Landscape of Niger
Flag of Niger

Niger

Africa

Niger is ranked as one of the least developed nations in the world due to its government corruption, terrorism, barren landscape, and lack of education structure.1 Its citizens are largely dependent on subsistence agriculture, as 87% of them are employed in that industry. Still, 45% of the population remains in poverty, and societal structures prevent the most vulnerable people from receiving government aid.2 1 https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/may/15/niger-girls-education-challenge-un 2 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ng.html

What would you like to learn about in Niger?

Select a section to explore the country where nonprofits are creating positive change.

About Niger

Niger became independent from France in 1960 and experienced single-party and military rule until 1991, when Gen. Ali SAIBOU was forced by public pressure to allow multiparty elections, which resulted in a democratic government in 1993. Political infighting brought the government to a standstill and in 1996 led to a coup by Col. Ibrahim BARE. In 1999, BARE was killed in a counter coup by military officers who restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power in December of that year. TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and in 2009 spearheaded a constitutional amendment that would allow him to extend his term as president. In February 2010, a military coup deposed TANDJA, immediately suspended the constitution, and dissolved the Cabinet. ISSOUFOU Mahamadou emerged victorious from a crowded field in the election following the coup and was inaugurated in April 2011. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. The Nigerien Movement for Justice, a predominately Tuareg ethnic group, emerged in February 2007, and attacked several military targets in Niger's northern region throughout 2007 and 2008. Successful government offensives in 2009 limited the rebels' operational capabilities. Niger is facing increased security concerns on its borders from various external threats including insecurity in Libya and spillover from the rebellion in Mali.

Quick Facts

Population
16,899,327 (July 2013 est.)
Area
1.267 million sq km
ISO Code
NE
Continent
Africa
Government
republic
Active Causes
12
View all countries in Africa

More in Africa

Flag of Algeria Algeria Flag of Angola Angola Flag of Benin Benin Flag of Botswana Botswana Flag of British Indian Ocean Territory British Indian Ocean Territory Flag of Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Flag of Burundi Burundi Flag of Cabo Verde Cabo Verde

Geography & Environment

Climate

desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Terrain

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north

Natural Resources

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, petroleum

Environmental Issues

overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

People & Society

54.34 years
Avg. Life Expectancy
28.7%
Literacy Rate
17.8% of total population (2011)
Total Urban Population

Languages

French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Religions

Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian) 20%

Health Expenditure

5.2% of GDP (2010) of GDP

Education Expenditure

4.5% of GDP (2011) of GDP

Economy

$800
GDP per Capita (PPP)
NA%
Unemployment Rate
63% (1993 est.)
Below Poverty Line

Economic Overview

Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Agriculture contributes about 40% of GDP and provides livelihood for about 90% of the population. Niger also has sizable reserves of oil, and oil production, refining, and exports are expected to grow significantly between 2011 and 2016. Drought, desertification, and strong population growth 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 seve...

Causes in Niger

Environment

One of Niger’s greatest threats to livelihood is climate change, since the majority of its citizens are employed in subsistence agriculture. Since the country’s economy is largely dependent on its agricultural outputs, drought and climate change can severely impact the country’s GDP.1 Niger is also a landlocked country, which means that water scarcity is a real challenge. Other water sources are polluted by oil spills caused by drilling companies, leaving local populations without clean water.2 In some communities, oil pollution has destroyed the resources needed for fishing and farming, and the corrupt government has done little to help.3

Family

Niger has one of the highest rates of child marriages in the world. Approximately 28% of the country’s girls are married by age 15, and 76% are married by age 18.1 Domestic abuse and violence against women are widespread and socially acceptable, and nearly 70% of women have experienced abuse and humiliation at the hands of their spouses, fathers, or male relatives.2

Human Rights

The biggest human rights violations in the country are due to armed conflict between government security forces and terrorist groups like Boko Haram. Citizens face the possibility of death, arrest, torture, and forced labor. The corrupt government also suppressed freedom of speech and expression, especially for journalists who spoke out against the authorities. Because of conflict in neighboring countries, Niger has also become the host for many refugees.1

Education

1.3 million children of primary school age have never attended school, largely due to child labor demands. Currently, 42% of Niger’s children attend school and only 24% complete their schooling.1 Only 31% of girls attend primary school, and only 8% continue on to secondary school. Child marriage, poverty, and violence all contribute to these low levels of school attendance.2 The literacy rate in the country is only 20%, with a male literacy rate of 27% and a female literacy rate of only 11%.3

Poverty

Niger is ranked last on the Human Development Index and 76% of the population survives on less than $2 a day. The country has improved its per capita GDP in the past few years, but this success is overshadowed by severe poverty, especially in rural areas. Women and children in rural areas are most severely affected because of their lack of opportunity. The agriculturally-based economy is vulnerable to external changes and shocks.1 45% of the country lives below the poverty line.2

Religion

The overwhelming majority of citizens in Niger practice Islam, and their judicial system is based on Sharia law. Nearly 80% of the population is Muslim, and the remaining 20% consists of Christians and those following indigenous belief systems.1

Clean Water

In Niger, approximately 58% of the population has access to regular clean water, while only 10% has access to adequate sanitation infrastructure.1 The country’s dry climate and political instability prevent clean water distribution and sanitation infrastructure.2 This leads to the majority of the population suffering from diseases like chronic diarrhea and cholera. The health centers in rural areas are overwhelmed with the number of cholera cases, and many people go untreated.3 The lack of water access and security leads to over 10,000 child deaths each year and prevents thousands of other children from attending school.2

Economy

Niger has experienced economic growth in small increments because of increased exports, but overall its economy remains fractured and unstable. Economic regulations are rarely enforced, hindering business growth.1 Agriculture and exports account for the majority of the country’s GDP, leaving the economy susceptible to fluctuating markets and bad weather.2 International aid has freed up some resources and funds for improving the infrastructure and providing welfare to citizens.1 5% of the population is unemployed, and 45% live below the poverty line.2

Government

The Republic of Niger has a constitution and three branches of government. There is both a president, who is the head of state, and a prime minister, who is the head of government. Niger has a long history of government corruption. Corruption, nepotism, and impunity continue to undermine any meaningful reforms that the civil society has attempted to implement.1 The public sees the government as corrupt and ineffective with overzealous security forces, but the widespread lack of education leaves the public powerless in fighting corruption.2

Health

Niger consistently ranks at the bottom of world development indexes because minimum international health standards are not being met. Unclean drinking water, malnutrition, and pervasive poverty are all causes of death and disease. Malaria is a common disease and causes one-fifth of all child deaths. The country lacks a sufficient number of health care facilities and workers, especially in maternal healthcare. One in six Nigerien children will not reach their fifth birthday due to conditions like malnutrition and malaria.1

Children

Since Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries and has a fast rate of population growth, there are limited resources for child welfare. In Niger, more than 20% of children will die before they reach age five due to lack of access to improved water and sanitation. Contaminated water and unsanitary conditions lead to the spread of diseases like malaria and diarrhea that can devastate vulnerable children.1 Niger children are often employed in agriculture or the mining industry. 48% of school aged children work, and 26% of those combine work and school.2 Niger also has one of the highest rates of child marriages with 28% of girls being married by age 15 and 76% by age 18.3

Animals

Niger’s dry, desert landscape is home to a variety of species like cheetahs, giraffes, jackals, and elephants.1 The Niger River provides nourishment for many of the country’s animals. Some species of monkeys and manatees face extinction due to excessive poaching.2

Nonprofits Working in Niger

Discover organizations making a difference in Niger

Make Your Impact Today

Discover causes you care about and support the nonprofits making a difference in communities around the world.

Discover Causes Explore Countries

Are you a nonprofit? Join Project World Impact for free

Join Us Free