Niger

Niger reports an extremely low official unemployment rate, which is highly counterintuitive given its low GDP per capita. This figure likely masks massive underemployment and informal sector dominance, as formal job creation is severely limited in low-income economies.

Niger has one of the highest fertility rates globally, meaning the average woman has over 6 children. This rapid population expansion puts immense strain on the country's weak economic and social infrastructure, exacerbating poverty and resource scarcity.

Only about one-fifth of Niger's population has access to electricity, highlighting a critical developmental bottleneck. This lack of basic infrastructure severely limits industrialization, education, and health service delivery.

Niger faces significant health challenges, evidenced by a high infant mortality rate (67.4 per 1,000 live births) and a life expectancy nearly two decades below the global average. This indicates poor public health conditions, sanitation, and limited access to quality healthcare.