___________Economy
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Economy—overview: Niger is a poor landlocked Sub-Saharan nation whose
economy centers on subsistence agriculture animal husbandry reexport trade
and increasingly less on uranium its major export since the 1970s. Terms of
trade with Nigeria Niger's largest regional trade partner have improved
dramatically since the 50% devaluation of the West African franc in January
1994; this devaluation boosted exports of livestock cowpeas onions and the
products of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on
bilateral and multilateral aid for operating expenses and public investment
and is strongly induced to adhere to structural adjustment programs designed
by the IMF and the World Bank. The US terminated bilateral assistance to
Niger after the coup of 1996. Other donors have reduced their aid.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$6.3 billion (1997 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 4.5% (1997 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$670 (1997 est.)
GDP—composition by sector:
agriculture: 41%
industry: 18%
services: 41% (1996)
Inflation rate—consumer price index: 5.3% (1996)
Labor force:
total: 70 000 receive regular wages or salaries
by occupation: agriculture 90% industry and commerce 6% government 4%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:
revenues: $370 million (including $160 million from foreign sources)
expenditures: $370 million including capital expenditures of $186 million
(1998 est.)
Industries: cement brick textiles food processing chemicals slaughterhouses
and a few other small light industries; uranium mining
Industrial production growth rate: 0.5% (1994 est.)
Electricity—capacity: 63 000 kW (1995)
Electricity—production: 170 million kWh (1995)
note: imports about 200 million kWh of electricity from Nigeria
Electricity—consumption per capita: 40 kWh (1995)
Agriculture—products: cowpeas cotton peanuts millet sorghum cassava
(tapioca) rice; cattle sheep goats camels donkeys horses poultry
Exports:
total value: $188 million (f.o.b. 1996)
commodities: uranium ore 67% livestock products 20% cowpeas onions
partners: France 41% Nigeria 22% Burkina Faso Cote d'Ivoire Japan 18%
Imports:
total value: $374 million (c.i.f. 1996)
commodities: consumer goods primary materials machinery vehicles and parts
petroleum cereals
partners: France 24% Nigeria 19% Cote d'Ivoire China Belgium-Luxembourg
Debt—external: $1.3 billion (1996 est.)
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA; bilateral donors: France Germany EU Japan
Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1—608.36 (January 1998) 583.67
(1997) 511.55 (1996) 499.15 (1995) 555.20 (1994) 283.16 (1993)
note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per
French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year: calendar year
___________Trans Sahara
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To cross the biggest desert of them all is a dream many people have. Going
through Niger is an option. Here I will try to gather recent reports of
travelers who've done it.
Basically there are two routes. One to Algeria and one to Libya, I will try
to deal with both of them seperately.
[Add New]
Algeria
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The route to Algeria passes via Arlit. This is the last major stop before
the border.
Recent reports about this route are to be found on the following web pages:
Sahara Overland.
Other options include hoing to Mali and from there to Algeria, or on to
Mauritania and then to Morocco. For this last option see the Dakhla section.
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
__________People
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Population: 9 671 848 (July 1998 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 48% (male 2 374 482; female 2 277 176)
15-64 years: 50% (male 2 345 773; female 2 447 951)
65 years and over: 2% (male 119 644; female 106 822) (July 1998 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.96% (1998 est.)
Birth rate: 53.01 births/1 000 population (1998 est.)
Death rate: 23.38 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female (1998 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 114.39 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 41.52 years
male: 41.83 years
female: 41.21 years (1998 est.)
Total fertility rate: 7.3 children born/woman (1998 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Nigerien(s)
adjective: Nigerien
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
Religions: Muslim 80% remainder indigenous beliefs and Christians
Languages: French (official) Hausa Djerma
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 13.6%
male: 20.9%
female: 6.6% (1995 est.)
:::::::::Agadez Travel Guide
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do and see
i
Agadez is the Nigerien sister of Timbuktu in Mali. Their histories are
alike, their structures are alike, and the fascination they have on
travelers is alike as well. If you approach overland you’ll see it rise
right out of the desert.
The town has only 20.000 inhabitants who live in sand-brick houses that
blend in with the countryside. Three tribes walk the streets: the Fulani
(aka Fulbe, Peluh or Halpulaar) who wear large hats that look like the hats
worn by the Chinese; the Hausa merchants dressed in long robes; and the
nomadic Tuaregs who give chilling looks from beneath massive turbans. If you
go to the outskirts of town to the goat and mutton market, you will catch a
glimpse of the nomadic housing creatively constructed from desert twigs and
fly away plastic bags.
The main sights are the central market, the 16th-century mosque, the
Sultan's Palace, the camel market and some interesting silver shops; the
Croix d'Agadez is famous in all of the Sahel, here you can get the real
thing. The Artisan Center is an amazing place to observe the metal work that
is done by a couple dozen artists, all sitting cross legged on the floor,
tapping away at their peices.
If the political situation permits excursions can be arranged to go by camel
or other conveyance into the nearby Air Mountains, where the Tuaregs live.
That will be an unforgettable trip. Also schedule for a one to seven day
trip in a four by four out to the sand dunes and oasises.
:::::::::Air Mountains Travel Guide
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Oasis at Timia
Oasis at Timia
Nigel Crawhall
The Air Mountains are north of Agadez. They are a very impressive natural
wonder and absolutely worth a visit. North of the Air mountains start the
Tenere desert, and further northeast you can find the Djado Plateau.
The mountain massif covers an area about the size of Switzerland. One of the
more surprising aspects of the Mountains is that there is some really
interesting flora anf fauna, not just camels.
The highest peaks reach 2000 meters, Mt Bagzane some 150 km north of Agadez
is just above that.
Timia
Timia is a small oasis in the middle of the Air Mountains, about a days
drive to the East of Agadez. It features a rehabilitated French Foreign
Legion fort on the hill top that can provide meals and a place to sleep. The
town itself is unspoiled and easy to visit. The Tuareg in Timia are very
friendly and very gracious. It's one of the finest places to visit in Niger.
::::::::::Arlit Travel Guide
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Arlit is a Saharan version of a boomtown: Uranium mines in the desert have
given it a recently-thrown-together look and feel. Since Arlit is on the
main road to Algeria, the town is quite a busy place (when the road is open
at least, when it is closed you don't need to be here). There are many
things to be bought and sold, there are banks here, there are some bars.
There is also a real tourist office here! On the other hand, the banks do
not always have money, the bars do not always have beer. The hustlers who
buy and sell are always there and you will not have trouble spotting them.
When you arrive you have to go to the police and leave them your passport.
You can get it back when you are ready to leave.
::::::::Baleyara Travel Guide
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do and see
While some areas have a seamy roadstop appearance most of the town and
surrounding bush is framed majestically by towering acacia trees. Although
Baleyara is primarily a Djerma-speaking area there are many villages of
Bella Tuaregs to be found and it is located near the transition zone to the
Hausa-speaking areas to the north.
:::::::::::Birnin-konni Travel Guide
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do and see
Birnin Konni is an important market centre in the south of Niger. It is very
close to the border with Nigeria. The town is located on the crossroads of
the road that leads from Agadez to Sokoto and the one going from Zinder to
Niamey The town does not have many actual sights but it is an easy going
place and it's a good place to buy a few things that may be harder to find
in the desert. Petrol is readily available in Birnin Konni. it is smuggled
accross the border from Nigeria and prices here are among the lowest in
Niger.
::::::::::Fachi Travel Guide
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do and see
x
Bilma is the end of the world. When you're done with your 500+ km of desert
from Agadez this not the reward you were looking for. If you want to cross
the desert to Libya this is your last stop.
There seem to be people who have made this trip in 1999. I've read two
reports both by Belgian, who came from Libya and got thier Nigerien visa in
Sebha . They spend the night in the old Italian fort in al Qatrun , 200 km
north of the border. For more info see this travel report.
::::::::::Iferouane Travel Guide
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do and see
As you head into the mountains of the Aïr, be sure to go through the village
of Iferouane. It is on the Aïr and Ténéré circuit. There is a great campsite
at the back with traditional Tuareg mat houses. There are also some of the
best silver smiths in the region. There is a friendly artisans co-operative
in the town. Iferouane is a magical place. Plans are afoot to create a cyber
cafe there as well.
::::::::Ingal Travel Guide
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do and see
x
Ingal is not far from Agadez and mainly famous for the Cure Salee event,
that takes place in Spetember. When you are here any other time of the year
it is just a beautiful oasis, where you can meet Tuaregs, and enjoy slow
paced life (at least when there is no civil strife).
:::::::Kawar Travel Guide
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The Kawar is the string of oases stretching from Bilma north toward the
Libyan border. An ancient salt producing center and western edge of Toubou
territory, these towns are about as remote as it gets.
The scenery is stunning. The red and black Kawar escarpment forms a jagged
wall to the east, while the dunes of the Tenere melt into the horizon to the
west. In beautifully sharp contrast to the endless sand and rock are the
lush natural springs in Bilma. Wandering among the palm shaded pools is like
stepping into another world, and an unbelievable experience after making a
long desert crossing.
Accomodation is limitted if you don't come with your own car or an organized
tour. Bilma has one campemant, Camping AKFO. Dirkou (the transportation hub
of the region) has a couple of dodgy flophouses catering to migrant workers.
Perhaps the best option is to ask around for a family to put you up for a
few nights. If all else fails you can stay at the police station. I've never
done this, but I've been told it works, and the gendarmes in Dirkou were
pretty cool when I was there.
It's easiest to get here from Agadez if you don't have a car. You can find
lots of tour companies there if you want a hassle-free and comfortable,
albeit highly expensive, way to see the desert. Or you can find a ride with
a truck heading to the Kawar there. For more information on travelling by
truck to the Kawar see the Tenere Desert section.
:::::::::
Koure Travel Guide
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do and see
Girafs
Girafs
Although it’s not found on many maps Koure is important as the center of an
area roamed by a herd of giraffes—the last remaining free-range herd in West
Africa. The area is not controlled in any way but there are trained guides
in Koure who know the trails the movement patterns of the giraffes and the
local ecology (beware of false guides on the road to Koure!). They command a
flat fee and willingly accept tips but do not have their own vehicles. The
best way to see the giraffes is by four-wheel-drive vehicle and the dry
season (November-February) is the best time to see them. Koure is located
just south of the paved road heading east out of Niamey toward Dosso.
:::::::::Maradi Travel Guide
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do and see
Maradi is located in the south of Niger on the main road from Niamey to
Zinder . It's the third largest city of the country with over 150000
inhabitants. It's mainly an agricutural centre.
The market is the closest thing to a real tourist attraction. It's a good
place for buying cheap Nigerian stuff smuggeld in. The Maison des Chefs is a
good example of Hausa architecure, but if that's waht you are looking for
head for Zinder straight away.
::::::::Nguigmi Travel Guide
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do and see
Located in the farthest reaches of eastern Niger N’Guigmi is the last town
on the dirt road to Chad. It’s a gray dusty frontier outpost that feels very
much like the end of the road. The market to the south does a big trade in
camels because the area is primarily populated by nomadic people the Canori
and Toubou. The Toubou who are particularly imposing produce interesting
leather and metal work including sharp knives in colorful red scabbards that
the men wear strapped on their arms.
The greatest attraction of N’Guigmi is its proximity to the Tal Desert which
lies three hours by camel to the northwest. It’s fairly easy to rent camels
and a guide for a fascinating journey out to a pristine area of endless tall
dunes and majestic silence. This excursion however is definitely for the
seasoned traveler. 575 mi/925 km east of Niamey.
:::::::Niamey Travel Guide
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do and see
i
Niger’s capita
facility with state-of-the-art information systems a well-endowed library a
nice bar and cafe and an amphitheater used for French and African film
screenings performance art and dramatic productions. Just across town on the
Rue des Ambassades the U.S. recreation center has a softball field a pool a
basketball court and a diner.
For more adventurous outings it’s possible to take a ride in a pirogue
(dugout canoe) on the Niger to see hippos in pools.
__________Getting There
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x
For onward travel to Gao in Mali you cannot take a boat, since the river is
not navigable all the way. There are buses three times a week. The bus stops
overnight at the border and arrives the following day. The fare is about
8000 CFA. Take water with you.
___________Day Trips
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For an interesting day trip go to the market town of Baleyara about 60
mi/100 km northeast of Niamey on a good paved road.
Another interesting side trip is to Koure a small town about 30 mi/50 km
southeast of Niamey. Although it’s not found on many maps it is important as
the center of an area roamed by a herd of giraffes.
____________Nightlife and Entertainment
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There are numerous bars and restaurants in Niamey and even the odd nightclub
the most popular being Les Tropiques along the Niger River.
[Add Entertainment place]
Les Tropiques
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Cool place on the Corniche. Next door is Le Diamangou.
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
address: Corniche de Gamkalle
tel: 733204
Hotel Rivoli
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Good place for meeting other foreigners.
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
address: Rue Nasser / Ave Luebke
Zanzibar
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Zanzibar - a bar/restauarant located in the main street with a chilled
out/air conditioned, latest music - real cool
type: Wine bars
World66 rating: [rate it]
ClosingTime: 6am
tel: 22796598319
accessibility: Ring Bill
address: bp13777
email: zanzi67@yahoo.fr
:::::::::::Park w Travel Guide
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do and see
The Park W is located in three countries: Niger, Burkina Faso and Benin . It
is most easily accesed form Niger and tours can be arranged in Niamey. It's
an easy drive to do on your own, three hours from the sleepy capitol. Park
du Double Vé is one of the best wildlife parks of West Africa. All the major
animal groups are here: cats, primates, elephants and many interesting bird
species. March through May, at the end of the dry season, is a good time to
come, when the animals have to look around for watering holes. But December
and January offer the best weather and the grasses have been burned off,
affording the best views.
::::::::::Tenere Desert Travel Guide
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do and see
Desert
Desert
The Tenere desert is 500 km north of Agadez and about 300 north of the Air
Mountains . It has incredible beautiful sand dune areas, and those
disappointed bytheir first desert experiences should absolutely come here to
see this one.
This is quite a remote area, so you need at least about a week to see the
desert, starting from Agadez . The best thing to do is to travel in a group
of cars and you would probably be wise to hire at least one guide as well.
The road to Bilma (not always a road in the western sense of the word)
crosses the Tenere desert from west to east, and offers the best
possibilities for exploration of this beautiful region.
If you don't have you own 4x4 and you can't afford a guided tour, you can
travel by freight truck through the Tenere to Bilma. You will see these
heavily loaded Mercedes trucks departing from various autogares around
Agadez. Drivers always take passengers - many of whom are on their way to
Libya to work - so there's no reason they won't take you. You could try
asking around at the autogares, but it's best to get a recomendation for a
driver from a friend in Agadez. While most drivers are fine, the trip can be
dangerous so it's best to be in a truck with someone you can trust.
Be prepared for three to five days of travel, sleeping on the sand at night
and very basic food. Buy a 20 liter water jug and a heavy synthetic blanket
for sleeping at night. (both sold all over Agadez). Be prepared as well for
break-downs, delays, and inexplicable stops (all of which you will be used
to if you've travelled around Africa for a while).
Although traveling by truck isn't exactly the height of luxury, it's by far
the best way to see the desert. You take a leisurely pace, you ride up top
in the open air, and you get to experience a vital part of desert life
today.
:::::::Tillaberi Travel Guide
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do and see
Tillaberi is located on the road from Niamey to Gao. Most travelers stopping
here are probably hurrying from one to the other. There are not many reasons
to stay longer than necessary here. The main attraction of the town is
porbably the fact that on the river banks south of town you may find the
last herd of giraffes living wild in the world. You will have to ask around
to find out if they have been spotted recently at a short distance, they do
roam quite a bit.
Tillaberi is also one of Nigers biggest rice growing areas. Sunday is the
market day and if you happen to pass by on that day it is worthwhile to stay
and have a look.
:::::::Zinder Travel Guide
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do and see
photo
Zinder was founded in the beginning of the 17-th century by Hausa tradesmen
from Kano. In the 19-th century the city reached its peak. Situated on the
trading route from Kano to Agadez , the city was a big trading center of the
Hausa empire.
When the French arrived, Zinder was their administrative center until 1926,
when the capital was moved to Niamey . Zinder still is the second largest
city of the country and has the best market of Niger - it is a very nice
place to spend a few days.
Highlights of the the city include the Birnin Quarter, the Zengou Quarter -
where you can find some od the best examples of Hausa architecture anywhere
in the world - the Grande Mosquee and the Sultan's Palace. With a bit of
luck you can arrange a visit to the Sultan and even admire his Rolls Royce -
the only one in Niger - or any of the other seven cars he owns.
A nice place to relax in town is the Centre Cultural Franco-Nigerien (CCFN).
Even if you don't speak French you can still enjoy the newly opened art
gallery and the garden cafe. If you do speak French you can find lots of
interesting reading in the spacious library.
Zinder is a good stop on the way to or from Nigeria, the main road leads you
directly to Kano (the nicest city in Nigeria). The road to Agadez is not
completely finished. See the Getting There section for more details. |
