Niger
West Africa
Niger is a country in West Africa, home to 27.2 million people, with an area of 1,267,000 km². Its capital is Niamey.
- Capital
- Niamey
- Population
- 27.2 million
- Area
- 1,267,000 km²
- Region
- West Africa
- Density
- 21.5 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Niger is known for
Niger is best known for Agadez, Wodaabe Gerewol Festival and Cure Salee.
Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest. It is the largest country in West Africa and is mostly covered by the Sahara Desert.
Niger at a glance
- Language
- French is the official language, but numerous indigenous languages are also spoken
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Religion
- Islam is the predominant religion in Niger, but Christianity and traditional religions are also practiced
- National dish
- Tuwo (a type of porridge made from maize or sorghum) served with various stews and vegetables
- Climate
- Niger has a hot and dry climate, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer
- Main industries
- Agriculture, including subsistence farming and herding; uranium mining; and petroleum extraction
- GDP
- $7.58 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
- Development
- Niger is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 189 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in Niger
Niger is home to many unique cultural traditions, including:
- Agadez a historic city in the Sahara Desert known for its traditional architecture, including mud-brick buildings and the Agadez Mosque.
- Wodaabe Gerewol Festival an annual festival held by the Wodaabe people, a nomadic group known for their elaborate clothing, dance, and music.
- Cure Salee a yearly festival in the town of Ingall that celebrates the end of the rainy season and the start of the nomadic migration.
- Hausa Cultural Festival a festival held in the city of Zinder that celebrates the culture and traditions of the Hausa people, the largest ethnic group in Niger.
- Ayorou Hippopotamus Festival a festival held in the town of Ayorou that celebrates the local hippopotamus population and promotes conservation efforts.
These are just a few examples of the many cultural traditions and festivals that can be found in Niger. The country's vast desert landscapes and unique cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history and culture.
Niger on video
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Niger compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of West Africa.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ivory Coast | 31.2 million | 322,463 km² | Yamoussoukro |
| Niger | 27.2 million | 1,267,000 km² | Niamey |
 Mali | 24.5 million | 1,240,192 km² | Bamako |
 Burkina Faso | 23.5 million | 274,200 km² | Ouagadougou |
Ranked 54th of 195 countries by population and 21st by area.
Questions about Niger
What is the capital of Niger?
The capital of Niger is Niamey.
How many people live in Niger?
About 27.2 million people. Ranked 54th of 195 countries by population and 21st by area.
How big is Niger?
Niger covers 1,267,000 km², in West Africa.
What is Niger known for?
Niger is best known for Agadez, Wodaabe Gerewol Festival and Cure Salee.
What language is spoken in Niger?
French is the official language, but numerous indigenous languages are also spoken.
What currency is used in Niger?
West African CFA franc (XOF).
Is Niger a country?
Yes. Niger is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.