Adventurous travelers to Niger might encounter nomadic tribes, spot baboons or elephants in 'W' National Park, take a canoe down the River Niger or tour the fabulous old Tuareg capital, Agadez.

This former French colony is West Africa's largest state, bordering Libya, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger gained independence in 1960 and has since maintained close links with France.

Niger remains one of the world's least-developed countries. A largely desert landscape, shortage of arable land and recurring drought mean alleviating poverty will prove difficult.

From 2005 to 2006, a serious food crisis affected up to 2.5 million people, requiring a major international relief operation.

Niger has borders with Libya and Algeria to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, and Mali and Burkina Faso to the west.

The capital, Niamey, stands on the north bank of the Niger River and has long been a major trading center on this important navigable waterway. The river meanders for 500km (300 miles) through the southwestern corner of the country.

From the Word Travels destination guide to Niger copyright Globe Media 2011