Niger Map

Description: This map shows governmental boundaries of countries; regions, region capital cities, and major cities and towns in Niger.

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Niger, officially the Republic of Niger, occupies a vast territory in West Africa, covering 489,000 square miles (1,267,000 square kilometers). The country shares borders with Algeria to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso to the southwest, and Mali to the west.

The capital city, Niamey, serves as the country's political and economic center, with approximately 1.3 million inhabitants. Other major cities include Zinder, Maradi, and Agadez. The total population of Niger reaches about 26.34 million people (2024), with a majority living in rural areas. The country exhibits one of the highest population growth rates globally at 3.8% annually.

The Sahara Desert dominates approximately 80% of Niger's territory, significantly impacting its climate and economic activities. Agriculture employs over 80% of the workforce, focusing on subsistence farming and livestock herding. The country maintains substantial uranium deposits, ranking as one of the world's leading uranium producers. Other valuable natural resources include gold, coal, and oil.

Niger's transportation infrastructure includes the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey and a road network connecting major cities. The Niger River flows through the southwestern region, providing essential water resources for agriculture and transportation.

Tourism in Niger centers around natural and historical attractions. The Air Mountains offer impressive desert landscapes and ancient rock art sites. The W National Park, shared with Benin and Burkina Faso, houses diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, and numerous bird species. The historic city of Agadez, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, features the notable Grand Mosque with its distinctive minaret constructed from mud bricks.

The economy relies heavily on foreign aid and faces challenges including frequent droughts, limited infrastructure, and political instability. Despite these obstacles, Niger has experienced moderate economic growth in recent years, particularly in the mining and oil sectors. The country joined the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) to strengthen regional economic integration.

The official language remains French, though several indigenous languages, including Hausa, Zarma, and Tamashek, maintain widespread usage. The education system faces significant challenges, with one of the world's lowest literacy rates at approximately 35%. Recent government initiatives focus on improving access to education and healthcare services throughout the country.

The Facts:

Flag:
Capital:	Niamey
Area:	489,000 sq mi (1,267,000 sq km)
Population:	~ 26,342,784 (2024 estimate)[1]
Official language:	French
National languages:	Arabic, Buduma, Fulfulde, Gourmanchéma, Hausa, Kanuri, Zarma, Songhai, Tamasheq, Tassawaq, Tebu.
Religion:	99.3% - Islam 0.3% - Christianity 0.2% - Animism 0.1% - irreligion
Ethnic groups:	53.1% Hausa 21.2% Zarma & Songhay 11.0% Tuareg 6.5% Fulani 5.9% Kanuri 0.8% Gurma 0.4% Toubou 0.4% Arab 0.9% others
Currency:	West African CFA franc (XOF)
Driving side:	Right
Calling code:	+227
Internet TLD:	.ne
Time zone:	UTC+1 (WAT)
Gross domestic product (PPP) (2023 estimate):	$42.739 billion (Total) $1,579 (Per capita)
Gross domestic product (nominal) (2023 estimate):	$17.073 billion (Total) $630 (Per capita)
Official government website:	www.gouv.ne

Google Map of Niger

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List of Largest Cities in Niger (2012)

1. Niamey (978,029)
2. Maradi (267,249)
3. Zinder (235,605)
4. Tahoua (117,826)
5. Agadez (110,497)
6. Arlit (78,651)
7. Birni Nkonni (63,169)
8. Dosso (58,671)
9. Gaya (45,465)
10. Tessaoua (43,409)

11. Diffa (39,960)
12. Dogondoutchi (36,971)
13. Dakoro (29,293)
14. Téra (29,119)
15. Mirriah (28,407)
16. Madaoua (27,972)
17. Matameye (27,615)
18. Magaria (25,928)
19. Tibiri (25,513)
20. Nguigmi (23,670)

Regions of Niger

List of Regions of Niger

Region	Area	Population
Agadez	257,839 sq mi (667,799 sq km)	687,540
Diffa	60,582 sq mi (156,906 sq km)	837,290
Dosso	13,070 sq mi (33,850 sq km)	2,873,180
Maradi	16,138 sq mi (41,796 sq km)	4,796,950
Niamey	155 sq mi (402 sq km)	1,447,860
Tahoua	43,773 sq mi (113,371 sq km)	4,692,990
Tillabéri	37,549 sq mi (97,251 sq km)	3,839,210
Zinder	60,146 sq mi (155,778 sq km)	4,991,070

Departments of Niger

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References

1. ^ Niger. The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. www.cia.gov

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