Niger
Independent since 1960, the West African state of Niger borders with Nigeria, Cameroon and Benin to the south, Mali and Burkina Faso to the west, Chad to the east, and Algeria and Libya to the north. Its population is estimated to be 24.1 million, divided into nine ethnic groups. The country’s official language is French.
Because of its geographic position Niger is at the centre of migration routes towards the Mediterranean. It has been the target of multiple attacks by jihadist groups based in the Sahel and in the Lake Chad region. Thanks to its abundant uranium fields, Niger is also one of the most important players in the energy market in the region. This strategic mix of factors explains why the country is at the centre of many defence and humanitarian initiatives.
Trade flows between Italy and Niger amount to €25 million in 2021. Italian exports to Niger mainly comprise clothing items, machinery for general and special uses, and food, while imports from the country include components for the automotive and aerospace industries. To support Niger in tackling instability in the Sahel, Italy has started a wide range of different partnerships. Since 2018, Italy has been running a military mission to support the Republic of Niger (MISIN), and has subsequently undertaken initiatives to help the country manage the Covid-19 pandemic.
The speech by the President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum at the event “Italy, Niger. Europe, Africa. Two continents. One Destiny”, organized by Med-Or Foundation
On Thursday 1 December, the event “Italy, Niger. Europe, Africa. Two continents. One destiny” by Med-Or Foundation was held at Luiss Guido Carli. It saw the participation of the President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum
The number of African countries thinking of developing a nuclear programme is growing, while collaboration projects with Russia and China are increasing. By Emanuele Rossi
| Head of state | Mohamed Bazoum |
| Head of Government | Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou |
| Institutional Form | Unitary semi-presidential republic |
| Capital | Niamey |
| Legislative Power | Unicameral National Assembly |
| Judicial Power | Constitutional Court (7 judges); High Court of Justice (7 Members) |
| Ambassador to Italy | Fatimata Cheiffou |
| Total Area kmq | 1.267.000 km2 |
| Land | 1.266.700 km2 |
| Weather | Desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in the extreme south |
| Natural resources | Uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, oil |
| Economic summary | The economy is based on a subsistence farming and livestock. The agriculture contributes for the 40% to the nigerin GDP and provides livelihoods for over 80% of the population; there is also one of the largest uranium deposits in the world. Some issues concern food insecurity, lack of industry, high population growth, a weak education field and few job perspectives outside subsistence farming and livestock breeding sectors. |
| GDP | $441 billion (Dec. 2021) |
| Pro-capite GDP (Purchasing power parity) | $2422 (Dec. 2021) |
| Exports | $2.62 billion (2020) |
| Export partner | UAE 66.8%, China 8.58%, Canada 6.89%, Mali 4.13%, Burkina Faso 3.92% (2020) |
| Imports | $2.75 billion (2020) |
| Import partner | China 17.4%, France 15%, United States 9.09%, Nigeria 5.03%, Thailand 4.41%, India 4.1% (2020) |
| Trade With Italy | $ 25,4 million (2021) |
| Population | 24.484.587 (2022) |
| Population Growth | 3,66% (2022 est.) |
| Ethnicities | Hausa 53.1%, Zarma/Songhai 21.2%, Tuareg 11%, Fulani (Peuhl) 6.5%, Kanuri 5.9%, Gurma 0.8%, Arab 0.4%, Tubu 0.4%, other 0.9% |
| Languages | French (official), Hausa, Djerma |
| Religions | Islamic 99.3%, Christian 0.3%, Animist 0.2% |
| Urbanization | 16,9% (2022) |
| Literacy | 35.1% |
Independent since 1960, the West African state of Niger borders with Nigeria, Cameroon and Benin to the south, Mali and Burkina Faso to the west, Chad to the east, and Algeria and Libya to the north. Its population is estimated to be 24.1 million, divided into nine ethnic groups. The country’s official language is French.
Because of its geographic position Niger is at the centre of migration routes towards the Mediterranean. It has been the target of multiple attacks by jihadist groups based in the Sahel and in the Lake Chad region. Thanks to its abundant uranium fields, Niger is also one of the most important players in the energy market in the region. This strategic mix of factors explains why the country is at the centre of many defence and humanitarian initiatives.
Trade flows between Italy and Niger amount to €25 million in 2021. Italian exports to Niger mainly comprise clothing items, machinery for general and special uses, and food, while imports from the country include components for the automotive and aerospace industries. To support Niger in tackling instability in the Sahel, Italy has started a wide range of different partnerships. Since 2018, Italy has been running a military mission to support the Republic of Niger (MISIN), and has subsequently undertaken initiatives to help the country manage the Covid-19 pandemic.
