Dogondoutchi, Niger - Friday 3 August 2007 - Bon soir Mister

Basiru did know a little bit English as well... as if he knew that I was not a local hero.. :-) My English not good, he explained. But he is smarter than most, as Niger is a French speaking country.

I wanted to introduce Niger properly to give some details for those of you that doesn't know much about the country.It is scarcely populated compared to Nigeria in the south. With only 12 million people it makes the density to 9 per sq kilometre (compared to Norway with 15 per sq km).  This is mainly because half the country (in the north) lays within the Sahara. The country is landlocked and borders to seven other countries. The capital city Niamey has an average temperature of 29.4 Celsius, so you understand I have smelled better.

Unfortunately Niger is among the poorest of all countries in Africa and it is noticeable as you drive along the southern highway. NGO, UN, EU and other humanitarian workers are a common sight and lets just say the country is in need of help.