Moving to Niger: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

22,772,361

Population Growth Rate

3.32%

Urban Population

17.800000

Population in Major Urban Areas

NIAMEY (capital) 1.297 million

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Age Structure

49.310000

Median Age

15.000000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

47

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

13.07

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

7.03

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

13.9%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

13.9%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

18

Mother's mean age at first birth

18

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-0.6

Ethnic Groups

Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 1,200 French expatriates

Nationality Noun

Nigerien(s)

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Literacy - total population

28.7%

Literacy - male

25.8%

Literacy - female

9.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.2%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

5.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

54.340000

Infant Mortality Rate

87.980000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

87.980000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

590

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.02

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.31

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.3%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

2.4%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

98.700000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

32.900000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

39.9%

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Economic Overview

Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits.

Agriculture contributes approximately 40% of GDP and provides livelihood for over 80% of the population.

The UN ranked Niger as the second least developed country in the world in 2016 due to multiple factors such as food insecurity, lack of industry, high population growth, a weak educational sector, and few prospects for work outside of subsistence farming and herding.

Since 2011 public debt has increased due to efforts to scale-up public investment, particularly that related to infrastructure, as well as due to increased security spending.

The government relies on foreign donor resources for a large portion of its fiscal budget.

The economy in recent years has been hurt by terrorist activity near its uranium mines and by instability in Mali and in the Diffa region of the country; concerns about security have resulted in increased support from regional and international partners on defense.

Low uranium prices, demographics, and security expenditures may continue to put pressure on the government’s finances.

The Government of Niger plans to exploit oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources to sustain future growth.

Although Niger has sizable reserves of oil, the prolonged drop in oil prices has reduced profitability.

Food insecurity and drought remain perennial problems for Niger, and the government plans to invest more in irrigation.

Niger’s three-year $131 million IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) agreement for the years 2012-15 was extended until the end of 2016.

In February 2017, the IMF approved a new 3-year $134 million ECF.

In June 2017, The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) granted Niger $1 billion over three years for IDA18, a program to boost the country’s development and alleviate poverty.

A $437 million Millennium Challenge Account compact for Niger, commencing in FY18, will focus on large-scale irrigation infrastructure development and community-based, climate-resilient agriculture, while promoting sustainable increases in agricultural productivity and sales.

Formal private sector investment needed for economic diversification and growth remains a challenge, given the country’s limited domestic markets, access to credit, and competitiveness.

Although President ISSOUFOU is courting foreign investors, including those from the US, as of April 2017, there were no US firms operating in Niger.

In November 2017, the National Assembly passed the 2018 Finance Law that was geared towards raising government revenues and moving away from international support.

Industries

uranium mining, cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.3%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$28,970,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$1,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.3%

GDP - official exchange rate

$7,119,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 72.1% government
• consumption: 7.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 38.1% investment in
• inventories: 2% exports of goods and
• services: 24.2% imports of goods and
• services: -44.1%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

37.3%

GDP by Sector- Industry

18.9%

GDP by Sector- services

45.5%

Industrial Growth Rate

5.1%

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Inflation Rate

0.1%

Currency Name and Code

West Afrtican CFA Franc (XOF)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

4%

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Labor Force

4,688,000

Major Industries

uranium mining, cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Agriculture Products

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Population Below Poverty Line

63%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

1,557,913

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

43%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

90%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

6%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

4%

Annual Budget

$320,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.4%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

26.2%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Niger

Country Name

Niger note: pronounced nee-zhair

Local - Long

Republique du Niger

Local - Short

Niger

Etymology- history of name

named for the Niger River that passes through the southwest of the country; from a native term "Ni Gir" meaning "River Gir"

Independence

3 August 1960 (from France)

National Holiday

Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from France in 1960

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Government Type

semi-presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; passed by referendum 31 October 2010, entered into force 25 November 2010
• amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; consideration of amendments requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires at least four-fifths majority vote; if disapproved, the proposed amendment is dropped or submitted to a referendum; constitutional articles on the form of government, the multiparty system, the separation of state and religion, disqualification of Assembly members, amendment procedures, and amnesty of participants in the 2010 coup cannot be amended; amended 2011, 2017; suspended indefinitely by military coup on 26 July 2023

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil law, based on French civil law, Islamic law, and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President of the National Council for Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) General Abdourahame TIANI (since 28 July 2023); note - deposed president BAZOUM has been under house arrest since a military coup on 26 July 2023
• head of government: Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine ZEINE (since 9 August 2023)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the CNSP since the military coup and suspension of the constitution; previously appointed by the elected president
• elections/appointments: the CNSP dissolved the constitution as part of the 26 July 2023 military coup and rules by decree; note - prior to the coupe, president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27 December 2020 with a runoff held on 21 February 2021 (next election was to be held in 2025); prime minister appointed by the president, authorized by the National Assembly
• election results: 2020/2021: Mohamed BAZOUM elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Mohamed BAZOUM (PNDS-Tarrayya) 39.3%, Mahamane OUSMANE (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 9%, Albade ABOUDA (MPR-Jamhuriya) 7.1%, other 27.6%; percent of vote in second round - Mohamed BAZOUM 55.7%, Mahamane OUSMANE 44.3% 2016: ISSOUFOU Mahamadou reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou (PNDS-Tarrayya) 48.6%, Hama AMADOU (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17.8%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 11.3%, other 22.3%; percent of vote in second round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou 92%, Hama AMADOU 8%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: the CNSP dissolved the unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (171 statutory seats - 166 currently; 158 members directly elected from 8 multi-member constituencies in 7 regions and Niamey by party-list proportional representation, 8 reserved for minorities elected in special single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 5 seats reserved for Nigeriens living abroad - l seat per continent - elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms) as part of the 26 July 2023 military coup
• Elections: last held on 27 December 2020 (prior to the military coup, next elections were to be held in December 2025)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - PNDS-Tarrayya 37.04%, MODEN/FA Lumana 8.71%, MPR-Jamhuriya 7.59%, MNSD-Nassara 6.77%, RDR-Tchanji 4.41%, CPR-Inganci 4.15%, MPN-Kishin Kassa 3.97%, PJP Generation Dubara 2.88%, ANDP Zaman Lahya 2.46%, RPP Farrilla 2.10%, ARD Adaltchi-Mutuntchi 1.74%, AMEN AMIN 1.43%, MDEN Falala 1.42%, other 15.33%; seats by party - PNDS-Tarrayya 79, MODEN/FA Lumana 19, MPR-Jamhuriya 14, MNSD-Nassara 13, CPR-Inganci 8, MPN-Kishin Kassa 6, ANDP-Zaman Lahiya 3, RPP Farrilla 2, PJP Generation Dubara 2, ARD Adaltchi-Mutuntchi 2, AMEN AMIN 2, other 16;
• Composition: men 123, women 43, percent of women 25.9%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Constitutional Court judges nominated/elected - 1 by the president of the Republic, 1 by the president of the National Assembly, 2 by peer judges, 2 by peer lawyers, 1 law professor by peers, and 1 from within Nigerien society; all appointed by the president; judges serve 6-year nonrenewable terms with one-third of membership renewed every 2 years; High Judicial Court members selected from among the legislature and judiciary; members serve 5-year terms
• subordinate courts: Court of Cassation; Council of State; Court of Finances; various specialized tribunals and customary courts

Regions or States:

7 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 capital district* (communite urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Alliance for Democracy and the Republic Alliance for Democratic Renewal or ARD-Adaltchi-Mutuntchi [Laouan MAGAGI]
• Alliance of Movements for the Emergence of Niger or AMEN AMIN [Omar Hamidou TCHIANA]
• Congress for the Republic or CPR-Inganci [Maradi Kassoum MOCTAR]
• Democratic Alternation for Equity in Niger Democratic and Republican Renewal-RDR-Tchanji [Mahamane OUSMANE]
• Democratic Movement for the Emergence of Niger Falala [Tidjani Idrissa ABDOULKADRI]
• Democratic Patriots' Rally or RPD Bazara [Yahouza SADISSOU]
• National Movement for the Development of Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Seini OUMAROU]
• Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress-Zaman Lahiya or ANDP-Zaman Lahiya [Moussa Hassane BARAZE]
• Nigerien Democratic Movement for an African Federation or MODEN/FA Lumana [Tahirou SAIDOU]
• Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism or PNDS-Tarrayya [Pierre Foumakoye GADO]
• Nigerien Patriotic Movement or MPN-Kishin Kassa [Ibrahim YACOUBA]
• Nigerien Rally for Democracy and Peace Patriotic Movement for the Republic or MPR-Jamhuriya [Albade ABOUBA]
• Peace, Justice, Progress–Generation Doubara Rally for Democracy and Progress-Jama'a or RDP-Jama'a [Hamid ALGABID]
• Rally for Peace and Progress or RPP Farilla [Alma OUMAROU]
• Social Democratic Rally or RSD-Gaskiyya [Amadou CHEIFFOU]
• Social Democratic Party or PSD-Bassira [Sanoussi MAREINI] note 1: only parties with seats in the previous National Assembly are listed
• National Assembly was dissolved after the 26 July 2023 military coup

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Niger dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: unknown

Capital Name

Niamey

Capital - geographic coordinate

13 31 N, 2 07 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AU (suspended)
• CD
• EITI (compliant country)
• Entente
• FAO
• FZ
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LCBC
• MIGA
• MINUSCA
• MNJTF
• MONUSCO
• NAM
• OIC
• OIF
• OPCW
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WADB (regional)
• WAEMU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Kathleen FITZGIBBON (since 2 December 2023)
• Embassy: BP 11201, Niamey
• Mailing Address: 2420 Niamey Place, Washington DC 20521-2420
• Telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61
• FAX: [227] 20-73-55-60
• Email: consulateniamey@state.gov
• Website: https://ne.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Hassane IDI (since 3 August 2023)
• Chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224
• FAX: [1] (202) 483-3169
• Email: communication@embassyofniger.org
• Website: http://www.embassyofniger.org/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

16 00 N, 8 00 E

Total Area

489,189 Square Miles 1,267,000 Square Kilometers

Land Area

489,073 Square Miles 1,266,700 Square Kilometers

Water Area

116 Square Miles 300 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

3,540 Miles 5,697 Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

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Terrain

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north

Highest Point

2,022 Meters

Highest Point Location

Mont Bagzane 2,022 m

Lowest Point

200 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Niger River 200 m

Natural Resources

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, petroleum

Irrigated Land

284 Square Miles 737 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Niamey's climate varies with distinct seasons.

April and May are the hottest months, with noontime temperatures often rising above 48°C (118°F) in the shade.

Direct sunlight is intense during this period, and at night temperatures remain above 20°C (80°F).

In May, the first rains come to the usually parched landscape and with them the planting of millet and sorghum, the major food crops.

Niamey gets on average 55.8 centimeters (22 inches) of rainfall between June and September, normally in short torrential downpours preceded by high winds and dust or sand storms.

At this time, the surrounding countryside takes on a verdant hue as the crops and the native grasses begin to grow.

The rainy season is followed by a short period of hot, humid weather in October during which temperatures range between 15°C (60°F) and 45°C (112°F).

From November to March, the weather is dry and pleasant.

During this season, clear days are interspersed with hazy, overcast skies caused by the "harmattan"--a hot, dry wind carrying dust from the Sahara.

Normally, the winds stay at high altitudes, creating slightly overcast skies; the harmattan, however, occasionally causes localized dust storms.

Terrain

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north

Location

Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Total Area

489,189 Square Miles 1,267,000 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Environment - Current Issues

• overgrazing
• soil erosion
• deforestation
• desertification
• wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

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Exports

$428,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$800,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Major Imports

foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Top Export Partners

France 39.1%, Nigeria 33.3%, Japan 17.3%

Top Import Partners

France 17%, Cote d'Ivoire 14.9%, China 9.9%, Nigeria 7.3%, US 5.3%, Japan 4.6%, India 4.3%

Export Partners

France 39.1%, Nigeria 33.3%, Japan 17.3%

Import Partners

France 17%, Cote d'Ivoire 14.9%, China 9.9%, Nigeria 7.3%, US 5.3%, Japan 4.6%, India 4.3%

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Country Description

Niger is a developing, landlocked African nation whose northern expanse includes the Sahara Desert.

Tourist facilities are minimal, particularly outside the capital city, Niamey, and the ancient caravan city of Agadez.

Visitors should be aware of the ongoing terrorist threat in Niger and the presence of landmines in the region of Agadez.

Conditions of insecurity persist in the northern and western portions of Niger, particularly along the porous border between Niger and Mali, as well as eastern parts of Niger along the border of Nigeria around Diffa.

French is the official language; English is not widely used.

Safety & Security

The border region with Mali continues to be of specific concern since the Malian government's loss of control over its northern region in early 2012 and the ongoing military intervention that began in early 2013.

The border is porous, and there are frequent reports of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and other terrorist or rebel groups crossing into Niger.

The Government of Niger has increased its security forces in the border area, but the situation remains unstable and travel there is not advised.

Conditions of insecurity persist in the northern and western areas of Niger, as well as the southeast border with Nigeria near Diffa.

You are warned of the risks of travel to Niger, and urged to exercise extreme caution due to increased kidnapping threats against Westerners.

Because of security threats, the U.S.

Embassy continues to restrict the travel of U.S. government employees and official visitors in the areas north of Niamey.

Travel of U.S. government employees and official visitors to areas south and east of Niamey, including the cities of Maradi, Zinder, and Diffa, requires coordination with the Regional Security Office and final approval by the Ambassador.

Travelers should exercise caution in the border area between Niger and Nigeria.

Terrorist groups in Nigeria have grown increasingly bold and have conducted kidnappings outside of national borders.

These groups have conducted large-scale, military-style attacks on civilian and government targets in northern Nigeria, to include fortified targets such as police stations.

A French family of seven was kidnapped while entering a national park in Cameroon in February 2013.

The U.S.

Embassy continues to evaluate proposed travel and official and personal activities for employees on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with Nigerien security authorities.

As noted in the Department of State’s Worldwide Caution, both the United States and the European Union have designated the Islamic extremist group al-Qaida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) as a terrorist organization.

AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western targets throughout the Sahel (including Mali, Mauritania, and Niger), and has claimed responsibility for the following recent kidnappings/attempted kidnappings and other violent events: 2012 and 2013: Ongoing armed conflict in northern Mali.

December 2012: Assassination attempt on a Malian ex-army officer in Niamey; the assailant had terrorist ties.

While the target was not a U.S. citizen, the attack demonstrated that acts of terrorism can occur throughout Niger.

October 2012: Unidentified gunmen kidnapped six people in Dakoro.

While none of the hostages were U.S. citizens, the attackers appeared to be seeking to capture Westerners.

January 2011: Two French nationals were kidnapped in Niamey.

They were found dead less than 24 hours later following a rescue attempt by French and Nigerien military forces.

September 2010: Seven people, including five French nationals, a citizen of Togo, and a citizen of Madagascar, were kidnapped by AQIM from the northern mining town of Arlit.

Four of the French citizens are still being held hostage by AQIM.

April 2010: A French citizen and his Algerian driver were kidnapped.

The Algerian was freed.

AQIM claimed the French citizen was killed in retaliation for the July attempted rescue operation conducted by Mauritanian and French military forces, but the remains have not been recovered.

For travel in any remote area of the country, the Department of State urges you to use registered guides and to travel with a minimum of two vehicles equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite phones (if possible).

Travelers are advised to avoid restricted military areas and to consult local police authorities regarding your itinerary and security arrangements.

Avoid street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.

Large and small street demonstrations occur regularly in Niger, often near government b

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Crime

The crime rate, primarily for thefts, robberies, and residential break-ins, is high.

Foreigners are vulnerable to bribery attempts and extortion by law enforcement authorities.

Thefts and petty crimes are common day or night.

Armed attacks can be committed at any time of day, generallyby groups of two to four persons, with one assailant confronting the victim with a weapon while the others provide surveillance or a show of force.

There has also been an increase of daytime purse snatchings by thieves traveling in pairs on motorcycles.

Tourists should not walk alone around the Gaweye Hotel, the National Museum, and on or near the Kennedy Bridge at any time, or the Petit Marche area after dark.

These areas are especially prone to muggings – avoid them.

Walking at night is not recommended as streetlights are scarce and criminals have the protection of darkness to commit their crimes.

Recent criminal incidents in Niger have included carjacking, sexual assaults, home invasions, and muggings.

Travelers should keep electronics out of sight, and always keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up when stopped at stoplights.

Use caution and common sense at all times to avoid thieves and pickpockets.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available.

You will find these products being sold on the streets, local shops, and in market places.

Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law.

In addition, carrying them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Niger, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Niger, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating Niger's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Niger are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Niger, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Health facilities are extremely limited in Niamey, and completely inadequate outside the capital.

Although physicians are generally well trained, almost all hospitals in Niamey suffer from inadequate facilities, antiquated equipment, and shortages of supplies, particularly medicines.

Emergency assistance is also extremely limited.

Travelers must carry their own properly labeled supply of prescription drugs and preventative medicines.

Malaria is prevalent in Niger.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the serious and sometimes fatal strain found in Niger, is resistant to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine.

Because travelers to Niger are at high risk for contracting malaria, the CDC advises that travelers should take one of the following anti-malarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™).

The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate anti-malarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease.

Other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, also help to reduce malaria risk.

Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and up to one year after returning home, should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial drugs they have been taking.

Don’t drink tap water.

It is unsafe to drink throughout Niger.

Bottled water and beverages are safe, although visitors should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water.

Ice made from tap water is also unsafe to consume.

Traffic Safety

While in Niger, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Niger is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Road safety throughout Niger is a concern, and visitors are strongly urged to avoid driving at night outside of major cities.

The public transportation system, urban and rural road conditions, and the availability of roadside assistance are all poor.

The main causes of accidents are driver carelessness, excessive speed, poorly maintained vehicles, and poor to non-existent road surfaces.

Other factors include the hazardous mix of bicycles, mopeds, unwary pedestrians, donkey carts, animals (cattle, goats, camels), and buses on roads that are generally unpaved and poorly lit.

Overloaded tractor-trailers, “bush taxis,” and disabled vehicles are additional dangers on rural roads, where speeds are generally higher.

Travel outside Niamey and other cities often requires four-wheel-drive vehicles, which creates an additional security risk, since these vehicles, especially Toyota Land Cruisers, are high-theft items.

Driving at night is always hazardous and should be avoided.

Banditry is a continuing problem in northern and eastern Niger, as well as along the border with Mali.

There have been occasional car-jackings and highway robberies throughout the country.

While taxis are available at a fixed fare in Niamey, most are in poor condition, and do not meet basic U.S. road safety standards.

Inter-city “bush-taxis” are available at negotiable fares, but these vehicles (minibuses, station wagons, and sedans) are generally older, unsafe models that are overloaded, poorly maintained, and driven by reckless operators seeking to save time and money.

A national bus company (SNTV) operates coaches on inter-city routes and, since being reorganized in 2001, has provided reliable service and experienced no major accidents.

Air Transport, Rimbo, and Garba Messagé are private bus companies operating in Niger.

There is some concern regarding the youth of drivers and the speed with which the private bus companies travel the Nigerien roads.

The U.S.

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Airports - total

30

Airports with Paved Runways

10

Heliports

1

Roadways- total

11,774 Miles 18,949 Kilometers

Waterways

186 Miles 300 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

none

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Telephones

65,000

Cell Phones

900,000

Internet Users

40,000

Internet Country Code

.ne

Internet Hosts

172

Broadcast Media

• state-run TV station
• 3 private TV stations provide a mix of local and foreign programming
• state-run radio has only radio station with a national reach
• about 30 private radio stations operate locally
• as many as 100 community radio stations broadcast
• transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available

Telephone System

• assessment: inadequate; small system of wire, radio telephone communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in the southwestern area of Niger
• domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains only about 30 per 100 persons despite a rapidly increasing cellular subscribership base; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned
• international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

4 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

589,500,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

450,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

150,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

5,629

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

• name: "La Nigerienne" (The Nigerien)
• lyrics/music: Maurice Albert THIRIET/Robert JACQUET and Nicolas Abel Francois FRIONNET
• note: adopted 1961

Anthem Lyrics

• CHORUS: Debout! Niger! Debout! Que notre oeuvre féconde Rajeunisse le coeur de ce vieux continent! Et que ce chant s'entende Aux quatre coins du monde Comme le cri d'un peuple équitable et vaillant! Debout! Niger! Debout! Sur le sol et sur l'onde, Au son des tam-tams Dans leur rythme grandissant, Restons unis toujours, Et que chacun réponde A ce noble avenir Qui nous
• dit: - En avant!

Anthem Lyrics English

Throughout great powerful Niger Which makes nature more beautiful, Let us be proud and grateful Of our new freedom! Let us avoid vain quarrels In order to spare ourselves bloodshed, and may the glorious voices Of our race be free of domination!

Let us rise in a single leap As high as the dazzling sky, Where stands guard its eternal soul Which will make the country greater! CHORUS: Arise!

Niger! Arise!

May our fruitful labors Rejuvinate the heart of this old continent! And may the song be heard In the four corners of the Earth As the cry of a fair and valliant people!

Arise! Niger!

Arise! On the ground and on the wave,, To the sound of the drums In their growing rythms Let us always remain united, And may each one respond To this noble future Which tells us: - Go forward!