Niger Information, Overview and Profile

	Wed, May 23, 2012

Niger

Niger: African Landlocked State and Former French Colony

In 1960 after getting independence from France, the military ruler Gen. Ali Saibou governed Niger until 1991. In 1991 wide spread corruption and mass resentments provoked people to revolt against the military dictatorship. The mass resentment forced military ruler Gen. Ali Saibou to allow multiparty elections, which resulted in a democratic set up in 1993. However the mutual hostilities between different political parties resulted in political instability and brought the Niger government to a stand still in 1996. In 1999 Ibrahim Bare the man behind the 1996 political crisis was killed by his fellow military officer, which cleared the way for elections. In 1999 elections people voted Mamadou Tandja to power.

Niger Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures

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Geographical Information on Niger:
Niger is a landlocked country located in Western Africa, bordered by Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east.

Niger enjoys subtropical climate, which is very hot and dry and having much of desert area. In the extreme south there is a tropical climate on the edges of the Niger River basin.

Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Niger:
Niger is the part of great Sahelian cultural region of western Africa. The beliefs, practices and followings of Islam’s are predominant. Pre-Islamic cultural traditions can also be seen in Niger. The impact of French culture can be seen through the some of the beliefs and practices that are followed by the Niger’s. Special attention was given to promote handicrafts, dances, and music of Niger. Several initiatives were taken in order to preserve the cultural legacy of Niger.
Cuisine of Niger is world famous because of their exotic tastes. African style of cooking influences the Nigerian pattern of food preparation and spices like cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, ginger and cloves are used to enhance the flavor of Niger’s food. The main diet of Niger are rice or legumes like niebe, millet, beef and mutton. Brochettes and foura is a dish, which is fermented millet prepared with sugar, milk, and spices. Tea is common beverage in Niger

Tourist Attractions of Niger:
The vast expansion of desert in Niger provides some of the rare vistas of sand dunes for the tourists who come to Niger. Niger is famous for its sand surfing and desert safari. The most important feature of Niger is the Sahara Desert that remains the primary attraction in the country. There are ample facilities of camel trekking on the grand desert. The desert provides a vivid picture of Bedouin and caravan culture. There are many tribes and clans, who inhabit the desert and have a distinct culture and custom of their own.

Major Sight-seeing Places in Niger include:

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