Islam in Niger

90% of the Nigerien population—approximately 11.3 million people—are followers of Islam, with a majority of those being linked to the Tijaniya Sufi brotherhoods. Islam came to Niger by way of the Muslim empires of Songhai, Mali, Gao, Kanem, and Bornu, as well as a number of Hausa states. While part of those empires, Niger served as an important economic crossroads. The government has funded several Muslim-oriented programs, such as a Muslim radio ministry and an Islamic University in Niamey, and has made three Muslim feasts national holidays. Although there have been some calls for the establishment of an Islamic Republic, Niger has so far succeeded in preserving its status as a secular state.

External links

* [http://www.uga.edu/islam/countries.html#Niger "Islam and Niger"]