Population density: 9/km2 (25/mi2)
Main languages spoken: Hausa, Djerma, Fulani, Tuareg, Teda, French Considerable tensions exist in Niger between the Tuareg in the north and the southern groups. The Tuareg's sense of alienation from mainstream Nigerien politics has increased since the 1973 and 1984 droughts, which disrupted the Tuareg's nomadic way of life. A five-year rebellion by northern Tuareg ended in 1995 with a peace agreement. In eastern Niger, Toubou and Arab groups have also been in revolt. A more subtle antagonism exists between the Djerma and Hausa groups. The Djerma elite from the southwest dominated politics for many years until 1993, when control passed to the Hausa majority. Niger is an overwhelmingly Islamic society. Women have, on the whole, only limited rights and restricted access to education. THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT
 ETHNIC MAKEUP
 From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004 | 
