Niger Passport

The Republic of Niger, La R é publique du Niger.

【 Area 】 1267000 square kilometers.

Population: 27.07 million (2023). There are five major ethnic groups in China: the Hausa (56% of the national population), the Zhelma Sanghai (22%), the Pall (8.5%), the Tuareg (8%) and the Kanuri (4%). The official language is French. Each ethnic group has its own language, and Hausa language is widely spoken in most parts of the country. 90% of residents believe in Islam, 9% believe in primitive religions, and the rest believe in Christianity.

Niamey, the capital, has a population of 1.407 million as of 2022. The highest temperature is 41 ℃, the lowest temperature is 14 ℃, and the average temperature is 28.9 ℃.

Abdurahamane Tiani, Chairman of the National Committee for Defending the Motherland, will be appointed as the Chairman of the Committee and Head of State in July 2023.

National Day: August 3rd.

【 Overview 】 Located between latitude 11-23 degrees north and longitude 0-16 degrees east on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. It is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordering Chad to the east, Mali and Burkina Faso to the west, Benin and Nigeria to the south, and Algeria and Libya to the north. The northern region has a tropical desert climate, while the southern region has a tropical grassland climate. The country experiences two seasons of drought and rain throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of 30 ℃, making it one of the hottest countries in the world.

No unified dynasty has ever been formed in history. From the 7th to the 16th century, the northwest belonged to the Sanghai Empire. From the 8th to the 18th century, the eastern region belonged to the Bornu Empire. At the end of the 18th century, the Pall people established the Pall Empire in the central region. In 1904, it became a French West African territory. In 1922, it became a French colony. Obtained semi autonomous status in 1957. On December 18, 1958, it became an autonomous republic within the French Community. In July 1960, it withdrew from the French Community and officially declared independence on August 3. Hamani Diori was the first president. In April 1974, Colonel Saini Conche, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, launched a military coup, overthrew the Diori regime, established the Supreme Military Council, and appointed himself as Chairman and Head of State. In November 1987, Kong Che passed away and was succeeded by Colonel Ali Saib, the Chief of the General Staff. In 1990, a multi-party system was implemented. In March 1993, Mahaman Osman was elected president and formed the first democratically elected government. In January 1996, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Minasara Barre, staged a coup and came to power. He was elected as the President in July of the same year. In April 1999, the Chief of the Presidential Guard, Valam Wankai, launched a coup and shot Barre, who became the head of state and chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission. In November 1999, Nepal held presidential and parliamentary elections, and Mamadou Tanja was elected president. He was re elected in December 2004. Since May 2009, in order to seek continued governance, Tanjung has successively dissolved the National Assembly and reorganized the Constitutional Court, held a national referendum to pass the Constitution of the Sixth Republic, extended his term by three years, and lifted the re-election restrictions. He has been sanctioned by the Economic Community of West African States and the European Union, and Nepal has fallen into a constitutional crisis. On February 18, 2010, some Nepalese soldiers staged a coup, seized President Tanjung, took over state power, established the "Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy", and elected Jibo as its chairman. The military regime subsequently promised to return power to the people, establish a transitional government and a national consultative committee, and determine a one-year transitional period. In January 2011, Nepal held local, legislative, and first round presidential elections. In March, Issoufou, the candidate of the opposition Niger Democratic and Socialist Party, won the second round of presidential elections and was sworn in in April. He was re elected in March 2016. In December 2020, Nigeria held legislative and presidential elections. In February 2021, the Democratic Socialist Party candidate Bazum was elected with 55.66% support in the second round of the presidential election and was sworn in in April. After taking office, President Bazum continued the governance philosophy of former President Issoufou and implemented the "Reconstruction Plan Phase III".

On July 26, 2023, Niger soldiers detained President Bazoum and announced the establishment of the "Committee for the Defense of the Fatherland" to take over power. Commander of the Presidential Guard, Chiyani, was appointed as the chairman of the committee and head of state, and a transitional government was formed.

Since the end of 2009, terrorist forces such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb have infiltrated into the interior of Niger from the border areas with Mali, Algeria, and other countries, carrying out a series of hostage taking incidents and multiple exchanges of fire with government forces. Since 2015, several terrorist attacks have occurred in the regions of Nidifa, Tilaburi, and Tawa, causing significant casualties. The Nepalese government has declared a state of emergency in these areas. Due to the situation in Libya and Mali, as well as the terrorist activities of Boko Haram, a large number of refugees have flooded into Nepal. In 2022, there were at least 18 terrorist attacks in Nepal, resulting in over a hundred deaths. In 2023, there were 18 terrorist attacks in Nepal, resulting in over 180 deaths. Since 2024, there have been at least 10 terrorist attacks in Nepal, resulting in at least 114 deaths.

In July 2023, the Niger National Committee for the Defense of the Fatherland took over power and announced the abolition of the Constitution of the Seventh Republic. A new constitution has not yet been promulgated.

In July 2023, the Niger National Committee for the Defense of the Fatherland took over power and announced the dissolution of the parliament. A new parliament has not yet been established.

The transitional government of Niger was established in August 2023 and reorganized in August 2024. At present, there are 23 members including 1 Prime Minister, 2 State Ministers, 19 Ministers, and 1 Ministerial Representative. The list is as follows: Lamine Zeine Ali Mahaman, Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance; Salifou Mody, Minister of Defense; Mohamed Toumba, Minister of Interior, Public Security, and Land Management; Garba Hakimi, Minister of Public Health, Population, and Social Affairs; Abdurahamane Amadou, Minister of Youth and Sports; Salissou Mahaman Salissou, Minister of Transport and Equipment. u), Minister of Mines Abarchi Ousmane, Maizama Abdoulaye, Minister of Water Resources, Cleanliness, and Environment; Bakary Yaou Sangare, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Niger Diaspora; Soumana Boubacar, Director of the Office of the Chairman of the National Committee for the Defense of the Motherland (Ministerial Level); Mahaman Elhadji Ousmane, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock; Mahamadou Saidou, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Technological Innovation; Elizabeth Cherif, Minister of National Education, Literacy, Vocational Education, and Promotion of Ethnic Languages; and Alio Daouda, Minister of Justice, Human Rights, and Seal keeping. Daouda, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, Salissou Sahirou Adamou, Minister of Urban Planning and Housing, Aissa Lawan Wanda, Minister of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management, Sahabi Oumarou, Minister of Petroleum, Soufiane Agchaichata Guichene, Minister of Crafts and Tourism, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, Minister of Communications, Postal and Digital Economy, Seydou Asman, Minister of Trade and Industry, Amadou Haoua, Minister of Energy, Moumouni Boubacar Saidou, the representative of the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

[Administrative divisions] The country is divided into 7 regions, namely Tilabe, Doso, Tawa, Maradi, Zinder, Agadez, and Difa, as well as 1 regional city, the capital Niamey, 63 provinces, and 266 towns.

In July 2023, the Niger National Committee for the Defense of the Fatherland took over power and announced the dissolution of the highest judicial institutions that exercise judicial power, such as the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, State Administrative Court, and Audit Court. In October, Niger established the National Court as the highest judicial authority in the country.

The multi-party system was implemented in November 1990. In July 2023, the Niger National Committee for the Defense of the Fatherland took over power and announced the closure of political party activities. Previously, there were over 100 legal political parties in Nepal, mainly including:

(1) The Niger Party for Democracy and Socialism - Tarayya (Parti Nig é rien pour la D é mocratie et le Socialisme Tarayya) is the largest party in parliament and the ruling party. Established on January 8, 1991, mainly composed of workers and intellectuals, concentrated in Tawa Province. It is a left-wing political party with national influence, advocating the establishment of a stable and modern democratic republic system based on freedom, democracy, justice, and fairness, and promoting political and economic integration on the African continent. International connections are extensive, with connections to the French Socialist Party as well as political parties in countries such as Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Senegal. Became a member of the Socialist International in 1996. Former presidents Issoufou and Bazoum were successively elected as party chairpersons.

(2) Strive for the African Union Democratic Movement of Niger - Lumana (le Mouvement D é mocratique Nig é rien pour une F é d é ration Africaine Lumana Africa). Established in March 2010. The members are mainly from the Western Cherma ethnic group and were formed by splitting from the National Development Social Movement Party. It has a significant impact in places such as Tilaburi and Niamey. Advocate upholding the principles of democracy and sovereignty among the people, maintaining national unity and the stability of the country's politics and system. The first party congress was held in July 2010, and Hama Amadou was elected as the party chairman. From April 2011 to August 2014, Hama served as the Speaker of the National Assembly. Later, the party fell into a split.

(3) Moument National pour la Soci é t é de D é evelopment - Nassara. The former ruling party and the main opposition party lost their governing position after the February 2010 coup. Its predecessor was the only political party during the Saipan era, the National Social Development Movement, established in May 1989. After implementing a multi-party system, Nepal changed its name to its current name in March 1991. The party has a broad social foundation and a strong influence among the vast number of farmers and herdsmen. Advocate for achieving social unity and stability through dialogue, promote economic development, and ensure that the impoverished class enjoys basic social services. In November 1999, the party won the presidential and legislative elections, regaining its position as the ruling party. In July 2002, became a member of the African Democratic Union and the International Democratic Union. In February 2009, Saini Omaru was elected as the party chairman. In March 2010, former party chairman Hama established a new party, which weakened its power.

(4) The Republican Patriotic Movement Party (Mouvement Patriotique pour la R é publique). Established in October 2015, it originated from the split of the National Development Social Movement Party.

【 Important Person 】 Abdulrahman Ciani: Chairman of the National Committee for Defending the Motherland. Born in 1961 in the Nitiraberry region, practicing Islam. Obtained a Bachelor's degree in Literature. A professional soldier who has served as the director of the General Staff Operations Center, commander of defense zones, and commander of the Presidential Guard. Currently holds the rank of Brigadier General. I have received training at military academies in France and other countries, and have participated in multiple United Nations peacekeeping operations. In July 2023, appointed as the Chairman of the Committee for Defending the Motherland.

Lamin Zene Ali Mahaman: Transitional Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance. Born in 1965 in the Nizindel region. An economics expert who previously worked at the African Development Bank. From 2001 to 2010, he successively served as the Director of the Office of the President of Nepal and the Minister of Finance. In August 2023, appointed as the Transitional Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance.

The economy is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry, and is one of the least developed countries listed by the United Nations. After President Tanjung took office, he strengthened macroeconomic regulation, reorganized the country's finances, and Western countries and international financial institutions gradually resumed their aid to Nepal. Nepal became a target country for the "heavily indebted poor countries debt reduction plan" and the "poverty reduction and growth loan", and its economic situation improved to some extent. After the 2009 constitutional crisis in Nepal, some countries stopped providing aid to Nepal, and the country's financial situation deteriorated. In addition, food production was severely affected by the climate, resulting in poor harvests. After President Issoufou took office, he introduced the "Revitalization Plan" and the "2012-2015 Economic and Social Development Plan", actively promoted infrastructure construction, and initially established the country's petrochemical industry. At the same time, he held a financing roundtable in Paris to seek foreign aid and investment. After President Issoufou's re-election in 2016, he continued to promote the "Grain Self Sufficiency Initiative", "Revitalization Plan Phase II", and "2016-2020 Economic and Social Development Plan", vigorously developing industries such as agriculture, energy, electricity, and transportation, and committed to rectifying the economy and improving people's livelihoods, achieving certain results and maintaining a small economic growth. After President Bazum took office, he issued the "Government General Policy Declaration" and implemented the "Reconstruction Plan Phase Three". However, Nepal's economic foundation is weak, and it is greatly affected by natural disasters, international market fluctuations, and domestic security situations, making it still very difficult overall. Since 2020, affected by the COVID-19, Nigeria's economic difficulties have intensified. Since late July 2023, the Economic Community of West African States has imposed economic sanctions on Nepal, and France, the United States, the European Union, and others have successively suspended economic, financial, and financing support to Nepal.

The main economic data of Nepal in 2023 are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product: 17.07 billion US dollars.

Per capita Gross Domestic Product: 630 US dollars.

Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate: 4.1%.

Currency name: African Financial Community Franc, abbreviated as CFA Franc.

Exchange rate: 1 US dollar=605.7 African francs.

Inflation rate: 4.6%.

(Source: International Monetary Fund)

【 Resources 】 The proven uranium reserves are 420000 tons. Phosphate reserves are 1.254 billion tons, but have not yet been developed. The coal reserves are 6 million tons. The preliminary proven oil reserves are about 499 million tons. There are also mineral deposits such as tin, iron, gypsum, and gold.

The foundation of industry is weak, with industrial output accounting for 20.1% of the gross domestic product in 2020. The main industries include petroleum refining, mining, electricity, textiles, agricultural and animal husbandry product processing, food, construction, and transportation. According to the 1998-1999 economic reform plan, Nepal began to privatize state-owned enterprises in areas such as telecommunications, energy, water, and fuel. The main large-scale uranium mining joint ventures are SOMAIR and COMINAK, with the Nepalese government holding 33% and 31% of the shares, respectively. Due to depleted uranium reserves, Akuta Mining Company ceased production in March 2021. In recent years, Nepal's uranium production has declined, with uranium production of 2982 tons and 2992 tons in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In 2024, the Niger government reclaimed the exploration and mining rights of the Niim uranium mine held by the French company ORANO. In October, Ayier Mining Company ceased production due to operational difficulties. In 2003, PetroChina signed an oil cooperation agreement with the Nepalese government and obtained exploration licenses for two oil controlled areas, TENERE and BILMA. In 2008, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding for the Agadham block product sharing agreement and refinery joint venture agreement, jointly investing in the construction of the Zundel Refinery (SORAZ). In 2011, the Zundel Refinery (SORAZ) produced its first barrel of refined oil, making Niger an oil producing country. In 2019, PetroChina signed a second phase oil cooperation project agreement with the Nepalese government to build an oil field with an annual production capacity of 4.5 million tons and construct a 1980 kilometer export pipeline spanning Niger and Benin. In March 2024, the second phase project and the Nibei oil pipeline will be completed.

The primary industries such as agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, and fishery are the most important economic sectors. In 2020, the output value of agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, and fishery accounted for 38.4% of the gross domestic product, and nearly 79% of the country's labor force is engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. Grain production is unstable, with a cultivated land area of 16.28 million hectares in 2020. The main grain crops include millet (3.5 million tons), sorghum (2.13 million tons), potatoes (460000 tons), and beans. In 2016, Nepal experienced another food shortage, with over 2 million people facing food shortages. In 2020, Nepal suffered a major flood disaster, causing over 630000 people nationwide to be affected and 7000 hectares of farmland to be flooded. In 2020, the total number of livestock in China was 16.139 million cattle, 13.654 million sheep, and 1.858 million camels.

The forest resources are scarce, and the forestry output value accounted for about 2% of the gross domestic product in 2019. Due to population growth, extensive cultivation of arable land, and the daily use of firewood as the main fuel for residents, the forest area is shrinking at an average annual rate of 2.4%, from 16 million hectares in the early 1970s to 9.38 million hectares in 2020.

The tourism industry started in the 1980s. Main tourist attractions: W Nature Reserve and Niger River Valley in the south, and Ayer Highlands, Jado Plateau, Agadez Tuareg Ethnic City, and Tenere Desert in the north. The Niger Africa International Fashion Festival is an important tourism event in Nigeria, first held in 1998. The most recent event was held in 2021. Since 1997, Nepal has successively launched characteristic tourism projects such as "hunting tourism" and "museum tourism".

【 Transportation 】 Nepal is an inland country. Import and export materials are mainly transported and air freighted through neighboring ports such as Cotonou, Lagos, and Lom é. Since late July 2023, the border between Niger and Benin has been closed due to factors such as sanctions imposed by the Western Community on Nigeria, and the import and export channels of goods transported through the port of Cotonou have been obstructed.

Railway: In January 2016, the "Niamey Doso" section of the four country railway loop project "Kotonu Niamey Wagadugu Abidjan" was completed. The railway is 143 kilometers long and is the first railway in Nigeria, but it has never been put into commercial operation. According to the plan, the railway will be extended to the Nepalese border city of Gaya in the future, and then enter Benin until the port of Cotonou.

Highway: In 2020, the total length was 21353 kilometers, of which 4908 kilometers were asphalt roads, accounting for 22.9%, and the rest were dirt roads. From 2011 to 2020, Nepal built 1114 kilometers of asphalt roads and repaired 729 kilometers of roads.

Air freight: There are three international airports in Niamey, Agadez, and Zinder, as well as 12 local airports. Niamey Airport can accommodate Boeing 747 large passenger planes, while Agadez and Zinder airports can accommodate 737 passenger planes. There are 14 airlines operating international routes in Nigeria, including Air France, Algerian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Moroccan Airlines, Türkiye Airlines, ASKY Airlines and Burkina Faso Airlines. In 2020, affected by the COVID-19, the Nigerian government suspended international commercial passenger flights from the middle of March until August 1, when the passenger volume of Niamey International Airport was 180000. In 2021, there were a total of 20200 commercial flights taking off and landing at civil airports in Nepal, with a passenger volume of 310000. Among them, there were 9123 takeoff and landing flights at Niamey International Airport, with a passenger volume of 259000 and a cargo volume of 901800 tons. Since the second half of 2023, due to the strained relations between Niger and France, Air France has suspended operations on the Paris Niamey route, and the Nigerian government does not allow French aircraft to fly over its airspace.

Water transportation: The Niger River runs 550 kilometers across the country, with small motorized cargo ships passing through. During the rainy season, larger ships can be sailed.

Postal services are available nationwide in the telecommunications industry. There are currently four telecommunications companies, AIRTEL, ZAMANI, MOOV, and NIGER TELECOM, covering major cities across the country. In 2022, Nigeria will have 117000 registered fixed phone users and 16.04 million mobile phone users, with a penetration rate of 63% for mobile phones and 37% for mobile Internet.

The national fiscal budget heavily relies on foreign aid. In 2022, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Canada, and others provided 349 billion West African francs in budget support to the Nepalese government. In 2000, the World Bank included Nepal in the list of countries under the "heavily indebted poor countries debt reduction initiative", and Nepal received a debt reduction of 686 billion CFA francs, accounting for 53.5% of its total external debt. In 2020, Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves were 1.204 billion US dollars, and its financial budget was originally set at 2.27 trillion West African francs. Later, in order to deal with the COVID-19, the Nigerian government revised its budget twice, raising the total budget to 2.51 trillion West African francs. In 2021, Nepal's total external debt was 4.773 billion US dollars, foreign exchange reserves were 1.168 billion US dollars, and the fiscal budget was 2.82 trillion West African francs, an increase of 181.55 billion West African francs from before. The initial budget for Nepal in 2022 was 2.90 trillion West African francs, which was later increased to 3.12 trillion West African francs. However, there have been significant changes in Nepal's political and economic situation since then. (Source: International Monetary Fund, Ministry of Finance of Niger official website)

In 2000, the World Bank included Nepal in the list of countries under the "heavily indebted poor countries debt reduction initiative", and Nepal received a debt reduction of 686 billion CFA francs, accounting for 53.5% of its total external debt. According to statistics from the International Monetary Fund, Niger's debt ratio reached 44.8% in 2020, which is lower than the international standard of 70%. The debt is mainly medium and long-term, and the debt scale is moderately controllable. There is still considerable room for borrowing, but it must comply with the relevant borrowing regulations of the International Monetary Fund.

The financial sector includes commercial banks, insurance companies, postal savings offices, and the National Social Security Foundation. In 2020, the output value of the financial industry accounted for 1.3% of the gross domestic product.

The main banks include: SONIBANK, formerly the National Bank of Niger, BIA, BOA, and BON, among others.

The main exports of foreign trade include uranium, oil, and gold. In 2020, uranium and oil exports accounted for 38.4% and 26% of the annual export revenue, respectively. The foreign trade volume in 2021 was 3.87 billion US dollars, including 1.204 billion US dollars in exports and 2.666 billion US dollars in imports. The main export countries are Nigeria, Burkina Faso, China, and Mali. The main importing countries are China, the United States, France, and Germany. (Source: Third Quarter 2021 London Economic Quarterly Review, Niger National Bureau of Statistics)

Heavy dependence on foreign aid. The main aid countries and international organizations include France, the United States, Germany, Japan, the European Union, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. In December 2017, Nepal held a fundraising conference for the 2017-2021 Economic and Social Development Plan in Paris, France, raising a total of 23 billion US dollars. As of June 2019, 75% of the foreign committed funds have been implemented. In May 2018, the EU mission in Nepal announced that it would invest 7.5 million euros over 18 months to help restore peace and stability in the Niyafa region and the volatile northern regions. In July 2018, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani announced during the Sahel Five (G5) Presidents' Summit held in Niamey that the EU would provide € 30 million in aid to Nigeria. In February 2019, the United Nations signed a framework agreement with the government of Niger for the 2019-2021 United Nations Development Assistance Program, announcing that it would provide $316 million in funding to Nigeria over the next three years and raise $489 million to carry out humanitarian operations in the country. In June, the European Union signed an agreement with the Nepalese government to provide 86 million euros in budget aid to help Nepal resist economic risks and improve its financial system. In August, the European Union signed an agreement with the Nepalese government to provide 10 million euros in budget assistance to support the development of public finance, security, justice, immigration and other fields in Nepal. In October, the European Union provided 15 million euros in budget aid to the Nepalese government to support the development of areas such as food safety, agriculture, and water conservancy. In the same month, Japan and the Nepalese government signed two agreements to provide a total of 7.5 billion West African francs in aid to Nepal to support the development of agriculture, water conservancy, and other fields. In June 2021, the World Bank signed a financing agreement with Nepal for a total of $335 million to implement projects such as improving road infrastructure in northeastern Nepal, adaptive social networks, and livestock farming in the Sahel region. In August 2023, France, Germany, the European Union, and others suspended their aid to Nepal, and the United States also suspended some of its aid.

According to the Human Development Index released by the United Nations Development Programme's 2022 Human Development Report, Niger ranks 189th in terms of people's livelihoods. In 2017, the birth rate was 45.5 ‰, the mortality rate was 7.3 ‰, the infant mortality rate was 95.5 ‰, the population growth rate was 3.8%, and the average life expectancy was 64.5 years. There are 56 public medical and health institutions at all levels in China, including 7 national level hospitals and medical centers, 7 provincial level hospitals, 5 private hospitals, 36 county and city level health bureaus and hospitals, and 1 obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The national medical coverage rate is 92%. In 2020, there was an average of 1 doctor per 20351 people and 1 nurse per 3208 people. The main diseases include meningitis, poliomyelitis, malaria, cholera, etc. COVID-19 epidemic broke out in Nigeria in March 2020.

In 2020, the coverage of sanitary drinking water in Nepal was 72.39%, the national electricity penetration rate was 29.75%, and 98.45% of the rural population had no access to electricity services.

The armed forces consist of the military, gendarmerie, police, Republican Guard, and Presidential Guard. The military forces consist of the army and air force, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense and commanded by the General Staff Department. The quasi military forces include the gendarmerie, police, Republican Guard, and Presidential Guard. Except for the gendarmerie, which is under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense, the rest are under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior. The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces. Implement a military service system that combines conscripts and volunteers. The military court was established in November 2003. Current Chief of General Staff: Moussa Barmou.

The regular army has a force of 40000 people, including two branches of the army and air force. There are three military districts in Niamey, Agadez, and Zinder throughout the country. The Air Force has one Boeing 737 aircraft and four transport planes. In 2022, Türkiye will deliver 6 TB-2 UAVs to the Nepal Army. There are 48000 paramilitary forces, including 15000 military police, 16000 police, and 17000 Republican Guard. The defense budgets for 2017, 2018, and 2019 accounted for 17.56%, 21.56%, and 14.5% of the fiscal budget for that year, respectively. Nepal has signed military cooperation agreements with France, the United States, Germany, Italy, and other countries. In August 2023, the Niger National Committee for the Defense of the Fatherland announced the cancellation of the military cooperation agreement signed with France. In March 2024, Nepal announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with the United States. In June, Nepal announced that it would not renew its military cooperation agreement with Germany.

Before the 1990s, national education accounted for over 20% of the national budget, but since the mid-1990s, it has accounted for less than 10%. After President Issoufou took office in 2011, the Nepalese government allocated 20% of its annual budget to education. There are a total of 18276 primary schools, 871 middle schools, normal schools, and various vocational schools in China. The cultural popularization rates of primary school, junior high school, and high school are 76.1%, 19.8%, and 4.1%, respectively. The adult literacy rate is 29%. Compulsory education for children under the age of 16 has been popularized. There are 9 higher education institutions including Niamey University and Islamic University.

News agencies are managed by the Ministry of Communications, and the Supreme News Council is responsible for formulating relevant laws and regulations on news and supervising the implementation of press freedom. There are a total of 23 newspapers in the country, including 2 state-owned newspapers and the rest are private newspapers. The official newspaper, Le Sahel, is the only daily newspaper in the country, founded in 1974. It publishes the daily newspaper from Monday to Thursday and the weekend edition, Sahel Dimanche, on Friday, with a circulation of 5000 copies. Private newspapers mainly include 'The Wheel of History', 'The Republicans',' The Investigator ', etc., each with a circulation of 1500 to 2000 copies.

Niger News Agency: The official news agency, established in 1987. There are 5 journalist stations across the country, with no overseas reporters, mainly receiving telegrams from Agence France Presse and Pan African News Agency. In April 1997, a news exchange and cooperation agreement was signed with Xinhua News Agency, and international news mainly uses Xinhua News Agency's telegrams.

Voice of the Sahel: National Radio, founded in 1958 and managed by the French Overseas Broadcasting Corporation. Broadcasts for 14 hours every day, in addition to French, it also broadcasts in 8 ethnic languages including Hausa, Jemma, Kanuli, Arabic, and Tubu, with a program coverage rate of 95%. Radio France Internationale has a broadcasting station in Niamey, broadcasting 24 hours a day. Since 2007, China Radio International has launched FM programs in Niamey, Maradi, Zinder, and Agadez cities.

Sahel Television: National Television, established in 1975. Since November 1988, it has been broadcast every day in French and six national languages, covering 70% of the country's land area and 80% of the country's population. The TAL-TV digital channel was launched in December 2001.

We adhere to a peaceful and neutral foreign policy, advocating for the development of friendly relations with all countries or organizations on the basis of equality, mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The policy of implementing diplomacy to serve domestic political and economic development. Emphasize the development of relationships with Western powers, international financial institutions, and developing countries. Adhere to neighborly friendship and actively participate in regional affairs. In response to the increasingly rampant terrorist activities and smuggling of weapons and drugs in the Sahel Sahara region in recent years, we will strengthen cooperation with countries such as Mali, Mauritania, and Algeria to jointly combat terrorism and smuggling crimes. Peacekeeping forces have been dispatched to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, and C ô te d'Ivoire, and civilian police have been dispatched to East Timor. In recent years, troops have been sent to participate in peacekeeping operations in Mali and have formed a multinational joint force with Nigeria, Chad, and other countries to enter Nigeria to combat Boko Haram; Establish the Sahel Five Group (G5) with Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, and form a G5 joint force. Actively participate in the high-level coordination meeting on Sahel issues and the financing coordination meeting for priority investment plans, and raise funds for the G5 joint forces. From February 2018 to February 2019, Niger served as the rotating chair of the G5. In June 2019, Niger was elected as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term. In the same month, President Issoufou was elected as the rotating chairman of the Western Community and stepped down in September 2020. In September 2020, Niger assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council. In December 2021, President Bazoom presided over a high-level debate of the United Nations Security Council in New York on the theme of "Maintaining International Peace and Security in the Context of Terrorism and Climate Change". In December 2022, President Bazoum was elected as the Chairman of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). In late July 2023, the National Committee for the Defense of the Fatherland in Niger took over power and announced the recognition and continuation of all cooperation agreements previously signed by the Nigerian government with foreign countries, but relations with the Economic Community of West African States, France, and other countries were tense.

France is the former suzerain state, largest aid donor, and major military partner of Nigeria. In May 2018, President Issoufou visited France for a working visit. In June, President Issoufou visited France again and signed a cooperation agreement worth 47.5 million euros. In July, the French Defense Minister visited Nepal. In November, President Issoufou went to France to attend a series of commemorative events for the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. In June 2019, President Issoufou visited France for a private visit. In October, President Yusuf attended the Global Conference on AIDS, Malaria and tuberculosis in France. In January 2020, President Issoufou went to France to attend the Sahel Five Group Counter Terrorism Summit. In April, Nepalese Foreign Minister Kara and Defense Minister Katambe attended a video conference between the foreign ministers of G5 member states and France. In July, the French Development Agency signed three agreements with the Nepalese government, deciding to provide a total of 60 million euros in financing to help Nepal address food security issues. In October, Farni signed an agreement to provide 18 million euros in financing to support healthcare and youth work in Nepal. In November, the French Defense Minister and Foreign Minister visited Nepal successively. In January 2021, President Issoufou visited France. In April 2021, the French Foreign Minister attended the inauguration ceremony of President Bazum in Niamey; Jacques, Vice President of the French National Assembly and Chairman of the France Niger Friendship Group, visited Nigeria. In May, President Bazoum went to France to attend the African Economic Community Financing Summit. In July, President Bazoum visited France and met with President Macron. In July 2022, the French Defense Minister and Foreign Minister jointly visited Nepal and met with President Bazoum and Foreign Minister Hasumi respectively. In December, President Bazoum met with President Macron in Paris, France and chaired the Niger Economic and Social Development Roundtable. In June 2023, President Bazoum will attend the New Global Financing Compact Summit in France. Since July, relations between Niger and France have become increasingly tense. At the end of December, the French army stationed in Niger withdrew at the request of the Nepalese side.

Nepal established diplomatic relations with the United States in 1960. In the 1980s, the relationship between the two countries developed rapidly, and Nepalese head of state Kong Che visited the United States twice. In the early 1990s, the United States provided approximately $20 million in aid to Nepal annually. After the Barre coup came to power in January 1996, the United States suspended official aid to Nepal. After Tanjung was elected president at the end of 1999, the United States resumed its aid to Nepal. In March 2018, President Issoufou met with a delegation from the US Africa Command. In April, Christopher Koons, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and Congressman, visited Nepal. In February 2019, US Deputy Secretary of State Hale visited Nepal and handed over a batch of anti malaria drugs and other supplies worth approximately $3.5 million. In June, the United States donated a batch of military equipment worth $21 million to the Nepalese Ministry of Defense. In September, President Issoufou met with a delegation from the US Africa Command. In October, President Issoufou met with the delegation of the United States Congress. In January 2020, the Nigeria Food Security Development Project funded by the US Agency for International Development was launched in Niamey, and the US will provide $153 million in aid to Nigeria over five years. In May, the United States donated military transportation equipment worth a total of $1.43 million to the Nepalese army. In July, the United States launched an agricultural development project worth 3 billion West African francs under the framework of the Millennium Challenge Corporation's aid program in Nepal. In August, the United States donated military vehicles worth a total of 4 billion West African francs to the Nepalese army. In September, the special envoy from the Sahel region visited Nepal. In May 2021, the "KULAWA" maternal and child, family planning cooperation project worth 29.5 billion West African francs, funded by the US Agency for International Development, was launched. In June, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on preventing illegal trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials. In July, the United States provided two batches of 302400 doses of Johnson&Johnson COVID-19 vaccine assistance to Nigeria. In August, US Deputy Secretary of State Newland visited Nepal. In July 2022, Nepalese Foreign Minister Hasumi visited the United States and met with US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman and US Presidential Assistant for National Security Affairs Sullivan. In September, President Bazum went to the United States to attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, during which he met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the United States. In December, President Bazum went to the United States to attend the second US Africa Summit. In March 2023, American Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Nigeria, becoming the first American Secretary of State to visit. In October, the United States announced the suspension of economic and financial assistance and financing support to Nepal. In December, Molly Feynman, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs of the United States, visited Nepal and announced the conditional resumption of cooperation with Nepal. In March 2024, Nepal announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with the United States. In April, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell met with Niger's transitional government Prime Minister Zine in Washington, D.C., and reached an agreement on the withdrawal plan of US troops. In September, all US troops will withdraw from Niger.

After the coup d 'é tat in Nepal in April 1999, Germany suspended its aid to Nepal. In 2000, Nepalese Prime Minister Hama visited Germany and Germany resumed its aid to Nepal. In August 2018, President Issoufou visited Germany. In November, the German Defense Minister visited Nepal and donated 10 military vehicles to Nepal. In May 2019, German Chancellor Merkel visited Nepal and announced that she would provide 25 million euros to Nepal for the development of education, health and other fields. In June, the defense ministries of the two countries signed an agreement to donate a batch of military engineering equipment worth $1.5 million to Nepal. In May 2020, Deutsche Bank donated a batch of anti epidemic supplies worth 151 million West African francs to Nepal; In June, the German and Nepalese governments signed an agreement to provide 520 million West African francs in military aid to Nepal. In July, the German government decided to provide 24 million euros in aid to Nepal through the United Nations Food Programme; The German Bank for Reconstruction and Development donated 14 cars to the Nepalese health department. In August, Germany donated a total value of 131 million West African francs worth of nucleic acid testing kits to the Nigerian Ministry of Public Health through the German International Cooperation Agency. In November, the German Renaissance Credit Bank signed an agreement with the Nepalese government to provide 6.56 billion West African francs to Nepal under the Education and Employment Promotion Program to ensure people's livelihoods. In July 2021, President Bazum visited Germany and met with German Chancellor Merkel. In May 2022, German Prime Minister Schultz visited Nepal. In April 2023, German Defense Minister Brecht visited Nepal. In June, Niger announced that it would no longer renew its military cooperation agreement with Germany.

Japan is one of the main aid countries to Nepal. Since 1976, Japan has provided approximately 240 billion CFA francs in unpaid aid to Nepal. In June 2019, Hinata donated 6503 tons of rice worth 500 million yen to Nepal and promised to provide a total of 2.235 billion CFA francs in aid to Nepal in the near future. In August, President Issoufou went to Japan to attend the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. In October, President Issoufu went to Japan to attend the coronation ceremony of the new emperor. In February 2020, Hinata donated 7290 tons of rice worth approximately 500 million yen. In July, the Hinata Ni Food Products Office donated transportation vehicles worth 821 million West African francs. In August, Japan signed an agreement with the Nepalese government to provide medical equipment and rice aid worth 25 billion West African francs to Nepal. In September, Japan donated 100 million West African francs worth of supplies to Nepal through the International Cooperation Agency to cope with the flood disaster.

Maintain long-term good neighborly and friendly relations with neighboring countries, but after the July 26 coup in Niger, tensions have arisen with some neighboring countries. In 2018, President Issoufou visited Nigeria, attended the high-level international conference on the Sahel in Belgium, attended the African Union special summit in Rwanda and signed the African Free Trade Agreement, attended the joint summit in Togo, attended the 50th anniversary celebration of independence in Equatorial Guinea, attended the funding meeting for the Sahel Five (G5) priority investment plan in Mauritania, and attended the special summit of leaders of member countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in Nigeria. The Prime Minister of Mali, Chairman of the West African Economic and Monetary Union Commission, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, and Chairman of the Western Community Commission visited Nepal respectively. In February 2019, President Issoufou attended the G5 Summit in Burkina Faso and the 32nd African Union Summit in Ethiopia. In April, President Issoufou attended the inauguration ceremony of President Sall in Senegal and the special summit of the heads of state of the Community of Sahel Saharan States in Chad. In May, President Issoufou visited Cote d'Ivoire and went to Burkina Faso to attend the special summit of the Sahel Group of Five (G5). In June, President Issoufou visited Togo, attended the inauguration ceremony of President Buhari in Nigeria, and attended the 55th West African Economic Community (ECOWAS) summit. In July, the special summit for the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the coordination meeting between the African Union and sub regional economies were held in the capital of Niger, Niamey. In September, President Issoufou visited Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Ghana to attend the 9th Africa Agriculture Green Revolution Forum, and Burkina Faso to attend the Western Community Special Summit. In February 2020, President Issoufou attended the 33rd African Union Summit in Ethiopia; Attend the Sahel Group of Five (G5) summit in Mauritania. In March, the first meeting of the fifth session of the Spanish Community Parliament was held in Niamey; In April, President Issoufou presided over the special video summit on epidemic response among member states of the Economic Community of West African States as the rotating chairman, and attended the special video summit of member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. In June, President Issoufou attended the second special summit of the African Union to combat the pandemic and went to Mauritania to attend the summit of the Sahel Group of Five (G5). In July, President Issoufou attended the video summit of the Permanent Inter State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel region as the chairman of the Western Community, and presided over a special video conference on the issue of Mali in the Western Community. In August, President Issoufou presided over two special video summits on the political crisis in Mali as the rotating chairman of the Western Community. In September, President Issoufou presided over the Western Community Summit and visited Guinea Bissau for work. In October, President Issoufou paid a friendly visit to Burkina Faso and the Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau visited Nepal. In November, foreign ministers from Togo, Benin, Libya and other countries went to Nigeria to attend the 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In December, President Issoufou attended the inauguration ceremony of President Ouattara in Cote d'Ivoire and the inauguration ceremony of President Kabore in Burkina Faso; Mali's transitional president and Togo's president visit Nepal. In January 2021, President Issoufou went to Ghana to attend the inauguration ceremony of elected President Akufo Addo and attended the Western Community Video Summit; Mali's Vice President Asimi Goita visits Nepal. In February, President Issoufou visited Congo (Brazzaville) for work and attended the Sahel Five Summit in Chad, while Prime Minister Rafini attended the Western Community Video Summit; Mali's transitional president Ba Ndo visits Nepal. In April, heads of state and government from over ten African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, and Chad, went to Niamey to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Bazoum; President Bazum visited Nigeria for work and attended the funeral of the late President Deby in Chad. In May, President Bazoum went to Nigeria to attend the special summit of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and to Ghana to attend the special summit of the heads of state of the Western Community on the situation in Mali. In July, President Bazoum visited Algeria for work and reached a consensus on reopening the border. In September, President Bazoum met with the Libyan Prime Minister and met with delegations of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of West African countries and Morocco. In October, President Bazoum visited Burkina Faso. In December, President Bazoum went to Senegal to attend the 7th International Peace and Security Forum. In January 2022, President Bazoum went to Accra, Ghana to attend a special summit of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO). In February, President Bazum went to Ethiopia to attend the African Union summit. In March, President Bazoum visited Nigeria, and in May, President Bazoum went to Equatorial Guinea to attend the African Union Special Summit. In July, President Bazoum visited Chad and attended the 61st Summit of the Economic Community of West African States in Ghana. In November, the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification and the African Continental Free Trade Area was held in Niamey, the capital of Niger, and leaders of Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, the Comoros, Botswana and other countries attended. In March 2023, President Bazoum will visit Chad. In July, President Bazoum went to Guinea Bissau to attend the 63rd summit of the Western Community. Since July, the Western Community has threatened military intervention in Niger and imposed economic sanctions, assigning Togo to lead contacts with Niger. In September, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced the establishment of the Sahel Alliance of Nations. In January 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the Western Community. In the same month, the Western Community held a special summit and decided to lift economic sanctions against Nepal. In July, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced the establishment of the "Confederation of Sahel Countries".