Niger
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[edit] Location
- Niger is in West Africa.
- Niger's subtropical climate is mainly very hot and dry, with much desert area. In the extreme south there is a tropical climate on the edges of the Niger River basin. The terrain is predominantly desert plains and sand dunes with flat to rolling savannah in the south and hills in the north.
- The 15% of Niger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern borders with Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Rainfall varies and when insufficient, Niger has difficulty feeding its population and must rely on grain purchases and food aid to meet food requirements.
- Niger is the poorest country in the world, ranking last on the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index. It is a landlocked, sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought cycles, desertification, a 2.9% population growth rate, and the drop in world demand for uranium have undercut the economy.
[edit] Life
- Niger has a high number of children who suffer from malnutrition. Many little children are dying from widespread disease.
[edit] Population
- Niger has a population of 12.5 million (2005).
[edit] Peoples
among others.
- The Songhai people: A church has adopted a 48 kilometer stretch of road where nearly 40,000 ± unreached Songhai live. The road is called the Road to Mehanna. God allowed to baptize the first believers on the road March 07. They are going strong, but with much suffering and persecution.
[edit] Urbanization
- The Cities of Niger
- Niamey, capital
[edit] History
- Niger achieved independence from France in 1960. For three decades the country was under military rule until public pressure led to multi-party elections in 1991. Niger subsequently experienced two coups, the first of which took place in 1996 and restored military rule. The second coup restored multi-party democracy.
[edit] Economy
- Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world.
- Pray for new economic revitalization in Niger. The drought-prone country sometimes struggles to feed its people. Its main export, uranium, is prone to price fluctuations, and agriculture is threatened by the encroaching desert. Pray for favor as Niger bargains on oil exploration and gold mining to boost its wealth.
[edit] Religion
- 80% of the population practices Islam, the remainder either Christianity or indigenous beliefs.
[edit] Islam
[edit] Buddhism
[edit] Christianity
[edit] Churches
[edit] Challenges for Christians:
- Christian radio stations in Niger’s capital, Niamey, have helped prepare the hearts of many nomadic Tamajaq and Fulani. Some Fulani, feeling the effects of famine, are opening up to the message of Jesus due to the response of Christians who brought relief to them. Encouraging progress is also being made among the Tamajaq. There are too few missionaries to cover all the opportunities. Nevertheless, national believers have a growing vision for church planting and evangelism. Challenges include a shortage of pastors, educated Christian women, and mature, well-trained leadership.
[edit] Church and State Relations
- Freedom of Religion.
[edit] Mission
- This Muslim land is open for the gospel, and the loving ministry of Christian aid missionaries has won credibility for the gospel. Yet response has been small and church growth slow. It is important that the Christians would show practical care to those in need.
- Muslims are more receptive than ever before, yet response has been small and church growth slow. Islam is strong and well-organized. There is an Islamic university 54km from Niamey. Pray that the land may remain open, and that every social, religious and spiritual barrier to the knowledge of the Lord may be removed. The spiritual effects of folk Islam and demonic oppression are a major hindrance to people coming to Christ.
[edit] Councils and Networks
[edit] Broadcasting
- Pray that Niger’s private radio stations will plant many seeds in the hearts of these precious people and that Christians may use this medium for the glory of God. Pray that all 27 languages and dialects of Niger will soon have a radio broadcast, Gospel recordings, and a complete Bible.
