Republic of Niger
Culture
POPULATION: 13.8 million (0 – 14yrs = 47%, 15 – 64yrs = 50%)
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 44 years
NATIONALITY: Nigerien
LANGUAGE: Hausa and French
RELIGION: Muslim (80%); small numbers of Catholics and Protestants; spirit possession
1 • INTRODUCTION
Niger is a landlocked, drought-ridden country in the heart of West Africa. Its population is made up of distinct ethnic groups. Niger is located in one of Earth's harshest ecological regions. Historically, groups that have wielded power in the area of presentday Niger include the Songhay, Hausa, and Tuareg. Some Fulani live in the southwest. After conquering the region, the French created the colony of Niger in 1922.
Niger was granted independence from France in 1960. However, the end of colonial rule has not brought economic success to this West African nation. The severe drought of the 1970s focused the world's attention on the plight of this people and other rural peoples of the Sahel region. In January 1996, Nigeriens saw their country return to military rule.
3 • LANGUAGE
Altogether, over twenty-one languages are spoken in Niger. Hausa, which is spoken by over half the population, has become the lingua franca (common language) of the country. Nigeriens who have attended Western-style schools also speak French. Recently, the government has recognized ten languages as national languages.
4 • FOLKLORE
The people of Niger believe they are surrounded by spirits that regularly act in the lives of humans. These spirits are thought to grant health, protection, or good luck to people who obey their requests. Other spirits may cause conflicts, poverty, or lengthy illnesses. Hausa-speaking peoples explain the origin of these ...