Republic of Niger: geographical position, standard of living, country's sights

Niger is a state in West Africa that is characterized by poverty, a hot climate and an extremely underdeveloped production. Tourists for this country - a rare rarity. However, we will try to find here interesting sights that could attract them.

Niger: getting to know the country

Regionally, Niger is referred to West Africa, although geographically the country is located in the center of the northern part of the continent. If you look at the map of the state, then its outlines can remind the potato with a small appendic appendix in the south-west. It is there that the capital of Niger - the city of Niamey - is located and most of the country's population is concentrated.

The area of Niger - 1.27 million square meters. Km, the population is about 16 million people. According to the state structure, it is a presidential-parliamentary republic, which gained its independence in 1960. Before that, the territory was a colony of France. The country's recent history is a series of popular uprisings, revolutions and military coups.

Niger: detailed information about the country

The state has no outlet to the World Ocean. It borders with seven other African countries: Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Chad, Benin, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world. And one of the most arid. About 80% of its population lives in the south-west, where the only full-flowing river in the country - the Niger. By the way, it is from it that the name of the state takes place. And even later this word began to be called and all black people on the planet.

The Republic of Niger is mostly flat. Only in the extreme north-west is the mountain range of Ayr up to 1,900 meters within the country. The typical landscape of Niger is a sparsely populated desert with scant vegetation. The two largest rivers of the country are Niger and Komadugu-Yobe. In the south-eastern part of the state enters Lake Chad.

The soil cover of the Niger, of course, is extremely poor, which raises the question of the development of full-fledged agriculture here. But the interior of the country is rich in minerals. So, there are significant reserves of uranium ore, coal, phosphorites, limestone and gypsum. Recently, geologists have also discovered deposits of oil, copper and nickel ores. According to the reserves and volumes of uranium production, the Republic of Niger is confidently among the top ten countries in the world.

The modern economy of Niger is underdeveloped. It is based on the mining industry, skimpy agriculture and heavily reliant on foreign cash assistance. Here, mainly peanuts, sorghum, sugar cane are grown, cattle are raised. In the country there are small enterprises for processing agricultural raw materials.

The Republic of Niger is a country in which there is no railway at all. The construction of roads and railways is one of the main tasks for the current government at the present stage. In cities (small and large), goods are still hauled on horse-drawn carts, as well as on decrepit trucks, which can fall apart on the go.

Population and standard of living

Niger is very often confused with neighboring Nigeria - a prosperous and rather rich country. But the Republic of Niger is an incredibly poor state. The GDP per capita here is only $ 700. According to this indicator, the country is on the "honorable" 222nd place in the world. In the ranking of countries on the index of the HDI (human development), Niger also takes the bottom lines from year to year.

The state's coat of arms, which many Europeans like the face of a circus clown, is interesting. In fact, it depicts the usual things for every resident of this country: a hot scorching sun, the head of a local zebu bull, a hunting arrow and the inflorescence of a peristocetian.

Niger has the highest fertility rate on the planet. To give birth to 5-7 children for a life for a local woman is a habitual norm. It is obvious that 2/3 of Niger's population with such indicators are children and young people under the age of 25. The average life expectancy of Nigerians is 52-54 years.

There is also no need to talk about a high level of education or medicine in Niger. Only one third in this country can be called literate. Despite the fact that by law, education at the age of 7-15 years is compulsory, many children (especially from villages) do not attend school. There are only two institutions of higher education in the country: the Institute of Black Africa in Niamey and the Islamic University in Saye.

Republic of Niger: attractions and tourist potential

Annually the state is visited by no more than 60 thousand tourists. Mostly travelers from other countries of Africa, as well as French. To get a visa, a European needs to be chained from cholera and yellow fever.

What to see in this hot African country tourist? First of all, the European guest will obviously be interested and will amaze the life and living conditions of the Nigerians. To do this, go to the countryside countryside. Dwellings local people build themselves from straw or clay. Those who are richer can afford to protect their house with clay blocks. Near traditional dwellings, you can often see the similarity of terraces or arbours from straw and twigs, which are kept on curb pillars.

It is worth noting that the people of Niger are very friendly and friendly. They are not afraid of cameras, as in other countries in Africa, and are happy to take pictures with tourists.

From cities it is necessary to visit the capital Niamey, Agadez with its ancient quarters and fortifications, the former capital of Niger Zinder, and also the mysterious town of Dogonduchi.

Niamey and its attractions

Niamey is the capital and largest city in the Niger, home to over one million people. It is quite a prosperous and modern settlement. Niamey today is quality roads, modern buildings and bright street lighting. Foreign tourists here are surprised by the amazing transparency of the sky. At night in Niamey you can watch the starry sky for hours.

The most important attractions of Niamey are the Great Mosque, the National Museum of the Niger, and the Big Market, surrounded by picturesque fountains. Here you can buy inexpensive souvenirs, skillfully embroidered cloaks, leather goods and various jewelry.

Finally...

The Republic of Niger is a hot, arid and extraordinarily poor country in West Africa. A foreign tourist here can attract local authentic villages. Many interesting sights are concentrated in the cities of Niamey, Zinder and Agadez.