The Republic of Niger

Niger takes its name from the Niger River, the third-longest river in Africa, which flows through its southwest.

Niger is home to the last wild population of West African giraffes, which roam near the village of Koure.

At the Gerewol festival, Wodaabe men wear makeup and dance to impress women, who pick the most handsome.

The Grand Mosque of Agadez has a 27-meter minaret made of mud, one of the tallest mud-brick structures in the world.

Niger has the highest birth rate in the world, and about half its population is under 15.

Niger is the world’s seventh-largest producer of uranium, the basic fuel required for a nuclear power reactor.

Camel caravans called the Azalai travel through the Tenere to the Bilma oasis to trade salt, a tradition centuries old.

Niger is famous for Tuareg “desert blues,” a hypnotic guitar style that has gained fans worldwide. Two of its biggest stars are Bombino and Mdou Moctar, both from Agadez.

At Teguidda-n-Tessoumt, salt is harvested from colorful pools in shades of red, green and brown.

Kokowa is a traditional West African folk wrestling style deeply rooted in Hausa culture. Historically practiced to celebrate the post-harvest season, it has evolved into a massive spectator sport.

Designer Alphadi launched the International Festival of African Fashion in Niger’s Tiguidit desert in 1998. UNESCO later named him an Artist for Peace in 2016.

Niger emits only about 0.1 tons of CO2 per person each year, one of the lowest rates on Earth, yet it is among the countries most affected by climate change through droughts and desertification.