Niger is a state in West Africa, which is characterized by poverty, hot climate and extremely underdeveloped production. Tourists for this country are an outlandish rarity. However, we will try to find interesting sights here that could attract them.
Niger: getting to know the country
Regionally, Niger belongs 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 may resemble a potato with a small appendix in the southwest. It is there that the capital of Niger is located - the city of Niamey - and most of the country's population is concentrated.
Niger area - 1.27 million sq. 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. Prior to that, the territory was a colony of France. The recent history of the country is a series of popular uprisings, revolutions and militarycoups.
Niger: country details
The state has no access to the oceans. It borders 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 driest. About 80% of its population lives in the southwest, where the only full-flowing river in the country, the Niger, flows. By the way, it is from her that the name of the state comes. And even later, this word began to refer to all black people on the planet.
The Republic of Niger is predominantly flat. Only in the extreme north-west is the Air mountain range up to 1900 meters high within the country. The typical landscape of Niger is sparsely populated deserts with sparse vegetation. The two largest rivers in the country are the Niger and the Komadugu-Yobe. In the southeastern part, Lake Chad enters the territory of the state.
The soil cover of Niger, of course, is extremely poor, which calls into question the development of full-fledged agriculture here. But the bowels of the country are quite 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 here. In terms of reserves and production of uranium, the Republic of Niger is confidently among the top ten countries in the world.
Niger's modern economy is underdeveloped. It is based on mining, meager agriculture, and is heavily dependent on foreign aid. Here they growpredominantly peanuts, sorghum, sugar cane, cattle are bred. There are small enterprises processing agricultural raw materials in the country.
The Republic of Niger is a country that has 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 transported on horse-drawn carts, as well as on decrepit trucks that can fall apart on the move.
Population and standard of living
Niger is often confused with neighboring Nigeria - a prosperous and rather rich country. But the Republic of Niger is an incredibly poor state. The per capita GDP here is only $700. According to this indicator, the country is in the "honorable" 222nd place in the world. In the HDI (Human Development) Index, Niger also ranks at the bottom year after year.
The coat of arms of the state is interesting, which reminds many Europeans of the face of a circus clown. In fact, it depicts things familiar to every inhabitant of this country: a hot scorching sun, the head of a local zebu bull, a hunting arrow and inflorescences of cinnamon.
Niger has the highest fertility rate on the planet. To give birth to 5-7 children in a lifetime for a local woman is the usual norm. It is obvious that 2/3 of the population of Niger with such indicators are children and young people under the age of 25 years. Average life expectancy for Nigeriansis 52-54 years old.
It is also not necessary to talk about a high level of education or medicine in Niger. Literate can be called only one in three in this country. Although schooling between the ages of 7-15 is compulsory by law, many children (especially from rural areas) 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 tourism potential
No more than 60 thousand tourists visit the state every year. Mostly they are travelers from other African countries, as well as the French. To obtain a visa, a European must be vaccinated against cholera and yellow fever.
What can a tourist see in this hot African country? First of all, the European guest will be clearly interested and amazed by the life and living conditions of the Nigerians. To do this, you should go to the countryside of the country. Dwellings local residents build themselves from straw or clay. Those who are richer can afford to fence their house with clay blocks. Near traditional dwellings, one can often see similarities of terraces or arbors made of straw and branches, which are held on crooked pillars.
It is worth noting that the people of Niger are very friendly and welcoming. They are not afraid of cameras, as in other African countries, and are happy to take pictures with tourists.
From the cities, you should definitely visit the capital of Niamey, Agadez with its ancientquarters and fortifications, the former capital of Niger, Zinder, as well as the mysterious town of Dogonduchi.
Niamey and its attractions
Niamey is the capital and largest city in Niger, with a population of over one million people. It is quite a prosperous and modern settlement. Niamey today is about 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 spend hours looking at the starry sky.
The main attractions of Niamey are the Grand Mosque, the National Museum of Niger, and the Grand Market, surrounded by picturesque fountains. Here you can buy inexpensive souvenirs, artfully embroidered capes, leather goods and various jewelry.
In conclusion…
The Republic of Niger is a hot, dry and extremely poor country in West Africa. Foreign tourists can be attracted here by local authentic villages. Many interesting sights are concentrated in the cities of Niamey, Zinder and Agadez.
