Niger is a state in West Africa thatcharacterized by poverty, hot climates and extremely underdeveloped production. Tourists for this country are a strange rarity. However, we will try to find interesting sights here that could attract them.
Niger: Acquaintance with the country
Regionally, Niger belongs to West Africa, althoughgeographically, the country is located in the center of the northern part of the continent. If you look at the map of the state, its outlines may resemble a potato with a small appendix in the south-west. It is there that the capital of Niger is located - the city of Niamey - and most of the country's population is concentrated.
The area of Niger - 1.27 million square meters.km, the population is about 16 million people. By government, it is a presidential-parliamentary republic, which gained its independence in 1960. Prior to this, the territory was a colony of France. The country's recent history is a series of popular uprisings, revolutions and military coups.
Niger: detailed country information
The state does not have access to the oceans. It borders with seven other African countries: Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Chad, Benin, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world.And one of the most arid. About 80% of its population lives in the southwest, where the only deep river flows in the country - the Niger. By the way, the name of the state comes from her. And still later, this word was also used to refer to all black people on the planet.
The Republic of Niger is predominantly flat.Only in the extreme north-west is the mountain range of Air, up to a height of 1900 meters within the country. The typical landscape of Niger is a sparsely populated desert with sparse vegetation. The country's two largest rivers are the Niger and the Komadugu-Yobe. In the south-eastern part, Lake Chad enters the state.
The soil cover of Niger is, of course, extremelypoor, which raises the question of the development of full-fledged agriculture here. But the bowels of the country are quite rich in minerals. So, there are significant reserves of uranium ore, coal, phosphate, limestone and gypsum. Recently, geologists have also discovered oil, copper and nickel ore deposits here. In terms of reserves and volumes of uranium mining, the Republic of Niger confidently ranks among the top ten countries in the world.
The modern economy of Niger is underdeveloped.It is based on mining, poor agriculture, and is highly dependent on foreign cash aid. Here they grow mainly peanuts, sorghum, sugar cane, and raise cattle. There are small enterprises processing agricultural raw materials in the country.
The Republic of Niger is a country in whichno railroad. Construction of highways and railways is one of the main tasks for the current government at the present stage. In cities (small and large), cargo is still transported on horse-drawn carts, as well as decrepit trucks, which can fall apart right on the go.
Population and standard of living
Niger is very often confused with neighboring Nigeria -prosperous and quite rich country. But the Republic of Niger is an incredibly poor state. The volume of GDP per capita here is only 700 dollars. According to this indicator, the country is in the "honorable" 222nd place in the world. In the ranking of states on the HDI (Human Development Index) index, Niger also occupies the bottom lines from year to year.
Interesting coat of arms of the state, which manyEuropeans resemble the face of a circus clown. In fact, it depicts things familiar to every citizen of this country: the hot scorching sun, the head of the local zebu bull, the hunting arrow and the inflorescences of the peristoshtetinnik.
Niger has the highestfertility on the planet. To give birth to 5-7 children for a life for a local woman is a usual norm. It is obvious that 2/3 of the population of Niger with such indicators are children and young people under the age of 25 years. The average life expectancy of Nigerians is 52-54 years.
Republic of Niger: attractions and tourist potential
Ежегодно государство посещают не более чем 60 thousands of tourists. This is mainly travelers from other countries in Africa, as well as the French. To get a visa, a European needs to be vaccinated against cholera and yellow fever.
Что посмотреть в этой жаркой африканской стране tourist? First of all, the European guest is clearly interested in and amazed the life and living conditions of Nigerians. For this it is worth going to the countryside of the country. Local residents build dwellings of straw or clay. Those who are richer can afford to protect their homes with clay blocks. Near traditional dwellings one can often see similarities of terraces or arbors made of straw and branches, which are kept on curved support-pillars.
It is worth noting that the people of Niger are very friendly and friendly. They are not afraid of cameras, as in other African countries, and are happy to take pictures with tourists.
Of the cities, you should definitely visit the capital Niamey, Agadez with its ancient quarters and fortifications, the former capital of Niger Zinder, and the mysterious town of Dogonduchi.
Niamey and its attractions
Niamey is the capital and largest city in Niger,which is home to over one million people. It is quite prosperous and modern settlement. Niamey today is high-quality roads, modern buildings and bright street lighting. Foreign tourists are surprised by the amazing transparency of the sky. At night in Niamey, you can watch the starry sky for hours.
The main attractions of Niamey areThe Grand Mosque, the National Museum of Niger, and the Great Market, surrounded by picturesque fountains. Here you can buy cheap souvenirs, artfully embroidered capes, leather goods and various jewels.
Finally...
Republic of Niger - hot, arid andextremely poor country in west africa. Foreign tourists can be attracted by local authentic villages. Many interesting sights are concentrated in the cities of Niamey, Zinder and Agadez.
