Islam in Niger

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90% of the Nigerian population—approximately 11.3 million people—are followers of Islam, with a majority of those being linked to the Tijaniya Sufi brotherhood. 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. Some have called for the establishment of an Islamic Republic, but this has yet to come about. 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.

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