Country Profile

Formal Name:  Republic of Niger 
Local Name:  République du Niger 
Government:  Military Junta
Structure:  7 Regions, subdivided into 36 departments & 265 communes
Formation:  August 3, 1960 (independence from France)
Motto:  Fraternité, Travail, Progrès
Anthem:  La Nigérienne
Languages:  French, Hausa, Fulfulde, Gulmancema
Population:  16 million
Area:  1,267,000 km2 (22nd)
Currency:  West African CFA franc (XOF)
Capital:  Niamey (800,000)