Geography
Area: 1,267,000 sq. km (490,000 sq. mi.); about three times the
size of California.
Cities: Capital--Niamey (pop. approx. 700,000).
Other cities--Tahoua, Maradi, Zinder, Diffa, Dosso, Arlit,
and Agadez.
Terrain: About two-thirds desert and mountains, one-third savanna.
Climate: Hot, dry, and dusty. Rainy season June - September.
People
Nationality: Noun and Adjective--Nigerien(s).
Population (2002 est.) 11,342,000 million.
Annual growth rate (2001): 3.3%.
Ethnic groups: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fulani 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri
Beri (Kanuri) 4.3%; Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%.
Religions: Islam (95%); remainder traditional and Christian.
Languages: French (official), Hausa, Djerma, Fulfulde, Kanuri,
Tamachek, Toubou, Gourmantche, Arabic.
Education: Years compulsory--6. Attendance--34%.
Literacy--15%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2000)--248/1,000. Life
expectancy --46 yrs.
Government
Type: Republic.
Independence: August 3, 1960.
Constitution: The constitution of December 26, 1992 was revised by
national referendum on May 12, 1996 and again by referendum on July
18, 1999.
Branches: Executive--president and prime minister.
Legislative--unicameral National Assembly (113 MPs). Judicial--Constitutional
Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, High Court of Justice.
Political parties: Seven are represented in the National Assembly.
Suffrage: The constitution provides for universal suffrage for
Nigeriens age 18 or older.
Administrative subdivisions: Eight regions subdivided into 36
districts (departments) and 265 communes (local councils).
Central government budget: $320 million.
Economy
GDP (2003): $2.8 billion.
Annual growth rate (2003): 3%.
Per capita GDP (2003): $232.
Avg. inflation rate (2003 est.): 2.69%
Natural resources: Uranium, gold, oil, coal, iron, tin, and
phosphates.
Agriculture (40% of GDP): Products--millet, sorghum, cowpeas,
peanuts, cotton, and rice.
Industry (18% of GDP): Types--textiles, cement, soap, and
beverages.
Trade (2002 est.): Exports (freight on board--f.o.b.)--$387
million. Types--uranium, livestock, cowpeas, and onions.
Major markets--France 39%, Nigeria 31%, Japan 16%, Côte d’Ivoire
9%. Imports (f.o.b.)--$502 million. Types--consumer goods,
petroleum, foodstuffs, and industrial products. Major suppliers--France
17%, Côte d’Ivoire 15%, China 10%, Nigeria 7%.
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