Niger

Niger or the Niger, officially the Republic of the Niger, is a country in West Africa. It is a unitary state bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest. It covers a land area of almost 1,270,000 km2 (490,000 sq mi), making it the largest landlocked country in West Africa and the second largest landlocked nation in Africa behind Chad. Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara. Its predominantly Muslim population of about 25 million lives mostly in clusters in the south and west of the country. The capital Niamey is located in Niger's southwest corner.
niger

Some of the key events about Niger

  • 1960
    Niger gained independence from France, becoming a sovereign nation
  • 1960
    Niger gained independence from France but remained economically dependent on its former colonizer
  • 1970
    The first uranium mine opened in Arlit, boosting the country's economy
  • 1974
    The Nigerien Armed Forces were established to protect the nation's sovereignty
  • 1974
    A military coup overthrew the civilian government, establishing a military regime
  • 1984
    A severe drought led to widespread famine and economic crisis
  • 1987
    The National Museum of Niger was founded in Niamey to preserve cultural heritage
  • 1990
    Violent clashes erupted between the government and Tuareg rebels seeking greater autonomy
  • 1992
    The country held its first multi-party democratic elections
  • 1996
    Another military coup deposed the first democratically elected president
  • 1999
    A devastating drought caused crop failures and food shortages
  • 2000
    Niger joined the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA)
  • 2004
    The country hosted the Francophonie Games, showcasing its culture and sports
  • 2005
    A severe food crisis affected nearly 3.6 million people
  • 2007
    An armed rebellion by Tuareg groups in northern Niger began, leading to conflict
  • 2010
    A new constitution was adopted, strengthening democratic institutions
  • 2010
    A military junta overthrew the government, suspending the constitution
  • 2012
    Niger discovered significant oil reserves, promising economic growth
  • 2020
    Niger was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council
  • 2022
    Widespread flooding affected over 200,000 people and caused significant damage to infrastructure

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Niger Latest news

West African military rulers shake up mining sector with tough new demands

West African military rulers shake up mining sector with tough new demands

Military governments in Mali‚ Burkina Faso and Niger push Western mining firms for better deals and higher payments. Recent executive arrests and permit threats make companies re-think their regional strategies

Business, Economics, Politics • December 11 2024 , 04:15 PM  •  5773 views
French military starts quick exit from Chad after surprise defense pact end

French military starts quick exit from Chad after surprise defense pact end

French forces begin leaving Chad after unexpected end of defense agreement two weeks ago. First warplanes already left NʼDjamena base marking start of full military withdrawal from Sahel region

Politics • December 10 2024 , 02:23 PM  •  644 views
Chad cuts military ties with France as African nations seek new allies

Chad cuts military ties with France as African nations seek new allies

Chad ends its long-standing defense deal with France marking another European power setback in Africa. The move follows similar decisions by other African nations while Russia gains more influence in the region

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 08:13 AM  •  1516 views
Three African nations unite against Western influence in historic meetup

Three African nations unite against Western influence in historic meetup

Military-led Niger‚ Mali and Burkina Faso hosted a major gathering to show their new political direction. Thousands joined cultural events while leaders pushed for stronger ties with Russia over Western partners

Politics, Culture • November 21 2024 , 03:56 PM  •  2418 views
New border militia group kills 15 in Nigerian village during cattle raid

New border militia group kills 15 in Nigerian village during cattle raid

Armed group Lakurawas attacked village in north-west Nigeria causing multiple deaths during attempted livestock theft. Local authorities confirmed this was groups first raid in the region

Society, Politics • November 9 2024 , 01:47 PM  •  3824 views