Niger+Geography

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([|CIA fact book Niger, 2011])

Landforms
The Blue Mountains are a mountain range in Niger and are located just east of the Air Mountains. In the north of Niger, the Air Mountains, the Blue Mountains and the Agadez region have seen many geologic changes throughout the years. The area has undergone rare tectonic forces: the marble levels of the Blue Mountains, laid down at the horizontal and raised up to the vertical, and the complex ring-like formations of the mountains of Bagzane and Tamgak. These geologic wonders attract many amateur geologist because many have not seen anything like it before.

The above information was retrieved from (National Geographic, 2011)



Climate
Predominately desert plains and sand dunes, Niger has flat to rolling plains in south and hills in the north. Niger is mostly hot, dry, and dusty and is very tropical in the extreme south. Because of the heat and the dryness there are recurring droughts.



Water
Niger has an estimated 2.5 billion cubic metres of underground renewable water, but only 20 percent is currently exploited, according to the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF. Drinking water is an issue in Niger. To bring clean water to the region and safeguard children and their families from waterborne diseases, UNICEF and its partners helped install water pumps and a reservoir. They have been supporting the installation of improved water systems across the country for the last nine years, helping keep thousands of children healthy and free from waterborne diseases.

The above information was retrieved from (UNICEF, 2011)



Plants
The main vegetation patterns run in broad belts, parallel to the Equator. Freshwater swamps occur along the coast and in the Niger delta. Inland the swamps give way to dense tropical rainforest. Economically valuable, the oil palm grows wild and is usually preserved when the forest is cleared for farming. In the more densely populated parts of the southeast, the original forest vegetation has been replaced by open palm bush. Large areas of the forest have been replaced by cacao and rubber plantations. Tropical grassland occupies most of Niger!

The above information was retrieved from (MapZone, 2011)



Animals
Animals in Niger can be from the desert habitat and the home habitats. Nigerian animals have other uses. For example a camel is used to carry goods and families from place to place. On the other hand, a dog that is trained can be a security guard in personal houses, and can also be used as house pets along with cats, just like we practice here in America. Then there are those animals like the wild dog that are used for food. Squirrels, rabbits, crocodiles and antelopes are other animals that are also eaten often in homes and restaurants. Out of all the Nigerian animals, the monkey is the most fun and entertaining. Monkeys can be trained to do many acrobatics and dance routines and moves. They can be trained to do routines to music and tumble to the rhythm.

The above information was retrieved from (MapZone, 2011)



References: MapZones.com. (n.d.). //MapZones.com//. Retrieved December 8, 2011, from http://www.mapzones.com/

National Geographic - Inspiring People to Care About the Planet Since 1888. (n.d.). //National Geographic - Inspiring People to Care About the Planet Since 1888//. Retrieved December 8, 2011, from http://www.nationalgeographic.com

Niger information. (n.d.). //CIA Fact Book//. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ng.html

UNICEF - At a glance: Niger -. (n.d.). //UNICEF - UNICEF Home//. Retrieved December 8, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/niger.html

Created by: Karen Back ©klback@ilstu.eduDate Created: November 28, 2011Date Last Modified: November 28, 2011