néger

Níger is a landlocked country in West Africa, named after the Níger River. Its official language is French, and its capital city is Niamey. The country has a total area of approximately 1,267,000 square kilometers and a population of around 25 million people.

Geography and Climate

Níger is situated in the Sahel region, a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the savannas of Africa to the south. The country's terrain is mostly flat to gently undulating, with some hills and sandstone plateaus. The Níger River, which flows through the middle of the country, is the main water source. The climate is hot and dry, with low annual rainfall, which is limited to the rainy summer months.

History

Níger was part of three great empires in the past: Gao (10th-14th century), the Mali Empire (13th-16th century), and the Songhai Empire (16th-17th century). In 1900, Níger became a French colony. It gained independence in 1960 and has since experienced periods of turmoil, including coups and humanitarian crises.

Economy

Agriculture is the mainstay of Níger's economy, with major crops including millet, sorghum, and cowpeas. The country's natural resources include uranium, coal, and oil. However, Níger still relies heavily on international aid to support its development.

Infrastructure

Despite its challenges, Níger has made progress in developing its infrastructure. The country has a network of roads, including a trans-Saharan highway, and a public transportation system.