Niger is a landlocked sub-Saharan country in Western Africa, named after the Niger river. It borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the East. The capital city is Niamey. Its adjective form is Nigerien /niːˈʒɛɹiən/, which should not be confused with Nigerian for Nigeria.
In July 2004, Niger held municipal elections nationwide as part of its decentralization process. Some 3,700 people were elected to new local governments in 265 newly established communes. The ruling MNSD party won more positions than any other political party; however, opposition parties made significant gains.
In November and December 2004, Niger held presidential and legislative elections. Tandja Mamadou was elected to his second 5-year presidential term with 65% of the vote in an election that international observers called generally free and fair. This was the first presidential election with a democratically elected incumbent and a test to Niger's young democracy.
In the 2004 legislative elections, the National Movement of the Development Society (MNSD), the Democratic and Social Convention (CDS), the Social Democratic Rally (RSD), the Rally for Democracy and Progress(RDP), the Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ANDP), and the Party for Socialism and Democracy in Niger (PSDN) coalition, which backed Tandja, won 88 of the 113 seats in the National Assembly.
The 2005 Niger food crisis struck the country in the wake of drought and locust attacks in the previous year.
Niger is a landlocked nation in West Africa located along the border between the Sahara and Sub-Saharan regions. Its geographic coordinates longitude 16°N and latitude 8°E. Its area is 1.267 million km², of which 1,266,700 km² is land and 300 km² water. This makes Niger slightly less than twice the size of the U.S. state of Texas.
Niger borders seven countries on all sides and has a total of 5,697 km of borders. The longest border is Chad to the east, at 1,175 km. This is followed by Nigeria to the south (1,497 km), Algeria to the north-northwest (956 km), and Mali at 821 km. Niger also has small borders in its far southwest frontier (Burkina Faso at 628 km and Benin at 266 km) and to the north-northeast (Libya at 354 km).
Niger's subtropical climate is mainly 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 dunes, with flat to rolling plains in south and hills in the north.
The lowest point is the Niger River, with an elevation of 200 m. The highest point is Mont Greboun at 1,944 m.
Islamic influences from North Africa have had a powerful effect on the culture of Niger. Since Independence, greater interest has been in the country's cultural heritage, particularly with respect to traditional architecture, hand crafts, dances and music.
Things you should know when travelling to Niger
You are advised against non-essential travel to the west or northwest of Illéla; to the north or northeast of Agades, particularly between the Algerian and the Libyan borders; and also east of Gouré, near the Lake Chad border area.
You should check with local authorities for the latest security information before finalizing their travel plans. You should also obtain information from a travel agency that can provide detailed information on these regions.
One of the country's main tourist attractions, the desert, is located in the northern part of the country. All of the areas closed to the public in 2004 were re-opened on March 1, 2005, following an improvement in the political situation.
Travel in the northern part of the country is now possible, but travelers should go through a government-certified travel agency that has expert knowledge of the area. They should also inform the local authorities and the Embassy of Canada (see below) of their itineraries and should not travel without the necessary authorization.
However, it should be noted that owing to residual banditry, the Ministry of Tourism confirms that the areas of Djanet (Algeria)-Chirfa (Nigerien Djado) and Passe de Salvador (Libyan border)-Dirkou (Nigerien Kawar) are currently closed to tourists.
Travel is not recommended near the northern border, particularly above the 20th parallel, near the east border, particularly the Lake Chad area, In Azawa (Algerian border)- iférouane (Aïr Massif) and the Nigerien part of Azawagh between the Malien border and a Tahoua-Ingall-Algerian border route:
You should remain alert and discreet in Niamey. You should exercise caution in the streets, in the daytime as well as at night. Pickpockets are active in tourist areas and markets, so travellers should avoid being out after dark around the Gaweye Hotel, the Kennedy Bridge and the National Museum.
Also, you should not handle money publicly (local or other currency) so as not to attract the attention of criminals.
In the event of demonstrations organized by students, workers or political figures, Canadians should monitor local news reports, exercise caution and avoid crowds and demonstrations.
