Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking last on the United Nation's Human Development Index. It is a landlocked, sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought cycles, desertification, a 2.9% population growth rate, and the drop in world demand for uranium have undercut the economy.
Although Niger's deserts can appear photographically tranquil as these scenes depict, a harsher reality lies just below the surface.
Niger's agricultural and livestock sectors are the mainstay of all but 18% of the population. Fourteen percent of Niger's GDP is generated by livestock production--camels, goats, sheep, and cattle--said to support 29% of the population. The 15% of Niger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern borders with Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso. Rainfall varies and when insufficient (a regular occurrence) Niger has difficulty feeding its population and must rely on grain purchases and food aid to meet food requirements.
A French colony until 1960, the country's official language is French. The CFA Frank is the official currency. The capital is Niamey, a somewhat typical dusty Western Africa city.