Niger

Why in news?

• In Niger, the military coup has led to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup plotters have named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader, citing security concerns related to jihadist violence.

About Niger:

• Niger or the Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa.
• It is a unitary state bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest.
• Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara (Sahel Region).

• Niger takes its name from the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of its territory
• Niger was a French colony until it gained independence in 1960. The country experienced a series of military coups and political instability in the decades following independence.
  • Also its vulnerable position in the Sahel region makes the situation complex and closely watched by the international community

Add ons:

• Niger is one of the world's poorest countries and faces challenges related to poverty, food security, and underdevelopment.
• However, it has significant natural resources, including gold mining reserves and a significant share of global uranium production.
• The economy is largely agrarian, with a focus on subsistence farming and livestock.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements:

1. Niger shares borders with Atlantic Ocean to the west

2. Libya shares borders with Mediterranean sea to the north

3. Algeria is landlocked country

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one statement

(b) Only two statements

(c) Only three statements

(d) None of the statements

Answer