Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ship. The tables were turned on Tandja in February 2010 when a military coup in Niamey
led to his arrest. A year-long military junta ended when veteran opposition leader Maha-
madou Issoufou was declared winner of a presidential poll in March 2011.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Culture
Niger boasts the highest birth rate in the world: women have a staggering average of eight
children each. The population is predicted to reach 21.4 million by 2025.
More than 90% of Nigeriens live in the south, which is dominated by Hausa and
Songhaï-Djerma, making up 56% and 23% of Niger's populace respectively. The next
largest groups are nomadic Fulani (8.5%) and Tuareg (8%), both in Niger's north, and Ka-
nuri (4.3%), located between Zinder and Chad.
Nigeriens are predominantly Muslim (over 90%), with small percentages of Christian
urban dwellers. Several rural populations still practise traditional animist religions. Due to
the strong influence of Nigeria's Islamic community, some Muslims around the border
town of Maradi call for sharia law.
Despite most Nigeriens being devoutly Muslim, the government is steadfastly secular
and Islam adopts a more relaxed aura than in nations with similar demographics. Women
don't cover their faces, alcohol is quietly consumed and some Tuareg, recognising the
harshness of desert life, ignore Ramadan's fast.
While Islam plays the greatest role in daily life, shaping beliefs and thoughts, little is
visible to visitors. The biggest exceptions are
salat
(prayer), when Niger grinds to a halt -
buses even break journeys to partake.
Religion aside, survival occupies most people's days. Around 90% make their tenuous
living from agriculture and livestock, many surviving on US$1 or less per day. Producing
numerous children to help with burdening workloads is a necessity for many, a fact con-
tributing to population growth. The fact of children being obliged to work has led to stag-
gering adult illiteracy rates.
Niger's best-known artisans are Tuareg silversmiths, who produce necklaces, striking
amulets, ornamental silver daggers and stylised silver crosses, each with intricate filigree
designs representing areas boasting Tuareg populations. The most famous cross is the
croix d'Agadez
. To Tuareg, crosses are powerful talismans protecting against ill fortune.
Leatherwork by
artisans du cuir
is well regarded, particularly in Zinder, where tradi-
tional items - such as saddlebags, cushions and tasselled pouches - rank alongside attract-
ive modernities like sandals and briefcases.
