Country Profiles: Niger Webquest Worksheet

Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa, named after the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of the country. Its capital and largest city is Niamey, serving as the political, economic, and cultural hub. Niger shares borders with Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Algeria, making it a key crossroads in the Sahel region. The country is dominated by desert landscapes, particularly the Sahara Desert in the north, while the south features savanna and agricultural areas.

Niger is a semi-presidential republic, but it has faced ongoing political instability, including military coups, with the most recent one occurring in 2023. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and uranium mining, though it remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Niger faces significant challenges such as climate change, desertification, population growth, and security threats from armed groups in the region. Despite these challenges, Niger has a rich cultural heritage, with over 20 ethnic groups and a blend of Islamic traditions, music, festivals, and crafts.

This Country Profile Webquest Worksheet helps students research Niger’s basic facts, geography, political system, economy, and cultural traditions, followed by reflection questions that encourage critical thinking about development, security, and identity. It’s ideal for Model United Nations (MUN) debates and geography lessons, providing insight into a strategically important country in West Africa.

Keywords:
Niger, Niamey, West Africa, Sahel, Sahara Desert, Niger River, landlocked country, semi-presidential republic, political instability, uranium mining, agriculture, livestock, desertification, climate change, population growth, security challenges, ethnic diversity, Islamic culture, festivals, geography, Model United Nations (MUN), Geography