] in the world (6.49 births per woman according to 2017 estimates);[{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html |title=The World Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028133713/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html |archive-date=28 October 2009 }}] this has resulted in nearly half (49.7%) of the Nigerien population being under age 15 in 2020.[{{cite web |url=https://www.populationpyramid.net/de/niger/2020/ |title=Niger 2020 |website=populationpyramid.net |access-date=26 August 2021 |archive-date=19 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019062940/https://www.populationpyramid.net/de/niger/2020/ |url-status=live }}] Niger has the 11th highest [[maternal mortality]] rate in the world at 820 deaths/100,000 live births.[{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2223rank.html?countryName=Niger&countryCode=ng®ionCode=afr&rank=11#ng |title=The World Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=25 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426214840/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2223rank.html?countryName=Niger&countryCode=ng®ionCode=afr&rank=11#ng |archive-date=26 April 2014 }}] There were 3 physicians and 22 nurses per 100,000 persons in 2006.[{{cite web|url=http://www.angellite.org.uk/where-we-work.html|title=Niger|access-date=20 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123142319/http://www.angellite.org.uk/where-we-work.html|archive-date=23 November 2011}}]
Clean drinking water is scarce by global standards, with significant differences between urban and rural areas. Niger is listed at the bottom of the [[Human Development Index|UN Human Development Index]]. Roughly 92% of the population live in rural areas in the Tillabéri region along the western frontier, and there is a chronic scarcity of clean water, particularly during the hot season, when temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius.[{{Cite web|title=Fresh water in Niger undercuts violence, as well as offering better living conditions|url=https://www.eib.org/en/stories/niger-water-development|access-date=2021-05-26|website=European Investment Bank|language=en|archive-date=30 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730152058/https://www.eib.org/en/stories/niger-water-development|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|title=Water, Sanitation and Hygiene|url=https://www.unicef.org/niger/water-sanitation-and-hygiene|access-date=2021-05-26|website=unicef.org|language=en|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531114940/https://www.unicef.org/niger/water-sanitation-and-hygiene|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|title=Delivering water and sanitation services in Niger: challenges and results|url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/water/delivering-water-and-sanitation-services-niger-challenges-and-results|access-date=2021-05-26|website=blogs.worldbank.org|date=8 September 2016 |language=en|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531120219/https://blogs.worldbank.org/water/delivering-water-and-sanitation-services-niger-challenges-and-results|url-status=live}}] With the help of a donation fund from the [[Dutch government]], the [[European Investment Bank]] is collaborating with the Niger water authority to find solutions to Niger's water issues. The [[World Bank]] identified Niger as one of the 18 fragile regions of [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]. The EU bank has a history of investing in regions like these.[{{Cite web|title=Fresh water in Niger undercuts violence, as well as offering better living conditions|url=https://www.eib.org/en/stories/niger-water-development|access-date=2021-05-18|website=European Investment Bank|language=en|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701123551/https://www.eib.org/en/stories/niger-water-development|url-status=live}}]
40% of the 30,000 inhabitants in [[Téra]] have access to a working public water infrastructure.[{{Cite web|title=Niger – OECD|url=https://www.oecd.org/countries/niger/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=oecd.org|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602085158/https://www.oecd.org/countries/niger/|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|title=Development Projects: Niger Basin Water Resources Development and Sustainable Ecosystems Management Project – P093806|url=https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P093806|access-date=2021-05-26|website=World Bank|language=en|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531120255/https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P093806|url-status=live}}] Société de Patrimoine des Eaux du Niger, Niger's water authority, opened ten boreholes and built a water treatment plant in 2018 to provide potable water to Téra and the surrounding areas. The water supply ran out about a year later, and the water treatment facility was forced to close.[{{Cite web|title=Niger: EIB finances drinking water supply project (EUR 21m)|url=https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2018-099-la-bei-finance-un-projet-dalimentation-en-eau-potable-au-niger-21-meur|access-date=2021-05-26|website=European Investment Bank|language=en|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531120007/https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2018-099-la-bei-finance-un-projet-dalimentation-en-eau-potable-au-niger-21-meur|url-status=live}}] The European Investment Bank and the water authority are looking at two options for dealing with Téra's water shortages. The first choice is to repair the water tank on the outskirts of town. Another choice is to treat and transport water from the Niger River, which is located more than 100 kilometres to the east. Villages between Téra and the Niger River will also have access to sewage. The European Investment Bank will also look at renewable energy as a way to save costs.[{{Cite web |title=Global Hunger Index Scores by 2024 GHI Rank |url=https://www.globalhungerindex.org/ranking.html |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=Global Hunger Index (GHI) - peer-reviewed annual publication designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels |language=en}}] In 2025, according to the [[World Health Organization]], Niger became the first African country and the fifth country worldwide to eradicate [[onchocerciasis]].[{{cite web|author=|date=30 January 2025|title=WHO verifies Niger as the first country in the African Region to eliminate onchocerciasis|url=https://www.who.int/news/item/30-01-2025-who-verifies-niger-as-the-first-country-in-the-african-region-to-eliminate-onchocerciasis|website=[[World Health Organization]]|access-date=10 February 2025}}]
== Culture ==
[[File:Sultan zinder.jpg|thumb|[[Sultanate of Damagaram|Sultan of Damagaram]] in the [[Hausa people|Hausa]] city of [[Zinder]]. The Sultanate continues to operate in a ceremonial function into the 21st century.]]
[[File:Niger, Toubou people at Koulélé (18).jpg|thumb|right|[[Toubou people|Toubou]] musicians at a formal ceremony]]
[[Culture of Niger|Nigerien culture]] is marked by variation, evidence of the cultural crossroads which French colonialism formed into a unified state from the beginning of the 20th century. Niger was created from four distinct cultural areas in the pre-colonial era: the Zarma and Songhai dominated the Niger River valley in the south-west; the northern periphery of Hausaland, made mostly of those states which had resisted the [[Sokoto Caliphate]], and ranged along the long southern border with Nigeria; the Lake Chad basin and Kaouar in the far east, populated by Kanuri farmers and Toubou pastoralists who had once been part of the Kanem–Bornu Empire; and the Tuareg nomads of the Aïr Mountains and the Sahara in the vast north.
Each of these communities, along with smaller ethnic groups, brought their own cultural traditions. While successive post-independence governments have tried to forge a shared national culture, this has been slow forming, in part because the major communities have their own cultural histories, and in part because ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Tuareg and Kanuri are but part of larger ethnic communities which cross borders introduced under colonialism.{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}
Until the 1990s, government and politics was inordinately dominated by Niamey and the Zarma people of the surrounding region. At the same time the plurality of the population, in the Hausa borderlands between [[Birni-N'Konni]] and [[Maine-Soroa]], have often looked culturally more to Hausaland in Nigeria than Niamey. Between 1996 and 2003, primary school attendance was around 30%,[{{cite web |url=http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Niger_statistics.html |title=At a glance: Niger |access-date=22 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130170853/http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Niger_statistics.html |archive-date=30 November 2009 }}] including 36% of males and only 25% of females. Additional education occurs through [[madrasa]]s.
=== Festivals and cultural events ===
[[File:1997 274-5 Gerewol.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Participants in the [[Guérewol]] perform the ''Guérewol'' dance, 1997.]]
The [[Guérewol]] festival is a traditional Wodaabe cultural event that takes place in [[Abalak]] in Tahoua Region or [[In-Gall|In'Gall]] in Agadez Region. It is an annual traditional courtship ritual practiced by the Wodaabe (Fula) peoples. During this ceremony, young men dressed in elaborate ornamentation and made up in traditional face painting gather in lines to dance and sing, vying for the attention of marriageable young women. The Guérewol festival is an international attraction and was featured in films and magazines as prominent as the ''[[National Geographic]]''.
"La [[Cure Salee|Cure salée]]" (English: Salt Cure) is a yearly festival of Tuareg and Wodaabe nomads in In'Gall traditionally to celebrate the end of the rainy season. For three days, the festival features a parade of Tuareg camel riders followed with camel and horse races, songs, dances, and storytelling.
=== Media ===
{{Main|Media of Niger}}
Niger began developing diverse media in the late 1990s. Prior to the Third Republic, Nigeriens only had access to tightly controlled state media.[[http://africa.ifj.org/pdfs/sainforeport2002fr.pdf SEMINAIRE-ATELIER DE FORMATION ET DE SENSIBILISATION "Mission de service public dans les entreprises de presse d'Etat et privée"] {{Webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170119090642/http://www.ifj.org/regions/africa |date=19 January 2017 }}. Historical introduction to Press Laws, in conference proceedings, Organised by FIJ/SAINFO/LO-TCO CCOG. NIAMEY, June 2002.] Now Niamey contains scores of newspapers and magazines; some, like ''Le Sahel'', are government operated, while many are critical of the government.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.afdevinfo.com/htmlreports/ng82.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213180757/http://www.afdevinfo.com/htmlreports/ng82.html|title=Media in Niger: the African Development Information Database|archive-date=13 December 2009}}][[http://www.gret.org/parma/uk2/ressource/edm/pdf/niger.pdf Medias Status Report: Niger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304011302/http://www.gret.org/parma/uk2/ressource/edm/pdf/niger.pdf |date=4 March 2009 }}. Summary document written for the African Media Partners Network. Guy-Michel Boluvi, Les Echos du Sahel Niamey, January 2001.] Radio is the most important medium, as television sets are beyond the buying power of many of the rural poor, and illiteracy prevents print media from becoming a mass medium.[Geels, Jolijn. ''Niger''. Bradt UK/Globe Pequot Press USA, 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-84162-152-4}}]
In addition to the national and regional radio services of the state broadcaster [[Office of Radio and Television of Niger|ORTN]], there are four privately owned radio networks which total more than 100 stations. Three of them—the [[Anfani FM|Anfani Group]], Sarounia and Tenere—are urban-based commercial-format [[FM broadcasting|FM]] networks in the major towns.[U.S. Department of State. Report on Human Rights Practices – Niger. [http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/democracy/hrp_index.html 1993–1995] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616143410/http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/democracy/hrp_index.html |date=16 June 2009 }} to [https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78750.htm 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421204423/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78750.htm |date=21 April 2020 }}.] There is also a network of over 80 community radio stations spread across all seven regions of the country, governed by the Comité de Pilotage de Radios de Proximité (CPRP), a civil society organisation. The independent-sector radio networks are collectively estimated by CPRP officials to cover some 7.6 million people, or about 73% of the population (2005). The [[BBC]]'s Hausa service is listened to on FM repeaters across wide parts of the country, particularly in the south. [[Radio France Internationale]] rebroadcasts in French through some of the commercial stations, via satellite. Tenere FM runs a national independent television station of the same name.[[http://www.panos-ao.org/ipao/spip.php?article39 Niger : Conseil de presse. Les journalistes refusent la mise sous tutelle] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510075744/http://www.panos-ao.org/ipao/spip.php?article39|date=10 May 2011}}. Ousseini Issa. Médi@ctions n°37, Institut PANOS Afrique de l'Ouest. March 2004.] The state ORTN network depends financially on the government, partly through a surcharge on electricity bills, and partly through direct subsidy. The sector is governed by the [[High Council for Communication (Niger)|Conseil Supérieur de Communications]], established as an independent body in the 1990s. International human rights groups have criticised the government since at least 1996 as using regulation and police to punish criticism of the state.[[http://cpj.org/2007/02/attacks-on-the-press-2006-niger.php Attacks on the press: Niger 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920053522/http://www.cpj.org/2007/02/attacks-on-the-press-2006-niger.php |date=20 September 2011 }}. Committee to Protect Journalists (2007). Retrieved 23 February 2009.][[http://asiapacific.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAFR430012007?open&of=ENG-2F5 Niger: Emergency legislation infringes non-derogable human rights] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211134003/http://asiapacific.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAFR430012007?open&of=ENG-2F5 |date=11 February 2009 }}. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Public Statement. AI Index: AFR 43/001/2007 (Public Document) Press Service Number: 181/07. 21 September 2007.]
== See also ==
{{Portal|Countries|Africa
}}
* [[Outline of Niger]]
{{Clear}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
== Sources ==
{{Refbegin}}
* Decalo, Samuel. ''Historical Dictionary of Niger'', 3rd ed. (Scarecrow Press, 1997, {{ISBN|0-8108-3136-8}}) – a comprehensive collection of Niger topics
* [[CIA World Factbook]] ([https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ entry on Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330032003/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |date=30 March 2021 }})
* [[US State Department]] {{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm |title=Niger |publisher=State.gov |date=3 February 2010 |access-date=3 May 2010 |archive-date=22 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122194527/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm |url-status=live }} ''Note: This article contains material from the State Department website.''
* [http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Niger_statistics.html Unicef Niger statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130170853/http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Niger_statistics.html |date=30 November 2009 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050929053656/http://www.nsu.newschool.edu/internationalaffairs/papers/thiam.pdf Unesco manuscript on child work and schooling in Niger]
{{Refend}}
== External links ==
{{Library resources box}}
* [https://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=NE Key Development Forecasts for Niger] from [[International Futures]]
=== Government ===
* [https://www.gouv.ne Government] – Official website of the Government of Niger
* [https://www.presidence.ne Presidency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817063455/https://www.presidence.ne/ |date=17 August 2024 }} – official website of the president of Niger
* [http://cnsp.ne National Council for the Safeguard] – official website of the Nigerien National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland
* [https://www.stat-niger.org Statistics] – official website of National Institute of Statistics
=== History ===
* [https://niger.dk/discover-niger/ "History"] – Nigerien History at Embassy of the Republic of Niger in Copenhagen
=== Tourism ===
* [https://visit-niger.com Visit Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517223426/https://visit-niger.com/ |date=17 May 2025 }} – Niger's official tourism portal
=== Maps ===
* {{Wikiatlas}}
* {{OSM relation|192786}}
{{Niger topics}}
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