Adventurous travellers 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.