People groups of Niger
The Republic of Niger is one of the world's poorest nations, situated just south of the Sahara Desert, in the sub-Saharan region called Sahel. The population of Niger is 8.3 million, most of whom live in the southwest. Average live expectancy is 45 years. 228 children out of every 1,000 dies before they reach 5, and most of the people live below subsistence level in the best of years.
Poverty seems to be increasing because of the collapse of the uranium market (Niger's only natural resource), recurring droughts and famines (90% of the work force today is agricultural). Niger is completely dependent on foreign aid. Because of the Tuareg rebellion in the north, and a recent army coup, foreign aid has been withheld and many development agencies have pulled out.
Arab and Berber influences give the nation a unique character. Islam is the major religion (90.5%). There is freedom of religion and there are about 20 mission organizations involved in the country. Regardless, the Nigerian church is small and the majority of believers are expatriates from other African countries.