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            NIGER
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Niger is a landlocked republic
in West Africa. Over half of
the country is covered by the
encroaching Sahara Desert in
the north, and the south lies
in the drought-stricken Sahel.
In the extreme southwest
corner, the River Niger flows
through the country, and in
the extreme southeast lies
Lake Chad, but the rest of the
country is extremely short of
water. Basic subsistence
farming and herding are the
main occupations. Uranium
mined in the Air mountains is
Niger's main export.

Area (Sq. Km.): 1,267,000

Population: 7,905,000

Capital: Niamey

Language:
French

Religion:
Sunni Moslem 80%

Government Type:
Republic, military in power.

Currency: Franc CFA

Embassy:
154 rue de Longchamp,
75116 Paris,
France.
+33-1-45048060

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Foreign Office Advice:

The Tuareg rebellion continues
to affect the region to the
north and east of Tahoua. The
Foreign Office discourage
tourists from visits to the
area. Travellers using Trans-
Saharan truck companies will
not be allowed to pass through
without a military escort.
Tourist should take normal
precautions in Niamey.

The only British
representative in Niger is the
British Honorary Consul.
The British Embassy in Abidjan
is responsible for the
protection of British
Nationals in Niger. However,
it can only offer limited
assistance. Anyone intending
to visit Niger should contact
the British Embassy, Abidjan.
(Tel: (225) 22 68 50).

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129