Agadez Region
Agadez | |
---|---|
UTC+1 (West Africa Time) | |
HDI (2021) | 0.507
[2] low · 1st of 7 |
Agadez Region is one of the seven
History
The region is a centre for
The region suffered with the advent of French colonialism as power shifted away to the southwest; Tuareg disaffection with French rule resulted in the Kaocen revolt in 1916–17.[3] This process continued following Niger's independence in 1960; local Tuareg saw little recompense from the uranium mining boom in Arlit in the 1970s, and Agadez Region was struck by repeated droughts and famines.[3] Since then there have been two Tuareg rebellions: from 1990–95 and 2007–09.[3] In recent years the region has also been affected by an insurgency in the Maghreb by Islamist groups.
Geography
The Agadez Region borders
Settlements
Agadez is the regional capital; other major settlements include Aderbissinat, Arlit, Assamakka, Bilma, Dirkou, Iferouane, In-Gall, Madama, Séguedine, Tchirozerine, Tegguiada In Tessoum and Timia.[4]
Administrative subdivisions
Agadez is subdivided into six departments
Department | Area | Population (2012) | Chief town | Cantons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aderbissinat | 51,360 km2 | 35,320 inhabitants | Aderbissinat | |
Arlit | 61,180 km2 | 105,025 inhabitants | Arlit | |
Bilma | 277,700 km2 | 17,935 inhabitants | Bilma | Bilma, Djado, Fachi, Kawar |
Iferouane | 32,731 km2 | 32,731 inhabitants | Iferouane | |
In-Gall | 61,170 km2 | 51,903 inhabitants | In-Gall | |
Tchirozérine |
30,960 km2 | 244,706 inhabitants | Tchirozérine |
Demographics
Agadez has a large area but is sparsely populated. Its 487,620 inhabitants (as per the 2012 census) Traversed for centuries by the Trans-Saharan trade routes, the oasis towns of the Aïr and the eastern Kaouar Cliffs are known for their gardens, salt manufacture, and date cultivation. Arlit is the centre of Niger's uranium industry, a prominent economic sector in the region with uranium pits and mines operated by foreign companies providing substantial revenue for the country. The French discovered Niger's first uranium deposits in the Tim Mersoi Basin of the Agadez Region in 1958 and since then French companies such as Areva have maintained a large footprint in the region, employing a large quantity of locals.[8][9] Depressed uranium prices since the 1980s have hit the region hard, though uranium remains one of the main foreign exchange earners for the country and a main export.[10] The region is less poor than other regions of the country. It has the second-highest Human Development Index and the second-lowest incidence of extreme poverty according to World Bank data from 2018.[11]
Agadez had historically been one of the main centres of tourism in Niger, with visitors attracted by the desert scenery, archaeological sites and the Air Mountains. However Tuareg rebellions and activities of Islamist militants in Agadez region have severely reduced the numbers of tourists, with most third party governments advising against travel to the region.[12]
Year Pop. ±% 1977 124,985 — 1985 208,828 +67.1% 2001 321,639 +54.0% 2012 487,620 +51.6% source:[7] Economy
See also
References
External links