Niger

🇳🇪 A country may be rich in natural resources, but that does not mean that they will be wealthy. Niger, for instance, has uranium. They are one of the largest producers of uranium in the world, and some Nigeriens believe that uranium alone should provide enough wealth for the whole entire country. But that is not realistic. Niger's population of over 27 million people can not live on the uranium industry alone. Look at Australia, they are also rich in uranium, a much higher grade of uranium, and they are a much bigger producer of uranium than Niger. Yet, Australia's population of over 26 million people do not live off of the uranium industry. Uranium production is just a tiny fraction of Australia's GDP. They have numerous other industries, producing a wide array of products and services. That is why Australia has a thriving economy and Australians are happy and live well. Niger's poverty is not caused by the "exploitation" of uranium as some civilian groups have claimed and would like the world to believe. Niger's poverty stems from the unrealistic expectations that one single industry will generate enough wealth to provide for over 27 million people. I believe President Bazoum of Niger was working on the development of new industries for the country. Unfortunately, the military junta will only scare those investors away. Niger may even lose the one and only industry they have. xo