Geographic Location
Location in Africa: Niger is located in West Africa, landlocked and bordered by Algeria and Libya to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, and Burkina Faso and Mali to the west.
Latitude and Longitude: 16°N, 8°E
Size: 1,267,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest countries in West Africa by land area.
Population
Current Population: Estimated at 27.4 million
Economy
GDP (2025):
- Nominal GDP: Approximately $17.3 billion
- GDP per capita: Around $640
National Symbols
Anthem: “La Nigérienne”
National Pledge: Niger does not have an official national pledge.
Culture and Customs
Ethnic Groups: Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, Fulani, Kanuri, Toubou, and others.
Languages: French (official), with widely spoken national languages including Hausa, Zarma, and Tamajaq.
Religion: Predominantly Islam (over 90%), mainly Sunni, with some communities practicing traditional African religions and Christianity.
Main Airports
Diori Hamani International Airport (Niamey)
Zinder Airport
Agadez Airport
Popular Tourist Destinations
Aïr Mountains: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with ancient rock art and stunning landscapes.
Tenere Desert: Part of the Sahara, known for its vast sand dunes.
W National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Benin and Burkina Faso.
Niamey: The capital city, known for the National Museum of Niger and the Grand Mosque.
Agadez: A historic desert town and former trading hub.
Events and Festivals
Cure Salée: A major Tuareg and Fulani festival in Ingall celebrating the end of the rainy season.
Republic Day (December 18): Marks the founding of the Republic of Niger in 1958.
Independence Day (August 3): Celebrates independence from France in 1960.
Practical Information
Calling Code: +227
Country Domain: .ne
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)