Independence Year : 1960
Population : 10730000
Life Expectancy : 41.3
Capital : 2738
GNP : 1706.00
GNP Old : 1580.00
Local Name : Niger
Government Form : Republic
Location : Western Africa, southeast of Algeria
Terrain : About two-thirds desert and mountains, one-third savanna.
Climate : Hot, dry, and dusty; tropical in extreme south. Rainy season June - September
Ethnic Group : Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanuri) 4.3%; Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%.
Religions : Islam (95%); remainder indigenous beliefs and Christian.
Official Website :
www.assemblee.ne
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General Information - Niger
Background
Despite the fact that the country has some of the world's largest uranium deposits, Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, a landlocked Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops and livestock.
Niger suffered austere military rule for much of its post-independence history. Not until 1993, 33 years after independence from France, did Niger hold its first free and open elections. A 1995 peace accord ended a five-year revolt by Tuareg tribes, who accused the government of failing to deliver on promised economic aid. Coups in 1996 and 1999 were followed by the creation of a National Reconciliation Council that effected a transition to civilian rule in December 1999.
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