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→CULTURE LIFE OF NIGER
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*Peoples of Niger | |||
The Hausa are the largest group in Niger, making up around half the population. Other major groups include the Zarma-Songhai (comprising around one fifth of the population) and the Kanuri. | |||
Nomadic or semi-nomadic groups include the Fulani and Tuareg peoples. These groups herd animals across the country, following ancient grazing routes. However, this traditional way of life is threatened by the recurrence of severe droughts in the region – see Climate & Agriculture. | |||
The Tuaregs of Niger are part of a wider nomadic Tuareg community, which consists of groups living mainly across southern Algeria, eastern Mali and western Niger - see Tuaregs. | |||
*Desert get-togethers | |||
Nomadic groups often come together for special festivals or celebrations. One of the most famous is the Cure Salée – see Festivals. | |||
*Dancing for a partner | |||
Traditional costumes and dance form an integral part of the celebrations at many festivals. | |||
Local dances include the Ruume (where dancers sing and clap in a circle) and the Gerewol, a ritual dance which also gives its name to a festival. | |||
*A male beauty pageant | |||
At Gerewol, young men of the Wodaabe (a nomadic Fulani group) paint their faces in dramatic fashion, creating black lips and eyes, and adorn themselves with shells and feathers to court the favours of young Wodaabe girls. Once the men have performed their dance, which they accompany with eye-rolling and grinning expressions, it’s the girls who get to choose which man they like best. | |||
*Languages | |||
French is the official language of government. However, most Nigeriens speak one of a number of local languages as their mother tongue. The West Chadic language of Hausa is the most common. | |||
The five main local languages spoken in Niger are – Hausa, Songhai, Fula/Fulbe (spoken by the Fulani), Tamasheq/Tamajaq (spoken by the Tuareg) and Kanuri/Beri-Beri. | |||
==Cities in Niger== | ==Cities in Niger== | ||