Niger is known for the Sahara Desert and ancient trade routes. It has a population of nearly 29 million, making it the 53rd largest country in the world. Its capital is Niamey. Niger has a uranium-mining economy with agricultural sector.

More than 50% of Niger’s population belongs to the Hausa, which also is the largest ethnic group of northern Nigeria, as well as the Zarma-Songhai. Both groups are sedentary farmers who live in the southern area of the country.

The rest of Nigeriens are nomadic or semi-nomadic and raise livestock. The Fulani, Kanuri, Arabs, Toubou, and Tuareg count for around 20% of the country’s population. With the country’s population rapidly increasing, creating more competition for scarce resources, the farmer and herders have clashed several times.