Niger

1899 (August 3, Thursday): French establish control over Niger, making it part of French West Africa

1960 (August 3, Wednesday): Niger gains independence from France

1974 (December 15, Sunday): Military coup led by Major General Seyni Kountché

1991 (February 26, Tuesday): A new democratic constitution is adopted after the 1990 coup d’état

1999 (December 22, Wednesday): Military coup led by Colonel Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara

2005 (February 18, Friday): Military coup that overthrows President Mamadou Tandja

2010 (March 18, Friday): Military coup that deposes President Mamadou Tandja following his unconstitutional move to extend his rule

2011 (March 25, Friday): Tuareg insurgency: Tuareg rebels begin fighting for autonomy in the north

2015 (January 7, Wednesday): Uranium mine accident in Arlit, resulting in radioactive contamination

2018 (January 17, Wednesday): Boko Haram attack in Diffa region, killing dozens of civilians and soldiers

2020 (March 9, Monday): Floods in the Niger River Basin: Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the region

2022 (June 19, Sunday): Severe Drought: The Sahel region experiences widespread drought, impacting agricultural production and leading to food shortages

2023 (November 15, Wednesday): Terrorist Attack in Tillabéri Region: Armed militants target local civilians and military forces, resulting in casualties

Continent: Africa
Location: West Africa, bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin to the southwest, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest
Capital: Niamey
Language: French (official), Hausa, Zarma, Tuareg, and others
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Population: ~26 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1)

Borders: Libya (northeast), Chad (east), Nigeria (south), Benin (southwest), Burkina Faso (southwest), Mali (west), Algeria (northwest)
Landscape: Desert plains, rocky plateaus, sand dunes, savannas
Major Rivers: Niger River, Zinder River, Komadougou Yobe
Major Mountains: Aïr Mountains, Tibesti Mountains (shared with Chad)
Deserts: Sahara Desert
Lakes: Lake Tchad (shared with Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria)
Volcanoes: Mount Tejen, part of the Tibesti volcanic range
Highest Point: Mount Téniélé (2,022 m / 6,634 ft)
Lowest Point: Niger River (200 m / 656 ft)
Climate: Hot and dry desert climate, with a semi-arid Sahelian zone, and limited seasonal rainfall
Geological Features: Desert landscapes, sandy plains, rocky plateaus, volcanic mountains

Ethnic Groups: Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, Fulani, Kanuri, and others
Religion: Islam (approx. 99%), Indigenous religions (approx. 1%)
Urban Population: ~19% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~3% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional music, Tuareg culture, Saharan landscapes, camel caravans
Cuisine: Millet, rice, goat meat, vegetables, soups, sauces
Arts: Tuareg art, music (especially Tuareg rock), pottery, textiles
Sports: Football (soccer), traditional wrestling, running

Economy Type: Low-income, primarily agricultural
GDP: Approx. $14.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (millet, sorghum, livestock), uranium mining, cotton production
Key Exports: Uranium, livestock, agricultural products
Unemployment Rate: ~4.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Agricultural in the south, uranium-rich areas in the north

Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
Head of State: President Mohamed Bazoum (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly
Constitution: Constitution of the Fifth Republic, in effect since 2010

Agadez: Ancient city, UNESCO World Heritage site, and gateway to the Sahara
Niamey: National Museum of Niger, Grand Mosque
Aïr Mountains: Scenic landscapes, traditional Tuareg culture
Tibesti Mountains: Volcanic mountains, historical desert routes
Termit and Tin Toumma National Nature Reserve: Unique desert wildlife and ecosystems