Niger (country)

C

Religion and Language

Muslims, most adhering to Sunni Islam, make up about 90 percent of Niger’s population. Most of the remainder adheres to traditional beliefs; less than 1 percent is Christian.

French is the official language, but Hausa is the language of local trade. Other African languages, such as Fulfulde, Tamachek, and Djerma, are also used extensively.

D

Education

Schooling in Niger is free and compulsory between the ages of 7 and 12. Because of a shortage of teachers and the wide dispersion of the population, however, only 44 percent of primary school-age children receive an education. In the 2000 school year 656,600 pupils attended primary schools. Secondary schools enrolled only 7 percent of the relevant age group. Advanced training is given at the University of Niamey (1971).

E

Culture

Municipalities in Niger have state-run libraries, and several private organizations maintain libraries. The National Museum of Niger, in Niamey, includes both a library and a museum. Islamic influences from North Africa have had a powerful effect on the culture of Niger.

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IV

Economy

Agriculture employs 8 percent of Niger’s labor force, which includes many subsistence farmers and pastoralists. In spite of the general aridity of the country, agriculture provides 40 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), second only to services, which provide 43 percent. Agriculture has largely recovered from the effects of the disastrous Sahel drought of the early 1970s. Manufacturing enterprises are mostly very small. In 1993 the national budget included $400 million in expenditures and only $188 million in revenues.

A

Agriculture and Fishing

Livestock raising is the principal agricultural activity. In 2005 the livestock population included 6.9 million goats, 4.5 million sheep, and 2.3 million cattle. Cowpeas and cotton are cultivated for export. Millet, sorghum, cassava, pulses, and rice are grown for local consumption. Fishing is conducted in Lake Chad and the Niger River, and the catch is consumed locally.

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