Most of Niger's rain falls in the savanna area. Niger is a landlocked nation, with no outlet to the sea. The river floods each January and February and provides irrigation water for growing crops along its banks. Part of Lake Chad lies in southeastern Niger. Niger's plant and animal life vary from north to south.
Few plants grow in the desert, except near oases, where the date palm tree is common.
Such wild animals as foxes, ostriches, barbary sheep, and gazelles and other antelope live in the north. Palm, mahogany, kapok, acacia, and baobab trees grow in the south. Wild animals in the south include elephants, wart hogs, baboons, giraffes, and crocodiles. Niger is a developing nation and ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world. Only 3 percent of its land is used to grow crops, and it has few natural resources.