The African country that became independent from France on 3 August 1960 is Niger.
Niger gained independence from French colonial rule on 3 August 1960, with Hamani Diori becoming its first president. The date is commemorated as Independence Day. Niger had been part of French West Africa, a federation whose territories achieved independence in a wave during 1960.
Niger is a landlocked country named after the Niger River, although most of its territory lies in the Sahara and Sahel rather than along the river's full course. Its capital is Niamey, situated in the southwestern part of the country on the Niger River. Niger is distinct from neighbouring Nigeria, whose name also derives from the same river but which became independent on 1 October 1960.