Niger: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Niger 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Niger: 109
  • Happiness Score Niger:4.556

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Niger. NE.
  • It is a landlocked country in West Africa.
  • Niger is a semi-presidential republic with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.
  • Niger is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, with a rich tradition of music, dance, and art.
  • It is one of the world’s poorest countries, with a majority of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture.
  • Niger is home to the largest protected area in Africa, the W National Park.
  • It is a country with a high level of biodiversity, with over 300 species of birds and various wildlife.

    • Niger – A Comprehensive Overview

    Brief History

    Early History: Niger’s history dates back to the Neolithic Era, with various ethnic groups like the Hausa, Tuareg, and Fulani inhabiting the region. The Hausa city-states emerged in the 7th century, while the Kanem-Bornu Empire dominated the region from the 9th to the 19th century.

    Kingdoms and Empires: The Songhai Empire, centered in Gao, controlled much of Niger from the 15th to the 16th century. The Tuareg people also established several powerful kingdoms in the region during this period.

    Colonial Period: Niger became a French colony in the late 19th century, initially as part of French West Africa. The French colonial influence had a significant impact on the region’s culture, language, and infrastructure.

    Independence and Modern Era: Niger gained independence from France in 1960. The country has been challenged by political instability, military coups, and periods of authoritarian rule. It has faced various rebellions from the Tuareg population and struggles with poverty, drought, and regional conflicts.

    Current Political Situation: Niger is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party system. The current president is Mohamed Bazoum, elected in 2021. The government has faced challenges from terrorist groups and political unrest.

    International Relations: Niger has strong ties with France and is a member of various regional and international organizations like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations. The country has been involved in efforts to combat terrorism and regional instability.

    Human Development and Economy: Niger’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with a focus on subsistence farming. The country has significant uranium reserves and a growing oil industry. However, Niger ranks low on the Human Development Index, facing challenges in poverty, education, and healthcare.

    Cultural Highlights: Niger is a culturally diverse country with a rich heritage. Islam is the predominant religion, with a strong influence of traditional beliefs. The country has several ethnic groups with distinct languages and cultural practices. Niger is known for its traditional architecture, music, and crafts.

    Conclusion: Niger faces significant challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, climate change, and regional conflicts. However, the country’s natural resources and strategic location provide opportunities for economic growth and regional cooperation.

    Travel Tips for Niger

    Best Times to Visit: The cooler months between November and February are generally the best time to visit Niger. The hot and dry season from March to May, and the rainy season from June to October, can be challenging for travel.

    Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in rural areas. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Greet people with a handshake and be mindful of gender norms.

    Safety Precautions: Exercise caution and avoid travel to areas near the borders with Mali, Libya, and Nigeria due to the risk of terrorism and regional conflicts. Consult travel advisories and register with your embassy or consulate.

    Must-See Landmarks: Visit the ancient cities of Agadez and Zinder, known for their traditional architecture and markets. Explore the Aïr Mountains and the Ténéré Desert for stunning natural landscapes. Experience the vibrant culture and festivals of Niamey, the capital city.

    Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like millet porridge, grilled meat skewers, and spicy vegetable stews. Sample the popular non-alcoholic drink, ginger beer, and indulge in fresh fruits like mangoes and melons.

    Living in Niger

    Cost of Living: Niger has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other countries. Housing, food, and transportation are generally affordable, but the cost of imported goods can be high.

    Housing: Expats often live in gated communities or apartments in urban areas like Niamey. Housing options range from modern apartments to traditional mud-brick houses.

Main facts

1. Location

Niger is a landlocked nation located in West Africa, surrounded by Algeria and Libya to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, and Burkina Faso and Mali to the west. It lies in the Sahel region, a semi-arid transition zone between the Sahara Desert and the Sudanian Savanna.

2. Map References

Niger is located in Western Africa.

3. Area – Comparative

The total area of Niger is approximately 1,267,000 square kilometers, making it slightly less than twice the size of the U.S. state of Texas.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Niger shares land borders with the following countries:

5. Coastline

Niger is a landlocked country with no coastline.

6. Maritime Claims

As a landlocked nation, Niger has no maritime claims.

7. Climate

Niger has a predominantly hot and semi-arid climate, with significant regional variations ranging from desert in the north to tropical in the far south. The northern region experiences hot and dry conditions, while the southern regions have a more humid and tropical climate, with a distinct wet season from May to October.

8. Terrain

Niger’s terrain is predominantly flat and dominated by the Sahara Desert in the north, with sandy plains and dunes. The southern region features savanna and fertile valleys along the Niger River and its tributaries. The Aïr and Djado Plateau in the north are notable mountainous areas.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Niger is Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès, at an elevation of 2,022 meters, located in the Aïr Mountains. The lowest point is the Dallol Bosso depression, at an elevation of 200 meters below sea level.

10. Natural Resources

Niger’s major natural resources include uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, and petroleum.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of the country, is the primary water source in Niger. Other significant water bodies include Lake Chad, which is shared with Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and the Korama and Goudebo Rivers.

12. Natural Hazards

Niger is prone to recurring droughts, as well as occasional flooding from the Niger River during the rainy season. Additionally, the country experiences occasional dust and sandstorms, particularly in the northern regions.

13. Geography – Notes

Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world, with more than two-thirds of its land area covered by the Sahara Desert. The country faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification, deforestation, and soil erosion, which pose threats to agricultural productivity and food security.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 0.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 2,017. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 36.10%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  17.6077898.081666.
  • Capital: The capital of Niger is  Niamey
  • Major Cities:
    1. Niamey – Population: 1,026,848
    2. Zinder – Population: 235,605
    3. Maradi – Population: 233,828
    4. Agadez – Population: 88,569
  • Population: 23,310,715
  • Area(Km2): 1267000
  • Population Density( P/Km²):19. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:227
  • Official Language(s):Niger is Hausa (21%), Zarma/Songhai (22%), Tuareg (11%), Fulfulde (9%).
  • Currency: XOF

Main Economic Indicators

Niger has one of the smallest and least-diversified economies in the world, heavily reliant on agriculture and mining. The economy suffers from structural weaknesses, including low incomes, underinvestment, high population growth rates, a weak human capital base, and vulnerability to external shocks. Key economic challenges include fostering sustainable and inclusive growth while addressing development gaps. Notable economic policies aim to enhance resilience, mobilize domestic resources, improve human capital, and promote private sector development.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 3.8% (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook)

2020: 2.9% (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: B (Stable Outlook, Affirmed April 2022)

Moody’s: B3 (Stable Outlook, Affirmed March 2022)

Standard & Poor’s: B/B (Stable Outlook, Affirmed September 2021)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 40.3%

Industry: 16.8%

Services: 42.9% (2021 estimates, Source: World Bank)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Cowpeas, Onions, Peanuts, Sorghum, Millet

Industrial Products: Uranium, Gold, Cement, Bricks, Gypsum

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 6.7 million (2021 estimate, Source: World Bank)

Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Current Account Balance

2021: -$1.05 billion (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook)

2020: -$1.02 billion (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook)

Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $1.05 billion (2021 estimate, Source: OEC)

Key Partners: France, Nigeria, Mali, UAE

Main Commodities: Gold, Oil Seeds, Live Animals, Uranium

Imports: $2.74 billion (2021 estimate, Source: OEC)

Key Partners: France, China, Nigeria, Malaysia

Main Commodities: Refined Petroleum, Rice, Packaged Medicaments, Wheat

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $2.83 billion (December 2021, Source: IMF)

Gold Reserves: 800,000 ounces (December 2021, Source: World Gold Council)

  • GDP (Current US$):$12,928,145,120. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 11.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 47.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.88. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.29. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 0.47%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Nigerien
Adjective: Nigerien

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Hausa: 53.1%
  • Zarma/Songhai: 21.2%
  • Tuareg: 11%
  • Fulani (Peul): 6.5%
  • Kanuri: 5.9%
  • Other/Unspecified: 2.4%

3. Religions

  • Islam: 99.3%
  • Christianity: 0.3%
  • Animist: 0.2%
  • Unaffiliated: 0.2%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 49.17%
  • 15-64 years: 48.46%
  • 65 years and over: 2.37%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 106.4
Youth dependency ratio: 100.5
Elderly dependency ratio: 5.9

6. Median Age

Total: 15.2 years
Male: 15 years
Female: 15.4 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 5.8%
  • Alcohol consumption per capita: 0.2 liters of pure alcohol
  • Tobacco use: 11.4% of adults
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 62. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 29.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:46.08. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 6.91. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 8.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 3,850,231. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):52.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The military of Niger consists of the following main branches:

  • Army: The largest service branch, responsible for land-based operations.
  • Air Force: Operates a limited number of transport and attack aircraft.
  • National Gendarmerie: A paramilitary force responsible for maintaining internal security.

The National Police of Niger, under the Ministry of Interior, is responsible for law enforcement and public security.

Military Expenditures

Niger’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2017: 1.5%
  • 2018: 1.4%
  • 2019: 1.4%
  • 2020: 1.6%
  • 2021: 1.7%

In terms of global military spending, Niger ranks among the lower percentiles.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel in Niger is approximately 25,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 12,000
  • Air Force: 900

The National Gendarmerie has an additional strength of around 7,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Niger’s military hardware is primarily sourced from foreign suppliers and includes:

  • Ground Forces: Light and armored vehicles, artillery, and small arms.
  • Air Force: Transport aircraft, light attack aircraft, and utility helicopters.

Major recent acquisitions include armored vehicles from Turkey and France, as well as Chinese-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Military Service Age and Obligation

The minimum age for voluntary military service in Niger is 18 years. There is no mandatory military service requirement.

Military Deployments

Niger has contributed troops to the following international missions:

  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
  • G5 Sahel Joint Force: A counterterrorism operation with regional partners in the Sahel region.

Strategic Military Notes

Niger’s defense strategy focuses on securing its borders and combating regional terrorist threats, particularly from groups operating in the Sahel region. The military plays a significant role in counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations within the country and across the broader Sahel region.

Niger is a member of the G5 Sahel Joint Force and collaborates closely with international partners, such as France and the United States, in addressing regional security challenges.

  • Armed Forces Size: 5300. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.04
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 72.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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