Niger is a landlocked, sub-Saharan nation, with an economy that is centred on subsistence crops and livestock. Agriculture contributes nearly 40% of GDP and provides livelihood for most of the population. Niger also has some of the world’s largest uranium deposits. Growth could possibly be sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal and other mineral resources as the country has sizeable reserves of oil and oil production.

Name Republic of Niger

Capital Niamey

Frequency of elections Every five years

Name of parliament National Assembly of Niger

Parliament website www.assemblee.ne

Languages French, Hausa, Djerma

Area 1 267 000 km²

Population 17 466 172 (July 2014 est)

Imports Foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Exports Uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Currency Communauté Financière Africaine franc

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Greatstock/Corbis