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{{otheruses}}
{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox Country
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = ''République du Niger''<br/>Republic of Niger
|native_name = ''République du Nigger''<br/>Republic of Nigger
|common_name = Niger
|common_name = Nigger
|image_flag = Flag of Niger.svg
|image_flag = Flag of Nigger.svg
|image_coat = Niger coa.gif
|image_coat = Nigger coa.gif
|image_map = LocationNiger.svg
|image_map = LocationNigger.svg
|national_motto = "Fraternité, Travail, Progrès"{{nbsp|2}}{{fr icon}}<br/>"Fraternity, Work, Progress"
|national_motto = "Fraternité, Travail, Progrès"{{nbsp|2}}{{fr icon}}<br/>"Fraternity, Work, Progress"
|national_anthem = ''[[La Nigérienne]]''
|national_anthem = ''[[La Nigérienne]]''
|official_languages = [[French language|French]]
|official_languages = [[French language|French]]
|demonym = Nigerien
|demonym = Niggerien
|capital = [[Niamey]]
|capital = [[Niamey]]
|latd=13 |latm=32 |latNS=N |longd=2 |longm=05 |longEW=E
|latd=13 |latm=32 |latNS=N |longd=2 |longm=05 |longEW=E
|largest_city = Niamey
|largest_city = Niamey
|government_type = [[Parliamentary democracy]]
|government_type = [[Parliamentary democracy]]
|leader_title1 = [[List of Presidents of Niger|President]]
|leader_title1 = [[List of Presidents of Nigger|President]]
|leader_title2 = [[List of Prime Ministers of Niger|Prime Minister]]
|leader_title2 = [[List of Prime Ministers of Nigger|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name1 = [[Tandja Mamadou]]
|leader_name1 = [[Tandja Mamadou]]
|leader_name2 = [[Seyni Oumarou]]
|leader_name2 = [[Seyni Oumarou]]
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $872
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $872
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 171st
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 171st
|sovereignty_type = [[History of Niger|Independence]]
|sovereignty_type = [[History of Nigger|Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from [[France]]
|sovereignty_note = from [[France]]
|established_event1 = Declared
|established_event1 = Declared
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|calling_code = 227
|calling_code = 227
}}
}}
'''Niger''' ({{pronEng|niːˈʒɛər}} or {{IPA|/ˈnaɪdʒɚ/}}); in French {{pronounced|niʒɛʁ}}), officially the '''Republic of Niger''', is a [[landlocked]] country in [[Western Africa]], named after the [[Niger River]]. 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. The capital city is [[Niamey]].
'''Nigger''' ({{pronEng|niːˈʒɛər}} or {{IPA|/ˈnaɪdʒɚ/}}); in French {{pronounced|niʒɛʁ}}), officially the '''Republic of Nigger''', is a [[landlocked]] country in [[Western Africa]], named after the [[Nigger River]]. It borders [[Niggeria]] and [[Benin]] to the south, [[Burkina Faso]] and [[Mali]] to the west, [[Algeria]] and [[Libya]] to the north and [[Chad]] to the east. The capital city is [[Niamey]].


==History==
==History==
{{main|History of Niger}}
{{main|History of Nigger}}
While most of what is now Niger has been subsumed into the inhospitable [[Sahara]] desert in the last two thousand years, five thousand years ago the north of the country was fertile grasslands. Populations of pastoraists have left paintings of abundant wildlife, domesticated animals, chariots, and a complex culture that dates back to at least 10,000 BCE.
While most of what is now Nigger has been subsumed into the inhospitable [[Sahara]] desert in the last two thousand years, five thousand years ago the north of the country was fertile grasslands. Populations of pastoraists have left paintings of abundant wildlife, domesticated animals, chariots, and a complex culture that dates back to at least 10,000 BCE.


One of the first empires in what is now Niger was the [[Songhai Empire]]. During recent centuries, the nomadic [[Tuareg]] formed large confederations, pushed southward, and, siding with various [[Hausa people|Hausa]] states, clashed with the [[Fulani Empire]] of [[Sokoto]], which had gained control of much of the Hausa territory in the late 18th century.
One of the first empires in what is now Nigger was the [[Songhai Empire]]. During recent centuries, the nomadic [[Tuareg]] formed large confederations, pushed southward, and, siding with various [[Hausa people|Hausa]] states, clashed with the [[Fulani Empire]] of [[Sokoto]], which had gained control of much of the Hausa territory in the late 18th century.


In the 19th century, contact with the West began when the first European explorers—notably [[Mungo Park (explorer)|Mungo Park]] (British) and [[Heinrich Barth]] (German)—explored the area, searching for the source of the [[Niger River]]. Although [[France|French]] efforts at "[[pacification]]" began before 1900, dissident ethnic groups, especially the desert [[Tuareg]], were not fully subdued until 1922, when Niger became a French colony.
In the 19th century, contact with the West began when the first European explorers—notably [[Mungo Park (explorer)|Mungo Park]] (British) and [[Heinrich Barth]] (German)—explored the area, searching for the source of the [[Nigger River]]. Although [[France|French]] efforts at "[[pacification]]" began before 1900, dissident ethnic groups, especially the desert [[Tuareg]], were not fully subdued until 1922, when Nigger became a French colony.


Niger's colonial history and development parallel that of other [[French West Africa]]n territories. France administered its West African colonies through a governor general in [[Dakar]], [[Senegal]], and governors in the individual territories, including Niger. In addition to conferring French citizenship on the inhabitants of the territories, the 1946 French constitution provided for decentralization of power and limited participation in political life for local advisory assemblies.
Nigger's colonial history and development parallel that of other [[French West Africa]]n territories. France administered its West African colonies through a governor general in [[Dakar]], [[Senegal]], and governors in the individual territories, including Nigger. In addition to conferring French citizenship on the inhabitants of the territories, the 1946 French constitution provided for decentralization of power and limited participation in political life for local advisory assemblies.


===Early independence===
===Early independence===
A further revision in the organization of overseas territories occurred with the passage of the Overseas Reform Act (''Loi Cadre'') of [[July 23]] [[1956]], followed by reorganizing measures enacted by the French Parliament early in 1957. In addition to removing voting inequalities, these laws provided for creation of governmental organs, assuring individual territories a large measure of self-government. After the establishment of the [[Fifth French Republic]] on [[December 4]] [[1958]], Niger became an autonomous state within the French Community. Following full independence on [[August 3]] [[1960]], however, membership was allowed to lapse.
A further revision in the organization of overseas territories occurred with the passage of the Overseas Reform Act (''Loi Cadre'') of [[July 23]] [[1956]], followed by reorganizing measures enacted by the French Parliament early in 1957. In addition to removing voting inequalities, these laws provided for creation of governmental organs, assuring individual territories a large measure of self-government. After the establishment of the [[Fifth French Republic]] on [[December 4]] [[1958]], Nigger became an autonomous state within the French Community. Following full independence on [[August 3]] [[1960]], however, membership was allowed to lapse.


==Politics==
==Politics==
{{main|Politics of Niger}}
{{main|Politics of Nigger}}


For its first fourteen years as an independent state, Niger was run by a single-party civilian regime under the [[List of Presidents of Niger|presidency]] of [[Hamani Diori]]. In 1974, a combination of devastating [[drought]] and accusations of rampant [[political corruption|corruption]] resulted in a [[coup d'état]] that overthrew the Diori regime. Col. [[Seyni Kountché]] and a small military group ruled the country until Kountché's death in 1987. He was succeeded by his Chief of Staff, Col. [[Ali Saibou]], who released [[political prisoners]], liberalized some of Niger's laws and policies, and promulgated a new [[constitution]]. However, President Saibou's efforts to control political reforms failed in the face of union and student demands to institute a multi-party [[democracy|democratic system]]. The Saibou regime acquiesced to these demands by the end of 1990. New political parties and civic associations sprang up, and a national conference was convened in July 1991 to prepare the way for the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of free and fair elections. The debate was often contentious and accusatory, but under the leadership of Prof. André Salifou, the conference developed consensus on the modalities of a [[transitional government|transition government]]. A transition government was installed in November 1991 to manage the affairs of state until the institutions of the Third Republic were put into place in April 1993. While the economy deteriorated over the course of the transition, certain accomplishments stand out, including the successful conduct of a constitutional [[referendum]]; the adoption of key legislation such as the electoral and rural codes; and the holding of several free, fair, and non-violent nationwide elections. [[Freedom of the press]] flourished with the appearance of several new independent newspapers.
For its first fourteen years as an independent state, Nigger was run by a single-party civilian regime under the [[List of Presidents of Nigger|presidency]] of [[Hamani Diori]]. In 1974, a combination of devastating [[drought]] and accusations of rampant [[political corruption|corruption]] resulted in a [[coup d'état]] that overthrew the Diori regime. Col. [[Seyni Kountché]] and a small military group ruled the country until Kountché's death in 1987. He was succeeded by his Chief of Staff, Col. [[Ali Saibou]], who released [[political prisoners]], liberalized some of Nigger's laws and policies, and promulgated a new [[constitution]]. However, President Saibou's efforts to control political reforms failed in the face of union and student demands to institute a multi-party [[democracy|democratic system]]. The Saibou regime acquiesced to these demands by the end of 1990. New political parties and civic associations sprang up, and a national conference was convened in July 1991 to prepare the way for the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of free and fair elections. The debate was often contentious and accusatory, but under the leadership of Prof. André Salifou, the conference developed consensus on the modalities of a [[transitional government|transition government]]. A transition government was installed in November 1991 to manage the affairs of state until the institutions of the Third Republic were put into place in April 1993. While the economy deteriorated over the course of the transition, certain accomplishments stand out, including the successful conduct of a constitutional [[referendum]]; the adoption of key legislation such as the electoral and rural codes; and the holding of several free, fair, and non-violent nationwide elections. [[Freedom of the press]] flourished with the appearance of several new independent newspapers.


The results of the January 1995 parliamentary election meant [[cohabitation (politics)|cohabitation]] between a rival president and prime minister; this led to governmental paralysis, which provided Col. [[Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara]] a rationale to overthrow the Third Republic in January 1996. While leading a military authority that ran the government ([[Conseil de Salut National]]) during a 6-month transition period, Baré enlisted specialists to draft a new constitution for a Fourth Republic announced in May 1996. Baré organized a presidential election in July 1996. While voting was still going on, he replaced the electoral commission. The new commission declared him the winner after the polls closed. His party won 57% of parliament seats in a flawed legislative election in November 1996. When his efforts to justify his [[coup]] and subsequent questionable elections failed to convince donors to restore [[multilateral]] and [[bilateral]] economic assistance, a desperate Baré ignored an international [[embargo]] against [[Libya]] and sought Libyan funds to aid Niger's economy. In repeated violations of basic civil liberties by the regime, opposition leaders were imprisoned; journalists often arrested, and deported by an unofficial militia composed of police and military; and independent media offices were looted and burned.
The results of the January 1995 parliamentary election meant [[cohabitation (politics)|cohabitation]] between a rival president and prime minister; this led to governmental paralysis, which provided Col. [[Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara]] a rationale to overthrow the Third Republic in January 1996. While leading a military authority that ran the government ([[Conseil de Salut National]]) during a 6-month transition period, Baré enlisted specialists to draft a new constitution for a Fourth Republic announced in May 1996. Baré organized a presidential election in July 1996. While voting was still going on, he replaced the electoral commission. The new commission declared him the winner after the polls closed. His party won 57% of parliament seats in a flawed legislative election in November 1996. When his efforts to justify his [[coup]] and subsequent questionable elections failed to convince donors to restore [[multilateral]] and [[bilateral]] economic assistance, a desperate Baré ignored an international [[embargo]] against [[Libya]] and sought Libyan funds to aid Nigger's economy. In repeated violations of basic civil liberties by the regime, opposition leaders were imprisoned; journalists often arrested, and deported by an unofficial militia composed of police and military; and independent media offices were looted and burned.


As part of an initiative started under the 1991 national conference, however, the government signed peace accords in April 1995 with all, meaning [[Tuareg]] and [[Toubou]] groups that had been in rebellion since 1990. The Tuareg claimed they lacked attention and resources from the central government. The government agreed to absorb some former rebels into the military and, with [[France|French]] assistance, help others return to a productive civilian life.
As part of an initiative started under the 1991 national conference, however, the government signed peace accords in April 1995 with all, meaning [[Tuareg]] and [[Toubou]] groups that had been in rebellion since 1990. The Tuareg claimed they lacked attention and resources from the central government. The government agreed to absorb some former rebels into the military and, with [[France|French]] assistance, help others return to a productive civilian life.


[[Image:Mamadou Tandja 2005.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Mamadou Tandja]], [[President of Niger|President of the Republic of Niger]].]]
[[Image:Mamadou Tandja 2005.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Mamadou Tandja]], [[President of Nigger|President of the Republic of Nigger]].]]


In [[9 April]] [[1999]], Baré was killed in a coup led by Maj. [[Daouda Malam Wanké]], who established a transitional National Reconciliation Council to oversee the drafting of a constitution for a Fifth Republic with a French style [[semi-presidential system]]. In votes that international observers found to be generally free and fair, the Nigerien electorate approved the new constitution in July 1999 and held legislative and presidential elections in October and November 1999. Heading a coalition of the [[National Movement for a Developing Society]] (MNSD) and the [[Democratic and Social Convention]] (CDS), [[Mamadou Tandja]] won the election.
In [[9 April]] [[1999]], Baré was killed in a coup led by Maj. [[Daouda Malam Wanké]], who established a transitional National Reconciliation Council to oversee the drafting of a constitution for a Fifth Republic with a French style [[semi-presidential system]]. In votes that international observers found to be generally free and fair, the Niggerien electorate approved the new constitution in July 1999 and held legislative and presidential elections in October and November 1999. Heading a coalition of the [[National Movement for a Developing Society]] (MNSD) and the [[Democratic and Social Convention]] (CDS), [[Mamadou Tandja]] won the election.


Niger's new constitution was approved in July 1999. It restored the semi-presidential system of government of the December 1992 constitution (Third Republic) in which the president of the republic, elected by [[universal suffrage]] for a five-year term, and a prime minister named by the president share [[executive power]]. As a reflection of Niger's increasing population, the [[unicameral]] [[National Assembly of Niger|National Assembly]] was expanded in 2004 to 113 deputies elected for a 5 year term under a majority system of representation. Political parties must attain at least 5% of the vote in order to gain a seat in the legislature.
Nigger's new constitution was approved in July 1999. It restored the semi-presidential system of government of the December 1992 constitution (Third Republic) in which the president of the republic, elected by [[universal suffrage]] for a five-year term, and a prime minister named by the president share [[executive power]]. As a reflection of Nigger's increasing population, the [[unicameral]] [[National Assembly of Nigger|National Assembly]] was expanded in 2004 to 113 deputies elected for a 5 year term under a majority system of representation. Political parties must attain at least 5% of the vote in order to gain a seat in the legislature.


The constitution also provides for the popular election of municipal and local officials, and the first-ever successful municipal elections took place [[24 July]] [[2004]]. The National Assembly passed in June 2002 a series of decentralization bills. As a first step, administrative powers will be distributed among 265 communes (local councils); in later stages, regions and departments will be established as decentralized entities. A new electoral code was adopted to reflect the decentralization context. The country is currently divided into 8 regions, which are subdivided into 36 districts (departments). The chief administrator (Governor) in each department is appointed by the government and functions primarily as the local agent of the central authorities.
The constitution also provides for the popular election of municipal and local officials, and the first-ever successful municipal elections took place [[24 July]] [[2004]]. The National Assembly passed in June 2002 a series of decentralization bills. As a first step, administrative powers will be distributed among 265 communes (local councils); in later stages, regions and departments will be established as decentralized entities. A new electoral code was adopted to reflect the decentralization context. The country is currently divided into 8 regions, which are subdivided into 36 districts (departments). The chief administrator (Governor) in each department is appointed by the government and functions primarily as the local agent of the central authorities.
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=== Departments, arrondissements, and communes ===
=== Departments, arrondissements, and communes ===
[[Image:Niger admin.png|thumb|right|300px|Administrative subdivisions of the Republic of Niger, post 1992.]]{{main|Departments of Niger|Arrondissements of Niger|Communes of Niger}}
[[Image:Nigger admin.png|thumb|right|300px|Administrative subdivisions of the Republic of Nigger, post 1992.]]{{main|Departments of Nigger|Arrondissements of Nigger|Communes of Nigger}}
Niger is divided into 7 [[departments]] and one capital district. The departments are subdivided into 36 [[arrondissement]]s and further subdivided into 129 [[communes]]. The departments and capital district are:
Nigger is divided into 7 [[departments]] and one capital district. The departments are subdivided into 36 [[arrondissement]]s and further subdivided into 129 [[communes]]. The departments and capital district are:
{{columns
{{columns
|width = 150px
|width = 150px
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===Foreign relations===
===Foreign relations===
Niger pursues a moderate foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with the West and the [[Islam]]ic world as well as nonaligned countries. It belongs to the [[United Nations]] and its main specialized agencies and in 1980-81 served on the [[UN Security Council]]. Niger maintains a special relationship with France and enjoys close relations with its [[West Africa]]n neighbors. It is a charter member of the [[African Union]] and the [[West African Monetary Union]] and also belongs to the [[Niger River and Lake Chad Basin Commissions]], the [[Economic Community of West African States]], the [[Nonaligned Movement]], and the [[Organization of the Islamic Conference]]. The westernmost regions of Niger are joined with contiguous regions [[Mali]] and [[Burkina Faso]] under the [[Liptako-Gourma Authority]].
Nigger pursues a moderate foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with the West and the [[Islam]]ic world as well as nonaligned countries. It belongs to the [[United Nations]] and its main specialized agencies and in 1980-81 served on the [[UN Security Council]]. Nigger maintains a special relationship with France and enjoys close relations with its [[West Africa]]n neighbors. It is a charter member of the [[African Union]] and the [[West African Monetary Union]] and also belongs to the [[Nigger River and Lake Chad Basin Commissions]], the [[Economic Community of West African States]], the [[Nonaligned Movement]], and the [[Organization of the Islamic Conference]]. The westernmost regions of Nigger are joined with contiguous regions [[Mali]] and [[Burkina Faso]] under the [[Liptako-Gourma Authority]].


The border dispute with Benin, inherited from colonial times and concerning inter alia [[Lete Island]] in the [[River Niger]] was finally solved by the [[ICJ]] in 2005 to Niger's advantage.
The border dispute with Benin, inherited from colonial times and concerning inter alia [[Lete Island]] in the [[River Nigger]] was finally solved by the [[ICJ]] in 2005 to Nigger's advantage.


===Military===
===Military===
{{see|Military of Niger}}
{{see|Military of Nigger}}
The Niger Armed Forces total 12,000 personnel with approximately 3,700 gendarmes, 300 air force, and 6,000 army personnel. The air force has four operational transport aircraft. The armed forces include general staff and battalion task force organizations consisting of two paratroop units, four light armored units, and nine motorized infantry units located in Tahoua, Agadez, Dirkou, Zinder, Nguigmi, N'Gourti, and Madewela. Since January 2003, Niger has deployed a company of troops to Côte d’Ivoire as part of the ECOWAS stabilization force. In 1991, Niger sent four hundred military personnel to join the American-led allied forces against Iraq during the Gulf War.
The Nigger Armed Forces total 12,000 personnel with approximately 3,700 gendarmes, 300 air force, and 6,000 army personnel. The air force has four operational transport aircraft. The armed forces include general staff and battalion task force organizations consisting of two paratroop units, four light armored units, and nine motorized infantry units located in Tahoua, Agadez, Dirkou, Zinder, Nguigmi, N'Gourti, and Madewela. Since January 2003, Nigger has deployed a company of troops to Côte d’Ivoire as part of the ECOWAS stabilization force. In 1991, Nigger sent four hundred military personnel to join the American-led allied forces against Iraq during the Gulf War.


Niger's defense budget is modest, accounting for about 1.6% of government expenditures. France provides the largest share of military assistance to Niger. [[Morocco]], [[Algeria]], [[China]], and Libya have also provided military assistance. Approximately 15 French military advisers are in Niger. Many Nigerien military personnel receive training in France, and the Nigerien Armed Forces are equipped mainly with material either given by or purchased in France. In the past, U.S. assistance focused on training pilots and aviation support personnel, professional military education for staff officers, and initial specialty training for junior officers. A small foreign military assistance program was initiated in 1983. A U.S. Defense Attaché office opened in June 1985 and assumed Security Assistance Office responsibilities in 1987. The office closed in 1996 following a [[coup d'état]]. A U.S. Defense Attaché office reopened in July 2000. The United States provided transportation and logistical assistance to Nigerien troops deployed to Cote d’Ivoire in 2003. Additionally, the U.S. provided initial equipment training on vehicles and communications gear to a select contingent of Nigerien soldiers as part of the Department of State [[Pan Sahel Initiative]].
Nigger's defense budget is modest, accounting for about 1.6% of government expenditures. France provides the largest share of military assistance to Nigger. [[Morocco]], [[Algeria]], [[China]], and Libya have also provided military assistance. Approximately 15 French military advisers are in Nigger. Many Niggerien military personnel receive training in France, and the Niggerien Armed Forces are equipped mainly with material either given by or purchased in France. In the past, U.S. assistance focused on training pilots and aviation support personnel, professional military education for staff officers, and initial specialty training for junior officers. A small foreign military assistance program was initiated in 1983. A U.S. Defense Attaché office opened in June 1985 and assumed Security Assistance Office responsibilities in 1987. The office closed in 1996 following a [[coup d'état]]. A U.S. Defense Attaché office reopened in July 2000. The United States provided transportation and logistical assistance to Niggerien troops deployed to Cote d’Ivoire in 2003. Additionally, the U.S. provided initial equipment training on vehicles and communications gear to a select contingent of Niggerien soldiers as part of the Department of State [[Pan Sahel Initiative]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
{{main|Geography of Niger}}
{{main|Geography of Nigger}}
[[Image:Niger sm03.png|left|thumb|Map of Niger]]
[[Image:Nigger sm03.png|left|thumb|Map of Nigger]]


{{MapLibrary|Niger_sat.png|Niger}}
{{MapLibrary|Nigger_sat.png|Nigger}}
Niger is a [[landlocked]] nation in [[West Africa]] located along the border between the [[Sahara]] and [[Sub-Saharan Africa|Sub-Saharan]] regions. Its [[Geographic coordinate system|geographic coordinates]] are [[latitude]] 16°N and [[longitude]] 8°E. Its area is 1,267,000&nbsp;square kilometres<!--format per WP:MOSNUM --> (489,000&nbsp;[[square mile|sq&nbsp;mi]]) of which 300&nbsp;square kilometres (115&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi) is water. This makes Niger slightly less than twice the size of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]], and the world's twenty-second largest country (after [[Chad]]). Niger is comparable in size to [[Angola]].
Nigger is a [[landlocked]] nation in [[West Africa]] located along the border between the [[Sahara]] and [[Sub-Saharan Africa|Sub-Saharan]] regions. Its [[Geographic coordinate system|geographic coordinates]] are [[latitude]] 16°N and [[longitude]] 8°E. Its area is 1,267,000&nbsp;square kilometres<!--format per WP:MOSNUM --> (489,000&nbsp;[[square mile|sq&nbsp;mi]]) of which 300&nbsp;square kilometres (115&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi) is water. This makes Nigger slightly less than twice the size of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]], and the world's twenty-second largest country (after [[Chad]]). Nigger is comparable in size to [[Angola]].


Niger borders seven countries on all sides and has a total of 5,697&nbsp;kilometres (3,540&nbsp;[[mile|mi]]) of borders. The longest border is [[Nigeria]] to the south (1,497&nbsp;km; 930&nbsp;mi). This is followed by [[Chad]] to the east, at 1,175&nbsp;kilometres (730&nbsp;mi), [[Algeria]] to the north-northwest (956&nbsp;km; 594&nbsp;mi), and [[Mali]] at 821&nbsp;kilometres (510&nbsp;mi). Niger also has small borders in its far southwest frontier with [[Burkina Faso]] at 628&nbsp;kilometres (390&nbsp;mi) and [[Benin]] at 266&nbsp;kilometres (165&nbsp;mi) and to the north-northeast ([[Libya]] at 354&nbsp;kilometres (220&nbsp;mi).
Nigger borders seven countries on all sides and has a total of 5,697&nbsp;kilometres (3,540&nbsp;[[mile|mi]]) of borders. The longest border is [[Niggeria]] to the south (1,497&nbsp;km; 930&nbsp;mi). This is followed by [[Chad]] to the east, at 1,175&nbsp;kilometres (730&nbsp;mi), [[Algeria]] to the north-northwest (956&nbsp;km; 594&nbsp;mi), and [[Mali]] at 821&nbsp;kilometres (510&nbsp;mi). Nigger also has small borders in its far southwest frontier with [[Burkina Faso]] at 628&nbsp;kilometres (390&nbsp;mi) and [[Benin]] at 266&nbsp;kilometres (165&nbsp;mi) and to the north-northeast ([[Libya]] at 354&nbsp;kilometres (220&nbsp;mi).


Niger's [[subtropical]] climate is mainly very hot and dry, with much [[desert]] area. In the extreme south there is a [[tropical]] climate on the edges of the [[Niger River]] basin. The terrain is predominantly desert plains and [[sand dune]]s, with flat to rolling savannah in the south and hills in the north.
Nigger's [[subtropical]] climate is mainly very hot and dry, with much [[desert]] area. In the extreme south there is a [[tropical]] climate on the edges of the [[Nigger River]] basin. The terrain is predominantly desert plains and [[sand dune]]s, with flat to rolling savannah in the south and hills in the north.


The lowest point is the [[Niger River]], with an elevation of 200&nbsp;metres (722&nbsp;ft). The highest point is [[Monts Bagzane]] at 2,022&nbsp;metres (6,634&nbsp;ft).
The lowest point is the [[Nigger River]], with an elevation of 200&nbsp;metres (722&nbsp;ft). The highest point is [[Monts Bagzane]] at 2,022&nbsp;metres (6,634&nbsp;ft).
{{seealso|List of cities in Niger}}
{{seealso|List of cities in Nigger}}


==Economy==
==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Niger}}
{{main|Economy of Nigger}}


[[Image:Niamey night.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Niamey, Niger's capital and economic hub.]]
[[Image:Niamey night.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Niamey, Nigger's capital and economic hub.]]


The economy of Niger centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought cycles, desertification, a 2.9% population growth rate, and the drop in world demand for uranium have undercut the economy.
The economy of Nigger centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought cycles, desertification, a 2.9% population growth rate, and the 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]] (BCEAO), with seven other members of the [[West African Monetary Union]].
Nigger shares a common currency, the [[CFA franc]], and a common central bank, the [[Central Bank of West African States]] (BCEAO), with seven other members of the [[West African Monetary Union]].


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]] (PRGF). 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 December 2005, it was announced that Niger had received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which translates into the forgiveness of approximately $86 million USD 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 exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources. Uranium prices have recovered somewhat in the last few years. A drought and locust infestation in 2005 led to food shortages for as many as 2.5 million Nigeriens.
In December 2000, Nigger 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]] (PRGF). Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Nigger'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 December 2005, it was announced that Nigger had received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which translates into the forgiveness of approximately $86 million USD 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 exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources. Uranium prices have recovered somewhat in the last few years. A drought and locust infestation in 2005 led to food shortages for as many as 2.5 million Niggeriens.


===Agriculture===
===Agriculture===
[[Image:Niger Safari.jpg|thumb|275px|The fertile south of Niger near the river delta.]]
[[Image:Nigger Safari.jpg|thumb|275px|The fertile south of Nigger near the river delta.]]


Niger's agricultural and livestock sectors are the mainstay of all but 18% of the population. Fourteen percent of Niger's [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] is generated by livestock production—[[camels]], [[domestic goat|goats]], [[domestic sheep|sheep]], and [[cattle]]—said to support 29% of the population. The 15% of Niger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern borders with Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso. Rainfall varies and when insufficient, Niger has difficulty feeding its population and must rely on grain purchases and food aid to meet food requirements. Although the rains in 2000 were not good, the three following years brought relatively plentiful and well-distributed rainfall, resulting in good harvests. Millet, sorghum, and cassava are Niger's principal rain-fed subsistence crops. Cowpeas and onions are grown for commercial export, as are limited quantities of [[garlic]], [[Capsicum|peppers]], [[gum arabic]], and [[sesame seeds]].
Nigger's agricultural and livestock sectors are the mainstay of all but 18% of the population. Fourteen percent of Nigger's [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] is generated by livestock production—[[camels]], [[domestic goat|goats]], [[domestic sheep|sheep]], and [[cattle]]—said to support 29% of the population. The 15% of Nigger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern borders with Niggeria, Benin and Burkina Faso. Rainfall varies and when insufficient, Nigger has difficulty feeding its population and must rely on grain purchases and food aid to meet food requirements. Although the rains in 2000 were not good, the three following years brought relatively plentiful and well-distributed rainfall, resulting in good harvests. Millet, sorghum, and cassava are Nigger's principal rain-fed subsistence crops. Cowpeas and onions are grown for commercial export, as are limited quantities of [[garlic]], [[Capsicum|peppers]], [[gum arabic]], and [[sesame seeds]].


===Exports===
===Exports===
Uranium is Niger's largest export. Foreign exchange earnings from livestock, although difficult to quantify, are second. Actual exports far exceed official statistics, which often fail to detect large herds of animals informally crossing into Nigeria. Some hides and skins are exported, and some are transformed into handicrafts.
Uranium is Nigger's largest export. Foreign exchange earnings from livestock, although difficult to quantify, are second. Actual exports far exceed official statistics, which often fail to detect large herds of animals informally crossing into Niggeria. Some hides and skins are exported, and some are transformed into handicrafts.


The persistent [[uranium]] price slump has brought lower revenues for Niger's uranium sector, although uranium still provides 72% of national export proceeds. The nation enjoyed substantial export earnings and rapid economic growth during the 1960s and 1970s after the opening of two large uranium mines near the northern town of Arlit. When the uranium-led boom ended in the early 1980s, however, the economy stagnated, and new investment since then has been limited. Niger's two uranium mines—SOMAIR's open pit mine and COMINAK's underground mine—are owned by a French-led consortium and operated by French interests. However, as of 2007, many licences have been given to other companies from countries such as Canada and Australia in order to exploit new deposits.
The persistent [[uranium]] price slump has brought lower revenues for Nigger's uranium sector, although uranium still provides 72% of national export proceeds. The nation enjoyed substantial export earnings and rapid economic growth during the 1960s and 1970s after the opening of two large uranium mines near the northern town of Arlit. When the uranium-led boom ended in the early 1980s, however, the economy stagnated, and new investment since then has been limited. Nigger's two uranium mines—SOMAIR's open pit mine and COMINAK's underground mine—are owned by a French-led consortium and operated by French interests. However, as of 2007, many licences have been given to other companies from countries such as Canada and Australia in order to exploit new deposits.


Exploitable deposits of [[gold]] are known to exist in Niger in the region between the Niger River and the border with [[Burkina Faso]]. On [[October 5]], [[2004]] President Tandja announced the official opening of the [[Samira Hill Gold Mine]] in the region of Tera and the first Nigerien gold [[ingot]] was presented to him. This marked a historical moment for Niger as the Samira Hill Gold Mine represents the first commercial gold production in the country. Samira Hill is owned by a company called SML (Societe des Mines du Liptako) which is a joint venture between a Moroccan company, [[Societe Semafo]], and a Canadian company, [[Etruscan Resources]]. Both companies own 80% (40% - 40%) of SML and the Government of Niger 20%. The first year’s production is predicted to be 135,000 [[Troy weight|troy ounces]] (4,200&nbsp;kg; 9,260&nbsp;lb [[avoirdupois]]) of gold at a cash value of USD 177 per ounce ($5.70/g). The mine reserves for the Samira Hill mine total 10,073,626 tons at an average grade of 2.21 grams per ton from which 618,000 troy ounces (19,200&nbsp;kg; 42,400&nbsp;lb) will be recovered over a 6 year mine life. SML believes to have a number of significant gold deposits within what is now recognized as the gold belt known as the "Samira Horizon", which is located between Gotheye and Ouallam.
Exploitable deposits of [[gold]] are known to exist in Nigger in the region between the Nigger River and the border with [[Burkina Faso]]. On [[October 5]], [[2004]] President Tandja announced the official opening of the [[Samira Hill Gold Mine]] in the region of Tera and the first Niggerien gold [[ingot]] was presented to him. This marked a historical moment for Nigger as the Samira Hill Gold Mine represents the first commercial gold production in the country. Samira Hill is owned by a company called SML (Societe des Mines du Liptako) which is a joint venture between a Moroccan company, [[Societe Semafo]], and a Canadian company, [[Etruscan Resources]]. Both companies own 80% (40% - 40%) of SML and the Government of Nigger 20%. The first year’s production is predicted to be 135,000 [[Troy weight|troy ounces]] (4,200&nbsp;kg; 9,260&nbsp;lb [[avoirdupois]]) of gold at a cash value of USD 177 per ounce ($5.70/g). The mine reserves for the Samira Hill mine total 10,073,626 tons at an average grade of 2.21 grams per ton from which 618,000 troy ounces (19,200&nbsp;kg; 42,400&nbsp;lb) will be recovered over a 6 year mine life. SML believes to have a number of significant gold deposits within what is now recognized as the gold belt known as the "Samira Horizon", which is located between Gotheye and Ouallam.


Substantial deposits of [[phosphates]], [[coal]], [[iron]], [[limestone]], and [[gypsum]] also have been found in Niger. Niger has oil potential. In 1992, the Djado permit was awarded to Hunt Oil, and in 2003 the Tenere permit was awarded to the China National Petroleum Company. An [[ExxonMobil]]-[[Petronas]] joint venture now holds the sole rights to the Agadem block, north of [[Lake Chad]], and oil exploration is ongoing. The parastatal SONICHAR (Societe Nigerienne de Charbon) in Tchirozerine (north of Agadez) extracts coal from an open pit and fuels an electricity generating plant that supplies energy to the uranium mines. There are additional coal deposits to the south and west that are of a higher quality and may be exploitable.
Substantial deposits of [[phosphates]], [[coal]], [[iron]], [[limestone]], and [[gypsum]] also have been found in Nigger. Nigger has oil potential. In 1992, the Djado permit was awarded to Hunt Oil, and in 2003 the Tenere permit was awarded to the China National Petroleum Company. An [[ExxonMobil]]-[[Petronas]] joint venture now holds the sole rights to the Agadem block, north of [[Lake Chad]], and oil exploration is ongoing. The parastatal SONICHAR (Societe Niggerienne de Charbon) in Tchirozerine (north of Agadez) extracts coal from an open pit and fuels an electricity generating plant that supplies energy to the uranium mines. There are additional coal deposits to the south and west that are of a higher quality and may be exploitable.


The economic competitiveness created by the January 1994 devaluation of the [[CFA franc|Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA) franc]] contributed to an annual average economic growth of 3.5% throughout the mid-1990s. But the economy stagnated due to the sharp reduction in foreign aid in 1999 (which gradually resumed in 2000) and poor rains in 2000. Reflecting the importance of the agricultural sector, the return of good rains was the primary factor underlying economic growth of 5.1% in 2000, 3.1% in 2001, 6.0% in 2002, and 3.0% in 2003.
The economic competitiveness created by the January 1994 devaluation of the [[CFA franc|Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA) franc]] contributed to an annual average economic growth of 3.5% throughout the mid-1990s. But the economy stagnated due to the sharp reduction in foreign aid in 1999 (which gradually resumed in 2000) and poor rains in 2000. Reflecting the importance of the agricultural sector, the return of good rains was the primary factor underlying economic growth of 5.1% in 2000, 3.1% in 2001, 6.0% in 2002, and 3.0% in 2003.


In recent years, the Government of Niger drafted revisions to the investment code (1997 and 2000), petroleum code (1992), and mining code (1993), all with attractive terms for investors. The present government actively seeks foreign private investment and considers it key to restoring economic growth and development. With the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it has undertaken a concerted effort to revitalize the private sector.
In recent years, the Government of Nigger drafted revisions to the investment code (1997 and 2000), petroleum code (1992), and mining code (1993), all with attractive terms for investors. The present government actively seeks foreign private investment and considers it key to restoring economic growth and development. With the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it has undertaken a concerted effort to revitalize the private sector.


===Foreign aid===
===Foreign aid===
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, derived from donor resources. The most important donors in Niger are [[France]], the [[European Union]], the [[World Bank]], the [[IMF]], and [[UN]] agencies—[[UNDP]], [[UNICEF]], [[FAO]], [[WFP]], and [[UNFPA]]. Other donors include the [[United States]], [[Belgium]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[Japan]], [[China]], [[Italy]], [[Libya]], [[Egypt]], [[Morocco]], [[Iran]], [[Denmark]], [[Canada]], and [[Saudi Arabia]]. While the [[U.S. Agency for International Development]] (USAID) does not have an office in Niger, the United States is a major donor, contributing on average $8 million each year to Niger’s development increasing to $12 million in FY 2004. The United States also is a major partner in policy coordination in food security, education, water management and HIV/AIDS sectors.
The importance of external support for Nigger's development is demonstrated by the fact that about 45% of the government's FY 2002 budget, including 80% of its capital budget, derived from donor resources. The most important donors in Nigger are [[France]], the [[European Union]], the [[World Bank]], the [[IMF]], and [[UN]] agencies—[[UNDP]], [[UNICEF]], [[FAO]], [[WFP]], and [[UNFPA]]. Other donors include the [[United States]], [[Belgium]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[Japan]], [[China]], [[Italy]], [[Libya]], [[Egypt]], [[Morocco]], [[Iran]], [[Denmark]], [[Canada]], and [[Saudi Arabia]]. While the [[U.S. Agency for International Development]] (USAID) does not have an office in Nigger, the United States is a major donor, contributing on average $8 million each year to Nigger’s development increasing to $12 million in FY 2004. The United States also is a major partner in policy coordination in food security, education, water management and HIV/AIDS sectors.


===Economic reform===
===Economic reform===
In January 2000, Niger's newly elected government inherited serious financial and economic problems, including a virtually empty treasury, past-due salaries (11 months of arrears) and scholarship payments, increased debt, reduced revenue performance, and lower public investment. In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF) program for [[Highly Indebted Poor Countries]] (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a [[Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility]] (PRGF). In January 2001, Niger reached its decision point and subsequently reached its completion point in 2004. Total relief from all of Niger's creditors is worth about $890 million, corresponding to about $520 million in net present value (NPV) terms, which is equivalent to 53.5% of Niger’s total debt outstanding as of 2000.
In January 2000, Nigger's newly elected government inherited serious financial and economic problems, including a virtually empty treasury, past-due salaries (11 months of arrears) and scholarship payments, increased debt, reduced revenue performance, and lower public investment. In December 2000, Nigger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF) program for [[Highly Indebted Poor Countries]] (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a [[Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility]] (PRGF). In January 2001, Nigger reached its decision point and subsequently reached its completion point in 2004. Total relief from all of Nigger's creditors is worth about $890 million, corresponding to about $520 million in net present value (NPV) terms, which is equivalent to 53.5% of Nigger’s total debt outstanding as of 2000.


The debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations, freeing about $40 million per year over the coming years for expenditures on basic [[health care]], primary education, [[HIV/AIDS]] prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction. The overall impact on Niger's budget is substantial. Debt service as a percentage of government revenue will be slashed from nearly 44% in 1999 to 10.9% in 2003 and average 4.3% during 2010-19. The debt relief cuts debt service as a percentage of export revenue from more than 23% to 8.4% in 2003, and decreases it to about 5% in later years.
The debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Nigger's annual debt service obligations, freeing about $40 million per year over the coming years for expenditures on basic [[health care]], primary education, [[HIV/AIDS]] prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction. The overall impact on Nigger's budget is substantial. Debt service as a percentage of government revenue will be slashed from nearly 44% in 1999 to 10.9% in 2003 and average 4.3% during 2010-19. The debt relief cuts debt service as a percentage of export revenue from more than 23% to 8.4% in 2003, and decreases it to about 5% in later years.


In addition to strengthening the budgetary process and public finances, the Government of Niger has embarked on an ambitious program to privatize 12 state-owned companies. To date, seven have been fully privatized, including the water and telephone utilities, with the remainder to be privatized in 2005. A newly installed multisectoral regulatory agency will help ensure free and fair competition among the newly privatized companies and their private sector competitors. In its effort to consolidate macroeconomic stability under the PRGF, the government is also taking actions to reduce corruption, and as the result of a participatory process encompassing civil society, has devised a Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan that focuses on improving health, primary education, rural infrastructure, agricultural production, environmental protection, and judicial reform.
In addition to strengthening the budgetary process and public finances, the Government of Nigger has embarked on an ambitious program to privatize 12 state-owned companies. To date, seven have been fully privatized, including the water and telephone utilities, with the remainder to be privatized in 2005. A newly installed multisectoral regulatory agency will help ensure free and fair competition among the newly privatized companies and their private sector competitors. In its effort to consolidate macroeconomic stability under the PRGF, the government is also taking actions to reduce corruption, and as the result of a participatory process encompassing civil society, has devised a Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan that focuses on improving health, primary education, rural infrastructure, agricultural production, environmental protection, and judicial reform.


Privatization and liberalization have however also been the subject of strong criticism. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, for instance, has noted that privatization affects the poorest and most vulnerable members of Niger's society. See his reports on Niger at http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/food/visits.htm
Privatization and liberalization have however also been the subject of strong criticism. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, for instance, has noted that privatization affects the poorest and most vulnerable members of Nigger's society. See his reports on Nigger at http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/food/visits.htm


Also, the obligations to creditor institutions and governments has locked Niger in to a process of trade liberalization that might be harmful for small farmers and in particular women, as noted by a recent report by 3D → Trade - Human Rights - Equitable Economy, on Agriculture trade liberalization and women's rights. See http://www.3dthree.org/pdf_3D/3DCEDAWNigerAg.pdf
Also, the obligations to creditor institutions and governments has locked Nigger in to a process of trade liberalization that might be harmful for small farmers and in particular women, as noted by a recent report by 3D → Trade - Human Rights - Equitable Economy, on Agriculture trade liberalization and women's rights. See http://www.3dthree.org/pdf_3D/3DCEDAWNiggerAg.pdf


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Niger}}
{{main|Demographics of Nigger}}


[[Image:Niger-bevoelkerungspyramide.png|thumb|300px|Population age of Niger.]]
[[Image:Nigger-bevoelkerungspyramide.png|thumb|300px|Population age of Nigger.]]


The largest ethnic groups in Niger are the [[Hausa people|Hausa]], who also constitute the major ethnic group in northern [[Nigeria]], the [[Djerma-Songhai]], who also are found in parts of [[Mali]]. Both groups, along with the [[Gurma|Gourmantche]], are sedentary farmers who live in the arable, southern tier of the country. The remainder of Nigeriens are [[nomadic]] or semi-nomadic livestock-raising peoples—[[Fula people|Fulani]], [[Tuareg]], [[Kanuri]], Arabs, and [[Toubou]]. With rapidly growing populations and the consequent competition for meager natural resources, lifestyles of agriculturalists and livestock herders have come increasingly into conflict in Niger in recent years.
The largest ethnic groups in Nigger are the [[Hausa people|Hausa]], who also constitute the major ethnic group in northern [[Niggeria]], the [[Djerma-Songhai]], who also are found in parts of [[Mali]]. Both groups, along with the [[Gurma|Gourmantche]], are sedentary farmers who live in the arable, southern tier of the country. The remainder of Niggeriens are [[nomadic]] or semi-nomadic livestock-raising peoples—[[Fula people|Fulani]], [[Tuareg]], [[Kanuri]], Arabs, and [[Toubou]]. With rapidly growing populations and the consequent competition for meager natural resources, lifestyles of agriculturalists and livestock herders have come increasingly into conflict in Nigger in recent years.


Niger's high infant mortality rate is comparable to levels recorded in neighboring countries. However, the child mortality rate (deaths among children between the ages of 1 and 4) is exceptionally high (248 per 1,000) due to generally poor health conditions and inadequate nutrition for most of the country's children. According to the organization [[Save the Children]], Niger has the world's highest infant mortality rate [http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/parenting/05/08/mothers.index/index.html]. Nonetheless, Niger has the highest fertility rate in the world (7.2 births per woman); this means that nearly half (49%) of the Nigerien population is under age 15. Between 1996 and 2003, primary school attendance was around 30% [http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Niger_statistics.html], including 36% of males and only 25% of females. Additional education occurs through [[madrassa]]s.
Nigger's high infant mortality rate is comparable to levels recorded in neighboring countries. However, the child mortality rate (deaths among children between the ages of 1 and 4) is exceptionally high (248 per 1,000) due to generally poor health conditions and inadequate nutrition for most of the country's children. According to the organization [[Save the Children]], Nigger has the world's highest infant mortality rate [http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/parenting/05/08/mothers.index/index.html]. Nonetheless, Nigger has the highest fertility rate in the world (7.2 births per woman); this means that nearly half (49%) of the Niggerien population is under age 15. Between 1996 and 2003, primary school attendance was around 30% [http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Nigger_statistics.html], including 36% of males and only 25% of females. Additional education occurs through [[madrassa]]s.


The majority of Niger's population practises [[Islam]]: 80%<ref>[http://www.zyama.com/Iowa/Countres/Niger.htm Niger<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, while 15% practises [[Animism]], and 5% practise [[Protestant]] and [[Catholic]] [[Christianity]].
The majority of Nigger's population practises [[Islam]]: 80%<ref>[http://www.zyama.com/Iowa/Countres/Nigger.htm Nigger<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, while 15% practises [[Animism]], and 5% practise [[Protestant]] and [[Catholic]] [[Christianity]].


==Culture and religion==
==Culture and religion==
{{main|Culture of Niger}}
{{main|Culture of Nigger}}
{{sectstub}}
{{sectstub}}


[[Image:Niamey Mosque.jpg|thumb|right|275px|A mosque in Niamey.]]
[[Image:Niamey Mosque.jpg|thumb|right|275px|A mosque in Niamey.]]


The Nigerien culture is mainly based on a traditional Muslim culture. The Nigerien culture is typical of many West African cultures.
The Niggerien culture is mainly based on a traditional Muslim culture. The Niggerien culture is typical of many West African cultures.
*[[Languages of Niger]]
*[[Languages of Nigger]]
*[[Music of Niger]]
*[[Music of Nigger]]
*[[List of African writers (by country)#Niger|List of writers from Niger]]
*[[List of African writers (by country)#Nigger|List of writers from Nigger]]


==Media==
==Media==
Niger began developing diverse media in the late 1990s. Niamey boasts scores of newspapers and magazines, many of which are fiercely critical of the government.
Nigger began developing diverse media in the late 1990s. Niamey boasts scores of newspapers and magazines, many of which are fiercely critical of the government.


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. In addition to the national and regional radio services of the state broadcaster ORTN, there are four privately owned radio networks which total more than 100 stations. Three of them—the Anfani Group, Sarounia and Tenere—are urban based commercial format [[FM]] networks in the major towns. 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).
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. In addition to the national and regional radio services of the state broadcaster ORTN, there are four privately owned radio networks which total more than 100 stations. Three of them—the Anfani Group, Sarounia and Tenere—are urban based commercial format [[FM]] networks in the major towns. 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).


Aside from Nigerien radio stations, the [[BBC]]'s Hausa service is listened to on FM repeaters across wide parts of the country, particularly in the south, close to the border with Nigeria. [[Radio France Internationale]] also rebroadcasts in French through some of the commercial stations, via satellite.
Aside from Niggerien radio stations, the [[BBC]]'s Hausa service is listened to on FM repeaters across wide parts of the country, particularly in the south, close to the border with Niggeria. [[Radio France Internationale]] also rebroadcasts in French through some of the commercial stations, via satellite.


Tenere also runs a national independent television station of the same name.
Tenere also runs a national independent television station of the same name.


Despite relative freedom at the national level, Nigerien journalists say they are often pressured by local authorities. The state ORTN network depends financially on the government, partly through an addition to electricity bills and partly through direct subsidy.
Despite relative freedom at the national level, Niggerien journalists say they are often pressured by local authorities. The state ORTN network depends financially on the government, partly through an addition to electricity bills and partly through direct subsidy.


The sector is governed by the Conseil Supérieur de Communications, established as an independent body in the late 1990s, headed by Maryam Keita, a former TV presenter at ORTN.
The sector is governed by the Conseil Supérieur de Communications, established as an independent body in the late 1990s, headed by Maryam Keita, a former TV presenter at ORTN.
Line 222: Line 222:
|width=220px
|width=220px
|col1 =
|col1 =
* [[Association des Scouts du Niger]]
* [[Association des Scouts du Nigger]]
* [[2005-06 Niger food crisis]]
* [[2005-06 Nigger food crisis]]
* [[Communications in Niger]]
* [[Communications in Nigger]]
* [[Foreign relations of Niger]]
* [[Foreign relations of Nigger]]
* [[List of Niger-related topics]]
* [[List of Nigger-related topics]]
|col2 =
|col2 =
* [[List of Nigeriens]]
* [[List of Niggeriens]]
* [[Military of Niger]]
* [[Military of Nigger]]
* [[Plame affair]]
* [[Plame affair]]
* [[Transportation in Niger]]
* [[Transportation in Nigger]]
* [[Yellowcake forgery]]
* [[Yellowcake forgery]]
}}
}}
Line 237: Line 237:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
*Samuel Decalo, ''Historical Dictionary of Niger'', 3rd ed. (Scarecrow Press, 1997, ISBN 0-8108-3136-8) - a comprehensive collection of Niger topics
*Samuel Decalo, ''Historical Dictionary of Nigger'', 3rd ed. (Scarecrow Press, 1997, ISBN 0-8108-3136-8) - a comprehensive collection of Nigger topics
*[[CIA World Factbook]] ([https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ng.html entry on Niger])
*[[CIA World Factbook]] ([https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ng.html entry on Nigger])
*[[US State Department]] [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm] (''Note: This article contains material from the State Department website.'')
*[[US State Department]] [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm] (''Note: This article contains material from the State Department website.'')
*[http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Niger_statistics.html Unicef Niger statistics]
*[http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Nigger_statistics.html Unicef Nigger statistics]
*[http://www.nsu.newschool.edu/internationalaffairs/papers/thiam.pdf Unesco manuscript on child work and schooling in Niger]
*[http://www.nsu.newschool.edu/internationalaffairs/papers/thiam.pdf Unesco manuscript on child work and schooling in Nigger]


==External links==
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Niger}}
{{sisterlinks|Nigger}}
; Government
; Government
*[http://www.assemblee.ne/ Niger Assemblee Nationale ] official site
*[http://www.assemblee.ne/ Nigger Assemblee Nationale ] official site
*[http://www.un.int/Niger/ Mission of Niger to the United Nations] official site
*[http://www.un.int/Nigger/ Mission of Nigger to the United Nations] official site


; News
; News
;; International
;; International
*[http://www.irinnews.org/Africa-Country.aspx?Country=NE IRIN News - Niger] Humanitarian news and analysis
*[http://www.irinnews.org/Africa-Country.aspx?Country=NE IRIN News - Nigger] Humanitarian news and analysis
*[http://allafrica.com/Niger/ allAfrica - Niger] news headline links
*[http://allafrica.com/Nigger/ allAfrica - Nigger] news headline links
*[http://Nigerportal.com/ Nigerportal - Niger] web portal on Niger in french
*[http://Niggerportal.com/ Niggerportal - Nigger] web portal on Nigger in french
*[http://www.Nigerdiaspora.net/ Nigerdiaspora - Niger] network for the Niger diaspora worldwide
*[http://www.Niggerdiaspora.net/ Niggerdiaspora - Nigger] network for the Nigger diaspora worldwide
*[http://www.infos-niger.com Infos Niger] for exchanging information about Niger both in French and English
*[http://www.infos-nigger.com Infos Nigger] for exchanging information about Nigger both in French and English
;; Domestic publications
;; Domestic publications
*{{fr}} [http://www.Republicain-Niger.com Le Républicain-Niger Daily]
*{{fr}} [http://www.Republicain-Nigger.com Le Républicain-Nigger Daily]
*{{fr}} [http://www.Haske.uni.cc Hasé Newspaper.bi-Monthly]
*{{fr}} [http://www.Haske.uni.cc Hasé Newspaper.bi-Monthly]
*{{fr}} [http://liberation-Niger.uni.cc Liberation -Niger Bi-Monthly]
*{{fr}} [http://liberation-Nigger.uni.cc Liberation -Nigger Bi-Monthly]
*{{fr}} [http://www.laHache.uni.cc La Hache Newspaper]
*{{fr}} [http://www.laHache.uni.cc La Hache Newspaper]
*{{fr}} [http://www.Fofomag.uni.cc Fofo Magazine - Music and Culture.Quarterly]
*{{fr}} [http://www.Fofomag.uni.cc Fofo Magazine - Music and Culture.Quarterly]


; Overviews
; Overviews
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1054396.stm BBC News Country Profile - ''Niger'']
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1054396.stm BBC News Country Profile - ''Nigger'']
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ng.html CIA World Factbook - ''Niger'']
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ng.html CIA World Factbook - ''Nigger'']
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Africa/Niger Open Directory Project - ''Niger''] directory category
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Africa/Nigger Open Directory Project - ''Nigger''] directory category
*[http://www.state.gov/p/af/ci/ng/ US State Department - ''Niger''] includes Background Notes, Country Commercial Guides and major reports
*[http://www.state.gov/p/af/ci/ng/ US State Department - ''Nigger''] includes Background Notes, Country Commercial Guides and major reports


; Tourism
; Tourism
*{{wikitravel}}
*{{wikitravel}}
* [http://www.Niger-tourisme.com '''Ministry of Tourism''']. Official website - Includes comprehensive information on Tourism in Niger
* [http://www.Nigger-tourisme.com '''Ministry of Tourism''']. Official website - Includes comprehensive information on Tourism in Nigger


; Other
; Other
* [http://cymorthNiger.com/ Aid to Niger]
* [http://cymorthNigger.com/ Aid to Nigger]
* [http://www.friendsofNiger.org/ Friends of Niger]
* [http://www.friendsofNigger.org/ Friends of Nigger]
* [http://www.izf.net/izf/Documentation/Cartes/Pays/supercartes/Niger.htm Map of Niger with departements]
* [http://www.izf.net/izf/Documentation/Cartes/Pays/supercartes/Nigger.htm Map of Nigger with departements]
* [http://www.agadez-Niger.com Maps of Niger, pictures of Agadez, Tuaregs and handcraft from Niger]
* [http://www.agadez-Nigger.com Maps of Nigger, pictures of Agadez, Tuaregs and handcraft from Nigger]
* [http://www.antislavery.org/homepage/antislavery/award/Nigerbackground2004.htm Anti-slavery.org page on slavery in Niger]
* [http://www.antislavery.org/homepage/antislavery/award/Niggerbackground2004.htm Anti-slavery.org page on slavery in Nigger]
* [http://www.asmat.eu/html/fotografie_niger_e.html Niger's photogallery]
* [http://www.asmat.eu/html/fotografie_nigger_e.html Nigger's photogallery]


{{Countries of Africa}}
{{Countries of Africa}}
Line 287: Line 287:
{{La Francophonie}}
{{La Francophonie}}
{{Afro-Asiatic-speaking}}
{{Afro-Asiatic-speaking}}
{{Niger-Congo-speaking}}
{{Nigger-Congo-speaking}}


==References==
==References==
Line 293: Line 293:


<!-- Categories -->
<!-- Categories -->
[[Category:Niger| ]]
[[Category:Nigger| ]]
[[Category:African Union member states]]
[[Category:African Union member states]]
[[Category:Economic Community of West African States]]
[[Category:Economic Community of West African States]]
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<!--Other languages-->
<!--Other languages-->


[[af:Niger]]
[[af:Nigger]]
[[am:ኒጄር]]
[[am:ኒጄር]]
[[ar:نيجر]]
[[ar:نيجر]]
[[an:Nícher]]
[[an:Nícher]]
[[arc:ܢܝܓܪ]]
[[arc:ܢܝܓܪ]]
[[frp:Nig·èr]]
[[frp:Nig•èr]]
[[ast:Níxer]]
[[ast:Níxer]]
[[az:Niger]]
[[az:Nigger]]
[[bm:Niger]]
[[bm:Nigger]]
[[bn:নাইজার]]
[[bn:নাইজার]]
[[zh-min-nan:Niger]]
[[zh-min-nan:Nigger]]
[[be-x-old:Нігер]]
[[be-x-old:Нігер]]
[[bs:Niger]]
[[bs:Nigger]]
[[br:Niger]]
[[br:Nigger]]
[[bg:Нигер]]
[[bg:Нигер]]
[[ca:Níger]]
[[ca:Níger]]
[[cs:Niger]]
[[cs:Nigger]]
[[crh:Niger]]
[[crh:Nigger]]
[[cy:Niger]]
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[[da:Niger]]
[[da:Nigger]]
[[de:Niger]]
[[de:Nigger]]
[[dv:ނިޖަރު]]
[[dv:ނިޖަރު]]
[[et:Niger]]
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[[el:Νίγηρας]]
[[el:Νίγηρας]]
[[es:Níger]]
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[[eo:Niĝero]]
[[eo:Niĝero]]
[[eu:Niger]]
[[eu:Nigger]]
[[fa:نیجر]]
[[fa:نیجر]]
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[[ga:An Nígir]]
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[[hi:नीजे]]
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[[hr:Niger]]
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[[io:Nijer]]
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[[ig:Niger]]
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[[bpy:নাইজের]]
[[bpy:নাইজের]]
[[id:Niger]]
[[id:Nigger]]
[[ie:Niger]]
[[ie:Nigger]]
[[os:Нигер (паддзахад)]]
[[os:Нигер (паддзахад)]]
[[is:Níger (land)]]
[[is:Níger (land)]]
[[it:Niger]]
[[it:Nigger]]
[[he:ניז'ר]]
[[he:ניז'ר]]
[[jv:Niger]]
[[jv:Nigger]]
[[pam:Niger]]
[[pam:Nigger]]
[[ka:ნიგერი]]
[[ka:ნიგერი]]
[[ks:नीजे]]
[[ks:नीजे]]
[[kk:Нижер]]
[[kk:Нижер]]
[[kw:Pow Nijer]]
[[kw:Pow Nijer]]
[[sw:Niger]]
[[sw:Nigger]]
[[ht:Nijè]]
[[ht:Nijè]]
[[ku:Nîjer]]
[[ku:Nîjer]]
[[la:Niger]]
[[la:Nigger]]
[[lv:Nigēra]]
[[lv:Nigēra]]
[[lb:Niger]]
[[lb:Nigger]]
[[lij:Niger]]
[[lij:Nigger]]
[[lt:Nigeris]]
[[lt:Niggeris]]
[[ln:Nizer]]
[[ln:Nizer]]
[[hu:Niger]]
[[hu:Nigger]]
[[mk:Нигер]]
[[mk:Нигер]]
[[ml:നീഷര്‍]]
[[ml:നീഷര്]]
[[ms:Niger]]
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[[nah:Nixer]]
[[nah:Nixer]]
[[nl:Niger (land)]]
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[[ja:ニジェール]]
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[[no:Niger]]
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[[nov:Niger]]
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[[oc:Nigèr (estat)]]
[[oc:Nigèr (estat)]]
[[uz:Niger]]
[[uz:Nigger]]
[[pms:Nìger]]
[[pms:Nìger]]
[[nds:Republik Niger]]
[[nds:Republik Nigger]]
[[pl:Niger]]
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[[pt:Níger]]
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[[ro:Niger]]
[[ro:Nigger]]
[[qu:Niqir]]
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[[ru:Нигер]]
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[[se:Niger]]
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[[sa:नीजे]]
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[[scn:Niger]]
[[scn:Nigger]]
[[simple:Niger]]
[[simple:Nigger]]
[[sk:Niger]]
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[[sl:Niger]]
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[[sr:Нигер]]
[[sr:Нигер]]
[[sh:Niger]]
[[sh:Nigger]]
[[fi:Niger]]
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[[sv:Niger]]
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[[tl:Niger]]
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[[ta:நைஜர்]]
[[ta:நைஜர்]]
[[th:ประเทศไนเจอร์]]
[[th:ประเทศไนเจอร์]]
[[vi:Niger]]
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[[tg:Ниҷер]]
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[[tr:Nijer]]
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[[uk:Нігер]]
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[[vec:Niger]]
[[vec:Nigger]]
[[wo:Niseer]]
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[[diq:Nicer]]
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[[bat-smg:Nigeris]]
[[bat-smg:Niggeris]]
[[zh:尼日尔]]
[[zh:尼日尔]]

Revision as of 15:29, 19 February 2008

République du Nigger
Republic of Nigger
Motto: "Fraternité, Travail, Progrès"  Template:Fr icon
"Fraternity, Work, Progress"
Anthem: La Nigérienne
Location of Nigger
Capital
and largest city
Niamey
Official languagesFrench
Demonym(s)Niggerien
GovernmentParliamentary democracy
• President
Tandja Mamadou
Seyni Oumarou
Independence 
from France
• Declared
August 3 1960
Area
• Total
1,267,000 km2 (489,000 sq mi) (22nd)
• Water (%)
0.02
Population
• July 2005 estimate
13,957,000 (64th)
• Density
11/km2 (28.5/sq mi) (216th)
GDP (PPP)2005 estimate
• Total
$910.951 million (132nd)
• Per capita
$872 (171st)
Gini (1995)50.5
high inequality
HDI (2007)Increase 0.374
Error: Invalid HDI value (174th)
CurrencyCFA franc (XOF)
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)
• Summer (DST)
UTC+1 (not observed)
Calling code227
Internet TLD.ne

Nigger (Template:PronEng or /ˈnaɪdʒɚ/); in French IPA: [niʒɛʁ]), officially the Republic of Nigger, is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Nigger River. It borders Niggeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east. The capital city is Niamey.

History

While most of what is now Nigger has been subsumed into the inhospitable Sahara desert in the last two thousand years, five thousand years ago the north of the country was fertile grasslands. Populations of pastoraists have left paintings of abundant wildlife, domesticated animals, chariots, and a complex culture that dates back to at least 10,000 BCE.

One of the first empires in what is now Nigger was the Songhai Empire. During recent centuries, the nomadic Tuareg formed large confederations, pushed southward, and, siding with various Hausa states, clashed with the Fulani Empire of Sokoto, which had gained control of much of the Hausa territory in the late 18th century.

In the 19th century, contact with the West began when the first European explorers—notably Mungo Park (British) and Heinrich Barth (German)—explored the area, searching for the source of the Nigger River. Although French efforts at "pacification" began before 1900, dissident ethnic groups, especially the desert Tuareg, were not fully subdued until 1922, when Nigger became a French colony.

Nigger's colonial history and development parallel that of other French West African territories. France administered its West African colonies through a governor general in Dakar, Senegal, and governors in the individual territories, including Nigger. In addition to conferring French citizenship on the inhabitants of the territories, the 1946 French constitution provided for decentralization of power and limited participation in political life for local advisory assemblies.

Early independence

A further revision in the organization of overseas territories occurred with the passage of the Overseas Reform Act (Loi Cadre) of July 23 1956, followed by reorganizing measures enacted by the French Parliament early in 1957. In addition to removing voting inequalities, these laws provided for creation of governmental organs, assuring individual territories a large measure of self-government. After the establishment of the Fifth French Republic on December 4 1958, Nigger became an autonomous state within the French Community. Following full independence on August 3 1960, however, membership was allowed to lapse.

Politics

For its first fourteen years as an independent state, Nigger was run by a single-party civilian regime under the presidency of Hamani Diori. In 1974, a combination of devastating drought and accusations of rampant corruption resulted in a coup d'état that overthrew the Diori regime. Col. Seyni Kountché and a small military group ruled the country until Kountché's death in 1987. He was succeeded by his Chief of Staff, Col. Ali Saibou, who released political prisoners, liberalized some of Nigger's laws and policies, and promulgated a new constitution. However, President Saibou's efforts to control political reforms failed in the face of union and student demands to institute a multi-party democratic system. The Saibou regime acquiesced to these demands by the end of 1990. New political parties and civic associations sprang up, and a national conference was convened in July 1991 to prepare the way for the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of free and fair elections. The debate was often contentious and accusatory, but under the leadership of Prof. André Salifou, the conference developed consensus on the modalities of a transition government. A transition government was installed in November 1991 to manage the affairs of state until the institutions of the Third Republic were put into place in April 1993. While the economy deteriorated over the course of the transition, certain accomplishments stand out, including the successful conduct of a constitutional referendum; the adoption of key legislation such as the electoral and rural codes; and the holding of several free, fair, and non-violent nationwide elections. Freedom of the press flourished with the appearance of several new independent newspapers.

The results of the January 1995 parliamentary election meant cohabitation between a rival president and prime minister; this led to governmental paralysis, which provided Col. Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara a rationale to overthrow the Third Republic in January 1996. While leading a military authority that ran the government (Conseil de Salut National) during a 6-month transition period, Baré enlisted specialists to draft a new constitution for a Fourth Republic announced in May 1996. Baré organized a presidential election in July 1996. While voting was still going on, he replaced the electoral commission. The new commission declared him the winner after the polls closed. His party won 57% of parliament seats in a flawed legislative election in November 1996. When his efforts to justify his coup and subsequent questionable elections failed to convince donors to restore multilateral and bilateral economic assistance, a desperate Baré ignored an international embargo against Libya and sought Libyan funds to aid Nigger's economy. In repeated violations of basic civil liberties by the regime, opposition leaders were imprisoned; journalists often arrested, and deported by an unofficial militia composed of police and military; and independent media offices were looted and burned.

As part of an initiative started under the 1991 national conference, however, the government signed peace accords in April 1995 with all, meaning Tuareg and Toubou groups that had been in rebellion since 1990. The Tuareg claimed they lacked attention and resources from the central government. The government agreed to absorb some former rebels into the military and, with French assistance, help others return to a productive civilian life.

Mamadou Tandja, President of the Republic of Nigger.

In 9 April 1999, Baré was killed in a coup led by Maj. Daouda Malam Wanké, who established a transitional National Reconciliation Council to oversee the drafting of a constitution for a Fifth Republic with a French style semi-presidential system. In votes that international observers found to be generally free and fair, the Niggerien electorate approved the new constitution in July 1999 and held legislative and presidential elections in October and November 1999. Heading a coalition of the National Movement for a Developing Society (MNSD) and the Democratic and Social Convention (CDS), Mamadou Tandja won the election.

Nigger's new constitution was approved in July 1999. It restored the semi-presidential system of government of the December 1992 constitution (Third Republic) in which the president of the republic, elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term, and a prime minister named by the president share executive power. As a reflection of Nigger's increasing population, the unicameral National Assembly was expanded in 2004 to 113 deputies elected for a 5 year term under a majority system of representation. Political parties must attain at least 5% of the vote in order to gain a seat in the legislature.

The constitution also provides for the popular election of municipal and local officials, and the first-ever successful municipal elections took place 24 July 2004. The National Assembly passed in June 2002 a series of decentralization bills. As a first step, administrative powers will be distributed among 265 communes (local councils); in later stages, regions and departments will be established as decentralized entities. A new electoral code was adopted to reflect the decentralization context. The country is currently divided into 8 regions, which are subdivided into 36 districts (departments). The chief administrator (Governor) in each department is appointed by the government and functions primarily as the local agent of the central authorities.

The current legislature elected in December 2004 contains seven political parties. President Mamadou Tandja was re-elected in December 2004 and reappointed Hama Amadou as Prime Minister. Mahamane Ousmane, the head of the CDS, was re-elected President of the National Assembly (parliament) by his peers. The new second term government of the Fifth Republic took office on 30 December 2002. In August 2002, serious unrest within the military occurred in Niamey, Diffa, and Nguigmi, but the government was able to restore order within several days.

In June 2007, Seyni Oumarou was nominated as the new Prime Minister after Hama Amadou was democratically forced out of office by the National Assembly through a motion of no confidence.

Departments, arrondissements, and communes

File:Nigger admin.png
Administrative subdivisions of the Republic of Nigger, post 1992.

Nigger is divided into 7 departments and one capital district. The departments are subdivided into 36 arrondissements and further subdivided into 129 communes. The departments and capital district are:

Column-generating template families

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Foreign relations

Nigger pursues a moderate foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with the West and the Islamic world as well as nonaligned countries. It belongs to the United Nations and its main specialized agencies and in 1980-81 served on the UN Security Council. Nigger maintains a special relationship with France and enjoys close relations with its West African neighbors. It is a charter member of the African Union and the West African Monetary Union and also belongs to the Nigger River and Lake Chad Basin Commissions, the Economic Community of West African States, the Nonaligned Movement, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The westernmost regions of Nigger are joined with contiguous regions Mali and Burkina Faso under the Liptako-Gourma Authority.

The border dispute with Benin, inherited from colonial times and concerning inter alia Lete Island in the River Nigger was finally solved by the ICJ in 2005 to Nigger's advantage.

Military

The Nigger Armed Forces total 12,000 personnel with approximately 3,700 gendarmes, 300 air force, and 6,000 army personnel. The air force has four operational transport aircraft. The armed forces include general staff and battalion task force organizations consisting of two paratroop units, four light armored units, and nine motorized infantry units located in Tahoua, Agadez, Dirkou, Zinder, Nguigmi, N'Gourti, and Madewela. Since January 2003, Nigger has deployed a company of troops to Côte d’Ivoire as part of the ECOWAS stabilization force. In 1991, Nigger sent four hundred military personnel to join the American-led allied forces against Iraq during the Gulf War.

Nigger's defense budget is modest, accounting for about 1.6% of government expenditures. France provides the largest share of military assistance to Nigger. Morocco, Algeria, China, and Libya have also provided military assistance. Approximately 15 French military advisers are in Nigger. Many Niggerien military personnel receive training in France, and the Niggerien Armed Forces are equipped mainly with material either given by or purchased in France. In the past, U.S. assistance focused on training pilots and aviation support personnel, professional military education for staff officers, and initial specialty training for junior officers. A small foreign military assistance program was initiated in 1983. A U.S. Defense Attaché office opened in June 1985 and assumed Security Assistance Office responsibilities in 1987. The office closed in 1996 following a coup d'état. A U.S. Defense Attaché office reopened in July 2000. The United States provided transportation and logistical assistance to Niggerien troops deployed to Cote d’Ivoire in 2003. Additionally, the U.S. provided initial equipment training on vehicles and communications gear to a select contingent of Niggerien soldiers as part of the Department of State Pan Sahel Initiative.

Geography

File:Nigger sm03.png
Map of Nigger
File:Nigger sat.png
Satellite image of Nigger

Nigger is a landlocked nation in West Africa located along the border between the Sahara and Sub-Saharan regions. Its geographic coordinates are latitude 16°N and longitude 8°E. Its area is 1,267,000 square kilometres (489,000 sq mi) of which 300 square kilometres (115 sq mi) is water. This makes Nigger slightly less than twice the size of the U.S. state of Texas, and the world's twenty-second largest country (after Chad). Nigger is comparable in size to Angola.

Nigger borders seven countries on all sides and has a total of 5,697 kilometres (3,540 mi) of borders. The longest border is Niggeria to the south (1,497 km; 930 mi). This is followed by Chad to the east, at 1,175 kilometres (730 mi), Algeria to the north-northwest (956 km; 594 mi), and Mali at 821 kilometres (510 mi). Nigger also has small borders in its far southwest frontier with Burkina Faso at 628 kilometres (390 mi) and Benin at 266 kilometres (165 mi) and to the north-northeast (Libya at 354 kilometres (220 mi).

Nigger's subtropical climate is mainly very hot and dry, with much desert area. In the extreme south there is a tropical climate on the edges of the Nigger River basin. The terrain is predominantly desert plains and sand dunes, with flat to rolling savannah in the south and hills in the north.

The lowest point is the Nigger River, with an elevation of 200 metres (722 ft). The highest point is Monts Bagzane at 2,022 metres (6,634 ft).

Economy

Niamey, Nigger's capital and economic hub.

The economy of Nigger centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought cycles, desertification, a 2.9% population growth rate, and the drop in world demand for uranium have undercut the economy.

Nigger shares a common currency, the CFA franc, and a common central bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), with seven other members of the West African Monetary Union.

In December 2000, Nigger 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 (PRGF). Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Nigger'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 December 2005, it was announced that Nigger had received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which translates into the forgiveness of approximately $86 million USD 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 exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources. Uranium prices have recovered somewhat in the last few years. A drought and locust infestation in 2005 led to food shortages for as many as 2.5 million Niggeriens.

Agriculture

File:Nigger Safari.jpg
The fertile south of Nigger near the river delta.

Nigger's agricultural and livestock sectors are the mainstay of all but 18% of the population. Fourteen percent of Nigger's GDP is generated by livestock production—camels, goats, sheep, and cattle—said to support 29% of the population. The 15% of Nigger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern borders with Niggeria, Benin and Burkina Faso. Rainfall varies and when insufficient, Nigger has difficulty feeding its population and must rely on grain purchases and food aid to meet food requirements. Although the rains in 2000 were not good, the three following years brought relatively plentiful and well-distributed rainfall, resulting in good harvests. Millet, sorghum, and cassava are Nigger's principal rain-fed subsistence crops. Cowpeas and onions are grown for commercial export, as are limited quantities of garlic, peppers, gum arabic, and sesame seeds.

Exports

Uranium is Nigger's largest export. Foreign exchange earnings from livestock, although difficult to quantify, are second. Actual exports far exceed official statistics, which often fail to detect large herds of animals informally crossing into Niggeria. Some hides and skins are exported, and some are transformed into handicrafts.

The persistent uranium price slump has brought lower revenues for Nigger's uranium sector, although uranium still provides 72% of national export proceeds. The nation enjoyed substantial export earnings and rapid economic growth during the 1960s and 1970s after the opening of two large uranium mines near the northern town of Arlit. When the uranium-led boom ended in the early 1980s, however, the economy stagnated, and new investment since then has been limited. Nigger's two uranium mines—SOMAIR's open pit mine and COMINAK's underground mine—are owned by a French-led consortium and operated by French interests. However, as of 2007, many licences have been given to other companies from countries such as Canada and Australia in order to exploit new deposits.

Exploitable deposits of gold are known to exist in Nigger in the region between the Nigger River and the border with Burkina Faso. On October 5, 2004 President Tandja announced the official opening of the Samira Hill Gold Mine in the region of Tera and the first Niggerien gold ingot was presented to him. This marked a historical moment for Nigger as the Samira Hill Gold Mine represents the first commercial gold production in the country. Samira Hill is owned by a company called SML (Societe des Mines du Liptako) which is a joint venture between a Moroccan company, Societe Semafo, and a Canadian company, Etruscan Resources. Both companies own 80% (40% - 40%) of SML and the Government of Nigger 20%. The first year’s production is predicted to be 135,000 troy ounces (4,200 kg; 9,260 lb avoirdupois) of gold at a cash value of USD 177 per ounce ($5.70/g). The mine reserves for the Samira Hill mine total 10,073,626 tons at an average grade of 2.21 grams per ton from which 618,000 troy ounces (19,200 kg; 42,400 lb) will be recovered over a 6 year mine life. SML believes to have a number of significant gold deposits within what is now recognized as the gold belt known as the "Samira Horizon", which is located between Gotheye and Ouallam.

Substantial deposits of phosphates, coal, iron, limestone, and gypsum also have been found in Nigger. Nigger has oil potential. In 1992, the Djado permit was awarded to Hunt Oil, and in 2003 the Tenere permit was awarded to the China National Petroleum Company. An ExxonMobil-Petronas joint venture now holds the sole rights to the Agadem block, north of Lake Chad, and oil exploration is ongoing. The parastatal SONICHAR (Societe Niggerienne de Charbon) in Tchirozerine (north of Agadez) extracts coal from an open pit and fuels an electricity generating plant that supplies energy to the uranium mines. There are additional coal deposits to the south and west that are of a higher quality and may be exploitable.

The economic competitiveness created by the January 1994 devaluation of the Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA) franc contributed to an annual average economic growth of 3.5% throughout the mid-1990s. But the economy stagnated due to the sharp reduction in foreign aid in 1999 (which gradually resumed in 2000) and poor rains in 2000. Reflecting the importance of the agricultural sector, the return of good rains was the primary factor underlying economic growth of 5.1% in 2000, 3.1% in 2001, 6.0% in 2002, and 3.0% in 2003.

In recent years, the Government of Nigger drafted revisions to the investment code (1997 and 2000), petroleum code (1992), and mining code (1993), all with attractive terms for investors. The present government actively seeks foreign private investment and considers it key to restoring economic growth and development. With the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it has undertaken a concerted effort to revitalize the private sector.

Foreign aid

The importance of external support for Nigger's development is demonstrated by the fact that about 45% of the government's FY 2002 budget, including 80% of its capital budget, derived from donor resources. The most important donors in Nigger are France, the European Union, the World Bank, the IMF, and UN agencies—UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, WFP, and UNFPA. Other donors include the United States, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, China, Italy, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Iran, Denmark, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. While the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) does not have an office in Nigger, the United States is a major donor, contributing on average $8 million each year to Nigger’s development increasing to $12 million in FY 2004. The United States also is a major partner in policy coordination in food security, education, water management and HIV/AIDS sectors.

Economic reform

In January 2000, Nigger's newly elected government inherited serious financial and economic problems, including a virtually empty treasury, past-due salaries (11 months of arrears) and scholarship payments, increased debt, reduced revenue performance, and lower public investment. In December 2000, Nigger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). In January 2001, Nigger reached its decision point and subsequently reached its completion point in 2004. Total relief from all of Nigger's creditors is worth about $890 million, corresponding to about $520 million in net present value (NPV) terms, which is equivalent to 53.5% of Nigger’s total debt outstanding as of 2000.

The debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Nigger's annual debt service obligations, freeing about $40 million per year over the coming years for expenditures on basic health care, primary education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction. The overall impact on Nigger's budget is substantial. Debt service as a percentage of government revenue will be slashed from nearly 44% in 1999 to 10.9% in 2003 and average 4.3% during 2010-19. The debt relief cuts debt service as a percentage of export revenue from more than 23% to 8.4% in 2003, and decreases it to about 5% in later years.

In addition to strengthening the budgetary process and public finances, the Government of Nigger has embarked on an ambitious program to privatize 12 state-owned companies. To date, seven have been fully privatized, including the water and telephone utilities, with the remainder to be privatized in 2005. A newly installed multisectoral regulatory agency will help ensure free and fair competition among the newly privatized companies and their private sector competitors. In its effort to consolidate macroeconomic stability under the PRGF, the government is also taking actions to reduce corruption, and as the result of a participatory process encompassing civil society, has devised a Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan that focuses on improving health, primary education, rural infrastructure, agricultural production, environmental protection, and judicial reform.

Privatization and liberalization have however also been the subject of strong criticism. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, for instance, has noted that privatization affects the poorest and most vulnerable members of Nigger's society. See his reports on Nigger at http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/food/visits.htm

Also, the obligations to creditor institutions and governments has locked Nigger in to a process of trade liberalization that might be harmful for small farmers and in particular women, as noted by a recent report by 3D → Trade - Human Rights - Equitable Economy, on Agriculture trade liberalization and women's rights. See http://www.3dthree.org/pdf_3D/3DCEDAWNiggerAg.pdf

Demographics

File:Nigger-bevoelkerungspyramide.png
Population age of Nigger.

The largest ethnic groups in Nigger are the Hausa, who also constitute the major ethnic group in northern Niggeria, the Djerma-Songhai, who also are found in parts of Mali. Both groups, along with the Gourmantche, are sedentary farmers who live in the arable, southern tier of the country. The remainder of Niggeriens are nomadic or semi-nomadic livestock-raising peoples—Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Arabs, and Toubou. With rapidly growing populations and the consequent competition for meager natural resources, lifestyles of agriculturalists and livestock herders have come increasingly into conflict in Nigger in recent years.

Nigger's high infant mortality rate is comparable to levels recorded in neighboring countries. However, the child mortality rate (deaths among children between the ages of 1 and 4) is exceptionally high (248 per 1,000) due to generally poor health conditions and inadequate nutrition for most of the country's children. According to the organization Save the Children, Nigger has the world's highest infant mortality rate [1]. Nonetheless, Nigger has the highest fertility rate in the world (7.2 births per woman); this means that nearly half (49%) of the Niggerien population is under age 15. Between 1996 and 2003, primary school attendance was around 30% [2], including 36% of males and only 25% of females. Additional education occurs through madrassas.

The majority of Nigger's population practises Islam: 80%[1], while 15% practises Animism, and 5% practise Protestant and Catholic Christianity.

Culture and religion

File:Niamey Mosque.jpg
A mosque in Niamey.

The Niggerien culture is mainly based on a traditional Muslim culture. The Niggerien culture is typical of many West African cultures.

Media

Nigger began developing diverse media in the late 1990s. Niamey boasts scores of newspapers and magazines, many of which are fiercely critical of the government.

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. In addition to the national and regional radio services of the state broadcaster ORTN, there are four privately owned radio networks which total more than 100 stations. Three of them—the Anfani Group, Sarounia and Tenere—are urban based commercial format FM networks in the major towns. 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).

Aside from Niggerien radio stations, the BBC's Hausa service is listened to on FM repeaters across wide parts of the country, particularly in the south, close to the border with Niggeria. Radio France Internationale also rebroadcasts in French through some of the commercial stations, via satellite.

Tenere also runs a national independent television station of the same name.

Despite relative freedom at the national level, Niggerien journalists say they are often pressured by local authorities. The state ORTN network depends financially on the government, partly through an addition to electricity bills and partly through direct subsidy.

The sector is governed by the Conseil Supérieur de Communications, established as an independent body in the late 1990s, headed by Maryam Keita, a former TV presenter at ORTN.

See also

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References

Government
News
International
Domestic publications
Overviews
Tourism
Other

Template:Afro-Asiatic-speaking Template:Nigger-Congo-speaking

References