GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Niger.
Capital
Niamey.
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to ejinhua, Niger is bordered by Libya and Algeria to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, and Mali and Burkina Faso to the west. The capital Niamey on the northern bank of the Niger has long been an important trading center on this busy waterway. The river meanders 500 km through the western part of the country. In the south along the Nigerian border there is a stretch of dry savannah that is 20 km narrower every year due to overgrazing. The Ténéré desert already takes up over 50% of the area of Niger. It is crossed by a flat mountain range, the Aïr ou Azbine.In the southern foothills, the provincial capital Agadez is located in the middle of the semi-desert, surrounded by green valleys and hot springs. The scree desert east of the mountain range turns into pastureland in the rainy season. The north and west consist mainly of large sandy areas. Arable farming is practiced on Lake Chad in the southeast.
Government
Presidential republic since 1960. Constitution of 1999. Parliament with 83 members. Independent since 1960 (former French colony).
Head of state
Mahamadou Issoufou, since April 2011.
Head of government
Brigi Rafini, since April 2011.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
West Africa Time: CET +2
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is French. Colloquial languages include Haussa (65% of the population) and Tamaschagh, a Tuareg dialect, as well as Songhai-Jerma and Fulbe.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Niger duty-free (people over 16 years):
1 carton of cigarettes;
1 liter of alcoholic beverages;
50 cl perfume and 1 liter eau de toilette;
100 g coffee, 40 g tea.
Prohibited imports
Materials prohibited by the Ministry of the Interior (films, printed matter), pornographic material, alcohol (beyond the permitted amount), drugs.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
A light jacket and tie or summer dress / light suit are sufficient. Knowledge of French is essential as there are hardly any interpreting and translation services available.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 7.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m., Sat 7.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
Economy
Chambre de Commerce, d’Agriculture, d’Industrie et d’Artisanat du Niger (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Place de la Concertation, BP 209, NE-Niamey
Tel: 73 22 10.
Internet: www.ccaian.org
Business contacts
Chambre de Commerce, d’Agriculture, d’Industrie et d’Artisanat du Niger (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Place de la Concertation, BP 209, NE-Niamey
Tel: 73 22 10.
Internet: www.ccaian.org
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. International calls can be made in some of the larger hotels, the main post office and telephone centers.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Network operators are Celtel Niger (Internet: www.msi-cellular.com) and Telecel Niger.
Internet
Main provider: Sonitel. Access to the Internet in larger urban areas.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks on the way. Post office opening times: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The main post office is on rue de Kabekoira in Niamey. Poste restante shipments are possible. A DHL branch is located in the Hôtel Gaweye Sofitel in Niamey.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Blankets, leather articles, ornate calabashes, silver jewelry, swords and knives. In the Center des Métiers d’Art de Niger near the National Museum you will find a good selection of local products. Polite behavior is common. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Niamey has several nightclubs with music and dancing and three open-air cinemas.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
80% Islam, 20% animists and Christian minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Casual clothing is accepted everywhere. Women shouldn’t wear short skirts. Traditional beliefs and Islamic customs should be respected. Photography: Filming is only allowed with the permission of the police; Tour operators and tourist offices will be happy to help you obtain the permit. Films are expensive and in-country development is not recommended. People should not be photographed without first asking for permission. It is forbidden to take photographs of military installations, airfields and administrative buildings (including the presidential palace). Tip: 10% is almost always expected. Most hotels charge 10-15% service charge.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The summers are very hot. The dry season is from October to May. Lots of rain and muggy in July and August. Best travel time: beginning of November to beginning of March.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +227 Area (sqkm) 1267000 Population 18045729 Population density (per sqkm) 14 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 17
