Niger
The Republic of Niger is a landlocked country found in West Africa. It is bordered by Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Algeria. Its location places it in a turbulent region rife with political and religious violence, separatist and armed movements, intercommunal violence, and state collapse. Niger is over 1 million square kilometres (km) making it the largest country in West Africa and sixth largest in Africa. Its population in 2017 was estimated to be 21.5 million. Over 80 per cent of the land area lies in the Sahara Desert. Most people, around three-quarters of the population, live in the southern part of the country (around 12 per cent of the land area) where agriculture is possible. The capital and largest city, Niamey, has over 1 million inhabitants. Other important cities are: Agadez, Arlit, Tillabéry, Dosso, Tahoua, Maradi, Zinder, and Diffa. The population is, however, mainly rural with only 18 per cent of the population living in urban areas. The currency used is the West African franc (CFA). The official language is French and there are ten national languages. Before the courts, French is the admissible written language. Sentences are rendered in French.