Niger
Tiny bush encampment of Tagaye near Abalak
Each fall, after the rainy season, the nomadic Wodaabe cattle herders leave the bush to attend an annual gathering. This is the one event of the year where all herders are in one place and can truly enjoy each other’s company, catching up with old friends and making new ones. There is also the prospect of finding a spouse. Traditionally, the men are chosen by women in a dance called Geerwol. The men don special costumes and paint their faces to show off their beauty. Desirable traits are white teeth, a long, straight nose, high forehead, and white eyes. Nowadays, the winner of Geerwol takes home gifts such as money, sheep, and clothes, and if he is lucky, finds a girlfriend or wife.
– Crystal Pilon ©2008
Peace Corps Volunteer, Niger 2008-09
Environment
Niger/Republique du Niger
In western Africa; predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north; 1.267M km2 (slightly < 2 X TX ), 11% arable.
Capital Niamey (pop est. .04M)
Population Pop 16.5M (100/km2)
Life expectancy 53 years
HIV/AIDS 0.8%
Literacy 29%
Lang(s) French (official), Hausa, Djerma
Religions Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian) 20%
Ethnic Groups Haoussa 55%, Djerma Sonrai 21%, Tuareg 9%, Peuhl 8.5%, Kanouri Manga 5%, other 1%
Gov’t Republic
GDP/cap $700
PCVs 1962-2011; English language, agriculture, environment, community development, youth education, health, HIV/AIDS awareness. service suspended January, 2011 (Volunteers in country: 0; total to date: 3,130)
Nat’l holiday Republic Day, 18 December (1958)
Adult Books
To Timbuktu: A Journey Down the Niger
by Mark Jenkins
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Modern Times; 1st edition (May 27, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1594867651
Book Description
A rich combination of cultural exploration, history, and gripping adventure, this beautifully repackaged edition of To Timbuktu is a journey not to be missed.
Kids' Books
Flyaway girl
by Ann Grifalconi
Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-316-32866-1
Interest Level: K-3
Age Range: 6–9 years
Publisher: Little, Brown, c1991
Films
Film: Magic and Ecstasy in the Sahel
Director: (2005)
Music
Focus Word
Focus Word for 2012 - "Freedom"
Hausa: yanci (yan-chi)
|
|
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison is a public charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. Its EIN is 39-1669348. It is also an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).
|
||
