Republic of Niger
Population estimate 13.5 million
Population density (people per square mile) 31
Population doubling time 24 years
GDP per capita US$ 415
Benchmark approximations
Population doubling time in years:
USA 79. Canada 81. Germany declining. UK 248. Russia declining. China 110. Philippines 41.
Population density (people per square mile)
USA 85. Canada 9. Germany 593. UK 660. Russia 21. China 368. Philippines 795.
GDP per capita in US$:
USA 53,000. Canada 52,000. Germany 46,200. UK 41,800. Russia 14,600. China 6,800. Philippines 2,770
RECENT HISTORY
Formerly a French colony until independence in 1960.
Following independence there was a rapid spread of Islam within the country.
A single party dictatorship was established post-independence and lasted until a military coup in 1974, which then became a military dictatorship.
In 1993 the first democratic presidential elections were held.
A rebellion in the northern part of the country started in the early 1990’s ended with a ceasefire in 1995.
The president was ousted in a second coup in 1996
Following a brief period of military rule the coup leader was elected president and served until his assassination in a third coup 1999.
Later that year, under a new constitution, democratic elections were held and Tandja was elected president.
At the beginning of the 21st century, increasing demand for the adoption of Islamic Sharia law was the root of much conflict between Islamic activists and Nigeriens who were not in favour of the strict religious code. Niger struggled to maintain its fragile peace as well as to improve its dismal economic situation. Tandja's leadership was widely credited with bringing political stability to Niger, and he was re-elected in 2004.
Tandja then tried to have himself re-elected for a third term that was not allowed under the constitution. In an attempt to achieve this and stop opposition he dissolved both the national council and the constitutional court, despite the threat from the international community to withhold aid.
In 2010 Tandja was deposed in a coup, and a military junta was established.
In 2011 following democratic elections the country was returned to civilian rule.
EDUCATION
Niger has one of the lowest adult literacy rates in western Africa, and literacy programs are conducted in the five principal African languages.
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 opened in 1971 and the Islamic University of Niger opened at Say in 1987.