Niger
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 27
Currency
💱 West African CFA franc
Languages
🗣️ French
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Niger
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Nigerien
Independence
August 3, 1960 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.ne
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+227
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Niamey
ISO Alpha-2
NE
ISO Alpha-3
NER
UN Code
562
Geographic Coordinates
16,8
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
1,267,000#23 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
27,522,750#55 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
20.65
Highest Point (m)
2,022 meters (Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès)
Lowest Point (m)
200 meters (Niger River)
Land Use
Primarily desert and arid land; small areas used for agriculture and grazing.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,500 square kilometers.
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Tropical desert climate with hot, dry seasons and a brief rainy season.
Natural Resources
Uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, petroleum.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Libya, Mali, Nigeria
Major Rivers
Niger River
Major Lakes
Lake Chad (shared with Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon).
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
8 regions and 1 capital district.
Legal System
Based on French civil law and customary law.
Chief of State
President
Head of Government
Prime Minister
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Presidential and legislative elections are held.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly
Major Political Parties
Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-Tarayya), National Movement for the Development of Society (MNSD-Nassara), and others.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
West African CFA franc
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
21.65#131 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
60.78#129 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
775.35#202 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
47.59
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18.72
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
31.09
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
-4.45#189 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
11,971,064
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.39#183 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 50% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
Information on the current budget can be found on the Ministry of Finance website.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.41#146 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.93#147 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found on the Central Bank website.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found on major financial websites and banks.
GDP by Sector
Agriculture (38%), Industry (17%), Services (45%) (2021 est.)
Major Industries
Uranium mining, cement, brick, food processing, chemicals, tourism.
Major Export Partners
France, Nigeria, Japan, United States.
Major Import Partners
France, Nigeria, China, Cote d'Ivoire.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
35.61#167 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
41.4
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.7
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -1 migrant(s) per 1,000 population (2021 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 15.1 years (2021 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18.37#210 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 4.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
61.4#204 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 0.7% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.05
Ethnic Groups
Hausa (53.1%), Zarma-Songhai (21.2%), Tuareg (11%), Peul (6.5%), Kanuri (5.9%), other (2.3%) (2012 est.)
Religions
Muslim (99.3%), Christian (0.3%), other (0.4%) (2012 est.)
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French
Education
Education System
The education system in Niger is based on a French model, but faces issues with access, quality, and resources.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
6.4
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education in Niger is a significant portion of the budget but is still insufficient to meet the needs of the system.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of Niamey is the primary higher education institution in Niger.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Niger's culture is a blend of traditions from various ethnic groups, including Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, and others.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Concord Day (2026-04-24)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Nigerien Independence Day (2026-08-03)
- Nigerien Republic Day (2026-12-18)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Nigerien music includes genres like Hausa and Zarma-Songhai music, and influences from West African music.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods in Niger include dishes based on millet, rice, and meat stews, often with sauces and vegetables.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Niger.
Major Festivals
Niger hosts festivals like the Cure Salée (salt cure) festival of the Tuareg people.
Famous People
Notable Nigeriens include artists, musicians, and political figures, but they are not universally well-known.
Cultural Heritage Sites
There are historical sites reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage.
UNESCO Sites
Niger has UNESCO World Heritage sites, including natural and cultural sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
Very low number of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is underdeveloped, primarily desert and cultural tourism.
Top Tourist Attractions
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, Agadez, and the Sahara Desert.
Famous Cities
Niamey, Agadez.
National Parks
W National Park.
Protected Areas
W National Park and several other protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; check with the embassy.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
High risk; check travel advisories due to security concerns.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Information on the healthcare quality index can be found on relevant global health reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary, with public healthcare being more affordable than private services.
Number of Hospitals
Information on the exact number of hospitals can be found in the Ministry of Health data.
Universal Healthcare
Niger's healthcare system faces significant challenges, and universal healthcare is not fully implemented.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, but may be limited, particularly outside of major cities. Access to quality care can be a challenge.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in urban areas; access can be limited in rural regions.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is likely 17.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is likely 18.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for fire services is likely 18.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Niger is relatively moderate, but can fluctuate.
Safety Index
The safety index for Niger is relatively low due to various factors including poverty and security concerns.
Military Expenditure
Niger's military expenditure is a notable percentage of the national budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services in Niger are limited, with varying response times.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Niger's military includes an army, air force, and gendarmerie.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is limited, especially in rural areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water is a challenge for many Nigeriens.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is very low throughout the country.
Railways
Niger has very limited railway infrastructure.
Roadways
Roads in Niger are mostly unpaved, with a network of paved roads connecting major cities.
Transportation System
The transportation system in Niger is underdeveloped, with limited paved roads and railway infrastructure.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM), Mano Dayak International Airport (AJY), Maradi Airport (MFQ), Tahoua Airport (THZ), Zinder Airport (ZND)
Ports
This landlocked country has no ports.
Public Transit
Public transportation options are limited and often informal.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
15.56#201 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 78 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup ecosystem, still developing.
Innovation Index
Low ranking, facing innovation challenges.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT development index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
More extensive radio coverage.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.12#189 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality is a concern, with poor air quality levels in urban areas.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a significant issue due to untreated sewage and industrial discharge.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage, but some solar energy initiatives.
Environmental Issues
Desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity are major issues.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, and sandstorms are common.
Waste Management
Waste management is inadequate, leading to pollution and health risks.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in various countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Part of major international treaties concerning climate, environment, and trade.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access varies depending on the passport.