Facts about Niger

In 2022, Niger was the second-best African producer of Uranium after Namibia. [VOA]

Religion

90 per cent of the citizens practice Islam, with a small number being distributed to Christianity and Animism.

Animism is the belief that every object, creature, and place possesses a distinct spiritual essence.

Language

Since they were assimilated by France during colonialism, French is the official language, although other cultural languages exist such as Hausa, Zarma/Songhai, Tamajeq, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Arabic, Gurmantche, and Toubou.

Hausa is the most spoken language by more than half of Nigeriens.

Culture

Culturally, Nigeriens have a very distinct dress code. The men wear a whitish long robe that goes down to the ankles, a boo-boo, and some pants to complete the outfit.

The ladies dress in a silky bright-colored wrap-around skirt and style it with matching silky velvet tops.

Both men and women also include a head wrap in the dressing.

Nomads in the country gather annually for three days during the late days of September to celebrate Cure Salee, French for "Salt Cure", a festival aimed at marking the end of a rainy season.

Member State

Niger is a member of several international organizations including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and the United Nations (UN).