Niger - NE - NER - NIG - Africa
Last updated: May 07, 2025
Niger Images
A petroglyph, or ancient rock carving, is usually associated with prehistoric times and considered to be among the first markers of human presence. These petroglyphs were found in Airlit, in the Agadez region in northern-central Niger, between the Sahara Desert and the eastern edge of the Aïr Mountains. The carvings show local fauna, including giraffes.
Niamey, the capital and largest city of Niger, lies on the Niger River, primarily situated on the east bank. The Kennedy Bridge, built in 1970, is the main crossing for the Niger River and is named for US President John F. Kennedy. Its construction enabled Niamey to expand onto the right (west) bank of the river.
A petroglyph, or ancient rock carving, is usually associated with prehistoric times and considered to be among the first markers of human presence. These petroglyphs were found in Airlit, in the Agadez region in northern-central Niger, between the Sahara Desert and the eastern edge of the Aïr Mountains. The carvings show local fauna, including giraffes.
Niamey, the capital and largest city of Niger, lies on the Niger River, primarily situated on the east bank. The Kennedy Bridge, built in 1970, is the main crossing for the Niger River and is named for US President John F. Kennedy. Its construction enabled Niamey to expand onto the right (west) bank of the river.
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Niger Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kathleen FITZGIBBON (since 2 December 2023)
embassy: BP 11201, Niamey
mailing address: 2420 Niamey Place, Washington DC 20521-2420
telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61
FAX: [227] 20-73-55-60
email address and website:
consulateniamey@state.gov
https://ne.usembassy.gov/
embassy: BP 11201, Niamey
mailing address: 2420 Niamey Place, Washington DC 20521-2420
telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61
FAX: [227] 20-73-55-60
email address and website:
consulateniamey@state.gov
https://ne.usembassy.gov/
Age structure
0-14 years: 49.5% (male 6,567,460/female 6,463,877)
15-64 years: 47.8% (male 6,146,355/female 6,451,574)
65 years and over: 2.7% (2024 est.) (male 342,388/female 371,130)
15-64 years: 47.8% (male 6,146,355/female 6,451,574)
65 years and over: 2.7% (2024 est.) (male 342,388/female 371,130)
This is the population pyramid for Niger. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
16 00 N, 8 00 E
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
recurring droughts
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Military service age and obligation
18 is the legal minimum age for selective compulsory or voluntary military service for unmarried men and women; 24-month service term (2023)
Background
Nomadic peoples from the Saharan north and agriculturalists from the south settled present-day Niger. The Taureg kingdom of Takedda was one of the largest kingdoms in the north and played a prominent role in regional trade in the 14th century. In the south, the primary ethnic groups were the Songhai-Zarma in the west, the Hausa in the center, and the Kanuri in the east. When European colonizers arrived in the 19th century, the region was an assemblage of disparate local kingdoms.
In the late 19th century, the British and French agreed to partition the middle regions of the Niger River, and France began its conquest of what would become the colony of Niger. France experienced determined local resistance -- particularly during the Tuareg uprising (1916-1917) -- but established a colonial administration in 1922.
After achieving independence from France in 1960, Niger experienced single-party or military rule until 1991, when political pressure forced General Ali SAIBOU to allow multiparty elections. Political infighting and democratic backsliding led to coups in 1996 and 1999. In 1999, military officers restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power. TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and spearheaded a 2009 constitutional amendment allowing him to extend his presidential term. In 2010, military officers led another coup that deposed TANDJA. ISSOUFOU Mahamadou was elected in 2011 and reelected in 2016. In 2021, BAZOUM Mohamed won the presidential election, marking Niger’s first transition from one democratically elected president to another. Nonetheless, a military junta led by General Abdourahamane TIANI once again seized power in July 2023, detaining President BAZOUM and announcing the creation of a National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP).
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. It is ranked fourth to last in the world on the UN Development Program's Human Development Index of 2023/2024. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. The Nigerien Government continues its attempts to diversify the economy through increased oil production and mining projects. In addition, Niger is facing increased security concerns on its borders from various external threats including insecurity in Libya, spillover from the conflict and terrorism in Mali, and violent extremism in northeastern Nigeria.
Environment - current issues
overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; contaminated water; inadequate potable water; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened by poaching and habitat destruction
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Military expenditures
2% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
2% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
2% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line
45.5% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.8% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 27.8% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
highest 10%: 27.8% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, oil seeds, uranium and thorium ore, radioactive chemicals, refined petroleum (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 31%, France 23%, China 18%, India 6%, Sweden 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Administrative divisions
7 regions (régions, singular - région) and 1 capital district* (communauté urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder
Agricultural products
millet, cowpeas, sorghum, onions, milk, sugarcane, cabbages, cassava, groundnuts, tomatoes (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Military and security forces
Nigerien Armed Forces (Forces Armees Nigeriennes, FAN): Army, Nigerien Air Force, Niger Gendarmerie (GN)
Ministry of Interior, Public Safety and Decentralization: Niger National Guard (GNN), National Police (2025)
note 1: the Gendarmerie (GN) and the National Guard (GNN) are paramilitary forces; the GN has primary responsibility for rural security while the GNN is responsible for domestic security and the protection of high-level officials and government buildings
note 2: the National Police includes the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, which is charged with border management
Ministry of Interior, Public Safety and Decentralization: Niger National Guard (GNN), National Police (2025)
note 1: the Gendarmerie (GN) and the National Guard (GNN) are paramilitary forces; the GN has primary responsibility for rural security while the GNN is responsible for domestic security and the protection of high-level officials and government buildings
note 2: the National Police includes the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, which is charged with border management
Budget
revenues: $2.325 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $2.785 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $2.785 billion (2019 est.)
Capital
name: Niamey
geographic coordinates: 13 31 N, 2 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the name is unclear; one of many stories says that an African chief told his seven slaves "Wa niammane," meaning "stay here," and the name was later shortened to its present form
geographic coordinates: 13 31 N, 2 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the name is unclear; one of many stories says that an African chief told his seven slaves "Wa niammane," meaning "stay here," and the name was later shortened to its present form
Imports - commodities
rice, aircraft parts, iron structures, refined petroleum, centrifuges (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Constitution
history: several previous; passed by referendum 31 October 2010, entered into force 25 November 2010
amendment process: formerly proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; consideration of amendments requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires at least four-fifths majority vote; if disapproved, the proposed amendment is dropped or submitted to a referendum; constitutional articles on the form of government, the multiparty system, the separation of state and religion, disqualification of Assembly members, amendment procedures, and amnesty of participants in the 2010 coup cannot be amended
Note: on 26 July 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, a military junta which took control of Niger's government, dissolved the country's constitution
amendment process: formerly proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; consideration of amendments requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires at least four-fifths majority vote; if disapproved, the proposed amendment is dropped or submitted to a referendum; constitutional articles on the form of government, the multiparty system, the separation of state and religion, disqualification of Assembly members, amendment procedures, and amnesty of participants in the 2010 coup cannot be amended
Note: on 26 July 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, a military junta which took control of Niger's government, dissolved the country's constitution
Exchange rates
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
585.911 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates:
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
585.911 (2019 est.)
Executive branch
chief of state: President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) General Abdourahame TIANI (since 28 July 2023)
head of government: CNSP Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine ZEINE (since 9 August 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the CNSP; Cabinet previously appointed by the elected president
elections/appointments: the CNSP rules by decree; previously, the president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27 December 2020 with a runoff held on 21 February 2021 (next election was to be held in 2025); prime minister appointed by the president, authorized by the National Assembly
election results:
2020/2021: Mohamed BAZOUM elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Mohamed BAZOUM (PNDS-Tarrayya) 39.3%, Mahamane OUSMANE (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 9%, Albade ABOUDA (MPR-Jamhuriya) 7.1%, other 27.6%; percent of vote in second round - Mohamed BAZOUM 55.7%, Mahamane OUSMANE 44.3%
2016: ISSOUFOU Mahamadou reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou (PNDS-Tarrayya) 48.6%, Hama AMADOU (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17.8%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 11.3%, other 22.3%; percent of vote in second round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou 92%, Hama AMADOU 8%
note: deposed president BAZOUM has been under house arrest since a military coup on 26 July 2023
head of government: CNSP Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine ZEINE (since 9 August 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the CNSP; Cabinet previously appointed by the elected president
elections/appointments: the CNSP rules by decree; previously, the president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27 December 2020 with a runoff held on 21 February 2021 (next election was to be held in 2025); prime minister appointed by the president, authorized by the National Assembly
election results:
2020/2021: Mohamed BAZOUM elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Mohamed BAZOUM (PNDS-Tarrayya) 39.3%, Mahamane OUSMANE (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 9%, Albade ABOUDA (MPR-Jamhuriya) 7.1%, other 27.6%; percent of vote in second round - Mohamed BAZOUM 55.7%, Mahamane OUSMANE 44.3%
2016: ISSOUFOU Mahamadou reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou (PNDS-Tarrayya) 48.6%, Hama AMADOU (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17.8%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 11.3%, other 22.3%; percent of vote in second round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou 92%, Hama AMADOU 8%
note: deposed president BAZOUM has been under house arrest since a military coup on 26 July 2023
Flag description
three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk centered in the white band; the orange band denotes the drier northern regions of the Sahara; white stands for purity and innocence; green symbolizes hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River; the orange disc represents the sun and the sacrifices made by the people
note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band
note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band
Independence
3 August 1960 (from France)
Industries
uranium mining, petroleum, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses
Judicial branch
highest court(s): High Court of Justice (consists of 7 members); Supreme Court (membership NA); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 judges)
judge selection and term of office: High Judicial Court members selected from among the legislature and judiciary to 5-year terms; Constitutional Court judges nominated/elected - 1 by the president of the Republic, 1 by the president of the National Assembly, 2 by peer judges, 2 by peer lawyers, 1 law professor by peers, and 1 from within Nigerien society; all appointed by the president; judges serve 6-year nonrenewable terms with one-third of membership renewed every 2 years
subordinate courts: Court of Cassation; Council of State; Court of Finances; various specialized tribunals and customary courts
judge selection and term of office: High Judicial Court members selected from among the legislature and judiciary to 5-year terms; Constitutional Court judges nominated/elected - 1 by the president of the Republic, 1 by the president of the National Assembly, 2 by peer judges, 2 by peer lawyers, 1 law professor by peers, and 1 from within Nigerien society; all appointed by the president; judges serve 6-year nonrenewable terms with one-third of membership renewed every 2 years
subordinate courts: Court of Cassation; Council of State; Court of Finances; various specialized tribunals and customary courts
Land boundaries
total: 5,834 km
border countries (7): Algeria 951 km; Benin 277 km; Burkina Faso 622 km; Chad 1,196 km; Libya 342 km; Mali 838 km; Nigeria 1,608 km
border countries (7): Algeria 951 km; Benin 277 km; Burkina Faso 622 km; Chad 1,196 km; Libya 342 km; Mali 838 km; Nigeria 1,608 km
Land use
agricultural land: 36.8% (2022 est.)
arable land: 14% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 0.1% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 22.7% (2022 est.)
forest: 0.8% (2022 est.)
other: 62.4% (2022 est.)
arable land: 14% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 0.1% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 22.7% (2022 est.)
forest: 0.8% (2022 est.)
other: 62.4% (2022 est.)
Legal system
note - following the 26 July 2023 military coup, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland assumed control of all government institutions and rules by decree; formerly, mixed legal system of civil law, based on French civil law, Islamic law, and customary law
Legislative branch
Note: on 26 July 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, a military junta which took control of Niger's government, dissolved the National Assembly; a commission recommended to the junta in February 2025 a minimum of a five-year transition to democratic rule
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 37.3%
male: 45.8%
female: 29% (2018)
total population: 37.3%
male: 45.8%
female: 29% (2018)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), CD, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, MINUSCA, MNJTF, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from France in 1960
Nationality
noun: Nigerien(s)
adjective: Nigerien
adjective: Nigerien
Natural resources
uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, petroleum
Geography - note
landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world; northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna, suitable for livestock and limited agriculture
Economic overview
low-income Sahel economy; major instability and humanitarian crises limit economic activity; COVID-19 eliminated recent antipoverty gains; economy rebounding since December 2020 Nigerian border reopening and new investments; uranium resource rich
Political parties
Alliance for Democracy and the Republic
Alliance for Democratic Renewal or ARD-Adaltchi-Mutuntchi
Alliance of Movements for the Emergence of Niger or AMEN AMIN
Congress for the Republic or CPR-Inganci
Democratic Alternation for Equity in Niger
Democratic and Republican Renewal-RDR-Tchanji
Democratic Movement for the Emergence of Niger Falala
Democratic Patriots' Rally or RPD Bazara
National Movement for the Development of Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara
Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress-Zaman Lahiya or ANDP-Zaman Lahiya
Nigerien Democratic Movement for an African Federation or MODEN/FA Lumana
Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism or PNDS-Tarrayya
Nigerien Patriotic Movement or MPN-Kishin Kassa
Nigerien Rally for Democracy and Peace
Patriotic Movement for the Republic or MPR-Jamhuriya
Peace, Justice, Progress–Generation Doubara
Rally for Democracy and Progress-Jama'a or RDP-Jama'a
Rally for Peace and Progress or RPP Farilla
Social Democratic Rally or RSD-Gaskiyya
Social Democratic Party or PSD-Bassira
Note: after the 26 July 2023 military coup, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland dissolved the National Assembly and prohibited all political party activity
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: Niger is one of the largest countries in West Africa but also one of the poorest in the world; as with many African markets, a lack of fixed telecoms infrastructure has led to growth in mobile services; Niger’s mobile penetration is modest compared to other countries in the region, while fixed broadband penetration is negligible; recent international investment to complete the Trans-Saharan Dorsal optical fiber (SDR) network has extended the reach of fiber infrastructure in the country, and also increased international capacity; new cables linking the country with Chad and Burkina Faso have extended Niger’s connectivity with international cable infrastructure (2022)
domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular at nearly 56 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)
domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular at nearly 56 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)
Terrain
predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north
Government type
formerly, semi-presidential republic
Note: on 26 July 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, a military junta which took control of Niger's government, dissolved all government institutions, and rules by decree
Note: on 26 July 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, a military junta which took control of Niger's government, dissolved all government institutions, and rules by decree
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Niger
conventional short form: Niger
local long form: République du Niger
local short form: Niger
etymology: named for the Niger River that passes through the southwest of the country; the name of the river probably comes from the local Tuareg name, egereou n-igereouen (big rivers)
note: pronounced nee-ZHAIR
conventional short form: Niger
local long form: République du Niger
local short form: Niger
etymology: named for the Niger River that passes through the southwest of the country; the name of the river probably comes from the local Tuareg name, egereou n-igereouen (big rivers)
note: pronounced nee-ZHAIR
Location
Western Africa, southeast of Algeria
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
2,881 sq km (2022)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Hassane IDI (since 3 August 2023)
chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224
FAX: [1] (202) 483-3169
email address and website:
communication@embassyofniger.org
http://www.embassyofniger.org/
chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224
FAX: [1] (202) 483-3169
email address and website:
communication@embassyofniger.org
http://www.embassyofniger.org/
Internet users
percent of population: 17% (2022 est.)
Internet country code
.ne
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin): 67,191 (Mali) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2023); 200,423 (Nigeria) (2024)
IDPs: 335,277 (includes the regions of Diffa, Tillaberi, and Tahoua; unknown how many of the 11,000 people displaced by clashes between government forces and the Tuareg militant group, Niger Movement for Justice, in 2007 are still displaced; inter-communal violence; Boko Haram attacks in southern Niger, 2015) (2023)
IDPs: 335,277 (includes the regions of Diffa, Tillaberi, and Tahoua; unknown how many of the 11,000 people displaced by clashes between government forces and the Tuareg militant group, Niger Movement for Justice, in 2007 are still displaced; inter-communal violence; Boko Haram attacks in southern Niger, 2015) (2023)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$16.819 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Credit ratings
Moody's rating: B3 (2019)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Total renewable water resources
34.05 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 6 years
male: 7 years
female: 6 years (2017)
male: 7 years
female: 6 years (2017)
Urbanization
urban population: 17.1% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 4.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 4.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
state-run TV station; 3 private TV stations provide a mix of local and foreign programming; state-run radio has only radio station with national coverage; about 30 private radio stations operate locally; as many as 100 community radio stations broadcast; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: 95.8% of population
rural: 63.1% of population
total: 68.6% of population
unimproved:
urban: 4.2% of population
rural: 36.9% of population
total: 31.4% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 95.8% of population
rural: 63.1% of population
total: 68.6% of population
unimproved:
urban: 4.2% of population
rural: 36.9% of population
total: 31.4% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "La Nigerienne" (The Nigerien)
lyrics/music: Maurice Albert THIRIET/Robert JACQUET and Nicolas Abel Francois FRIONNET
note: adopted 1961
lyrics/music: Maurice Albert THIRIET/Robert JACQUET and Nicolas Abel Francois FRIONNET
note: adopted 1961
Major urban areas - population
1.437 million NIAMEY (capital) (2023)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Physician density
0.04 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
National symbol(s)
zebu; national colors: orange, white, green
Mother's mean age at first birth
18.5 years (2012 est.)
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Contraceptive prevalence rate
11% (2021)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 72% (2021 est.)
government consumption: 17.3% (2021 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 26.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 8.8% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -21.6% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 17.3% (2021 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 26.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 8.8% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -21.6% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 109.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 103.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 17.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 103.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 17.7 (2024 est.)
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Niger
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: unknown
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Niger
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: unknown
Population distribution
majority of the populace is located in the southernmost extreme of the country along the border with Nigeria and Benin as shown in this population distribution map
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 19.5% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 66.1%
electrification - rural areas: 7.7%
electrification - urban areas: 66.1%
electrification - rural areas: 7.7%
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
5U
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 81.9% of population
rural: 13.5% of population
total: 24.8% of population
unimproved:
urban: 18.1% of population
rural: 86.5% of population
total: 75.2% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 81.9% of population
rural: 13.5% of population
total: 24.8% of population
unimproved:
urban: 18.1% of population
rural: 86.5% of population
total: 75.2% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Hausa 53.1%, Zarma/Songhai 21.2%, Tuareg 11%, Fulani (Peuhl) 6.5%, Kanuri 5.9%, Gurma 0.8%, Arab 0.4%, Tubu 0.4%, other/unavailable 0.9% (2006 est.)
Religions
Muslim 95.5%, ethnic religionist 4.1%, Christian 0.3%, agnostics and other 0.1% (2020 est.)
Languages
Hausa, Zarma, French (official), Fufulde, Tamashek, Kanuri, Gurmancema, Tagdal
note: represents the most-spoken languages; Niger has 10 national languages: Arabic, Buduma, Fulfuldé, Guimancema, Hausa, Kanuri, Sonay-Zarma, Tamajaq, Tassawaq, and Tubu
note: represents the most-spoken languages; Niger has 10 national languages: Arabic, Buduma, Fulfuldé, Guimancema, Hausa, Kanuri, Sonay-Zarma, Tamajaq, Tassawaq, and Tubu
Imports - partners
China 26%, France 15%, India 12%, Nigeria 7%, UAE 6% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Elevation
highest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m
lowest point: Niger River 200 m
mean elevation: 474 m
lowest point: Niger River 200 m
mean elevation: 474 m
Current health expenditure
5.8% of GDP (2021)
Military - note
the military seized control of the government in 2023; since its establishment in 1960-61, it has played a significant role in the country’s politics, attempting coups in 1974, 1996, 1999, 2010, and 2021, and ruling Niger for much of the period before 1999
while the FAN is responsible for ensuring external security, most of its focus is on internal counterinsurgency/counterterrorism operations against terrorist groups operating in the areas bordering Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Nigeria, as well as much of northern Niger and the Diffa and Lake Chad regions; these groups include the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS), Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)
since the 2010s, Niger has placed considerable emphasis on improving the effectiveness and mobility of its security forces for countering terrorism and protecting the country’s borders; with training support and material assistance from the US and the EU, each security service has created new units or reconfigured existing units with an emphasis on mobility, hybridization, and specialized training; the Army has established a special operations command, several special intervention battalions, and an anti-terrorism unit known as the 1st Expeditionary Force of Niger (EFoN); the National Gendarmerie has created mobile units modeled on European gendarmerie forces known as the Rapid Action Group—Surveillance and Response in the Sahel (Groupe d'action Rapides—Surveillance et Intervention au Sahel or GAR-SI Sahel); the National Guard (GNN) has established mobile Multipurpose Squadrons (Escadrons Polyvalentes de la Garde Nationale de Niger or EP-GNN), while the National Police have created Mobile Border Control Companies (Compagnie Mobile de Contrôle des Frontières or CMCF); Niger has also established training centers for special forces in Tillia and peacekeeping in Ouallam; meanwhile, the Air Force has received armed UAVs from Turkey (2024)
while the FAN is responsible for ensuring external security, most of its focus is on internal counterinsurgency/counterterrorism operations against terrorist groups operating in the areas bordering Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Nigeria, as well as much of northern Niger and the Diffa and Lake Chad regions; these groups include the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS), Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)
since the 2010s, Niger has placed considerable emphasis on improving the effectiveness and mobility of its security forces for countering terrorism and protecting the country’s borders; with training support and material assistance from the US and the EU, each security service has created new units or reconfigured existing units with an emphasis on mobility, hybridization, and specialized training; the Army has established a special operations command, several special intervention battalions, and an anti-terrorism unit known as the 1st Expeditionary Force of Niger (EFoN); the National Gendarmerie has created mobile units modeled on European gendarmerie forces known as the Rapid Action Group—Surveillance and Response in the Sahel (Groupe d'action Rapides—Surveillance et Intervention au Sahel or GAR-SI Sahel); the National Guard (GNN) has established mobile Multipurpose Squadrons (Escadrons Polyvalentes de la Garde Nationale de Niger or EP-GNN), while the National Police have created Mobile Border Control Companies (Compagnie Mobile de Contrôle des Frontières or CMCF); Niger has also established training centers for special forces in Tillia and peacekeeping in Ouallam; meanwhile, the Air Force has received armed UAVs from Turkey (2024)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; estimated 30-35,000 active FAN troops; estimated 5-10,000 paramilitary Gendarmerie and National Guard personnel (2024)
note: in 2020, the Nigerien Government announced it intended to increase the size of the FAN to 50,000 by 2025 and 100,000 by 2030
note: in 2020, the Nigerien Government announced it intended to increase the size of the FAN to 50,000 by 2025 and 100,000 by 2030
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FAN has a wide mix of mostly older, typically Soviet-era, or donated/secondhand weapons and equipment, along with small quantities of more modern items such as unmanned aerial vehicles/drones and air defense systems; suppliers have included China, Egypt, France, Italy, Russia, Turkey, and the US (2024)
Hospital bed density
0.4 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Boko Haram; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham – West Africa (ISIS-WA); Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM); al-Mulathamun Battalion (al-Mourabitoun)
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Food insecurity
widespread lack of access: due to internal conflict, high food prices, and floods - about 2.87 million people are projected to be acutely food insecure during the June to August 2023 lean season period; this would be an improvement on the situation in 2022, mostly reflecting the sharp upturn in crop yields following the below‑average cereal output in 2021; persistent insecurity continues to disrupt livelihoods and has displaced over 360,000 people as of January 2023, mostly in the Diffa, Tahoua and Tillabery regions; high food prices, as well as the floods in 2022 that affected about 327,000 people, are additional factors that have aggravated food insecurity (2023)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 190 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 40 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 2.35 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 40 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 2.35 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,865,646 tons (1993 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 74,626 tons (2005 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4% (2005 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 74,626 tons (2005 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4% (2005 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 50.15 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 22.99 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 22.99 megatons (2020 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Niger was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/niger/
Major aquifers
Lake Chad Basin, Lullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Murzuk-Djado Basin
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lake Chad (endorheic lake shared with Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon) - 10,360-25,900 sq km
note - area varies by season and year to year
note - area varies by season and year to year
Major rivers (by length in km)
Niger (shared with Guinea [s], Mali, Benin, and Nigeria [m]) - 4,200 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Illicit drugs
a transit country for illegal drugs shipped through Niger to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East; drugs from South America, cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and various synthetics transit through Niger to European and Middle Eastern markets; hashish from Morocco is trafficked through Niger to Libya and Egypt and Europe and the Middle East; Nigerien citizens and migrants crossing Niger consume significant quantities of the opioid tramadol from neighboring Nigeria
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 3 (1 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves (n); W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (n); Historic Agadez (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves (n); W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (n); Historic Agadez (c)
Coal
production: 427,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 426,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 400 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 90 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 426,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 400 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 90 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 97% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
production: 26.805 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 26.872 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 26.872 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 13,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 18,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 150 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 18,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 150 million barrels (2021 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
3.27 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
80.3% (2023 est.)
Remittances
4.31% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.37% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.37% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
10.189 million (2023 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 0.8% (2023 est.)
male: 0.9% (2023 est.)
female: 0.8% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
male: 0.9% (2023 est.)
female: 0.8% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 15.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 14.9 years
female: 15.6 years
male: 14.9 years
female: 15.6 years
Debt - external
$4.198 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Maternal mortality ratio
441 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.314 billion (2017 est.)
$1.186 billion (2016 est.)
$1.186 billion (2016 est.)
Public debt
45.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
Total fertility rate
6.64 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
0.55% (2023 est.)
0.55% (2022 est.)
0.82% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
0.55% (2022 est.)
0.82% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
total: 26,342,784 (2024 est.)
male: 13,056,203
female: 13,286,581
male: 13,056,203
female: 13,286,581
Carbon dioxide emissions
3.132 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 622,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 2.457 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 52,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 622,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 2.457 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 52,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Area
total : 1.267 million sq km
land: 1,266,700 sq km
water: 300 sq km
land: 1,266,700 sq km
water: 300 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
21.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$44.561 billion (2023 est.)
$43.474 billion (2022 est.)
$38.851 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$43.474 billion (2022 est.)
$38.851 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Airports
26 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 64.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 69.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 69.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 14.2 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
32.9 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
3.7% (2023 est.)
4.23% (2022 est.)
3.84% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
4.23% (2022 est.)
3.84% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$2.5 billion (2022 est.)
-$2.099 billion (2021 est.)
-$1.816 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$2.099 billion (2021 est.)
-$1.816 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$1,700 (2023 est.)
$1,700 (2022 est.)
$1,600 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$1,700 (2022 est.)
$1,600 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 14,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Tobacco use
total: 7.4% (2020 est.)
male: 13.7% (2020 est.)
female: 1.1% (2020 est.)
male: 13.7% (2020 est.)
female: 1.1% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.5% (2016)
Energy consumption per capita
1.772 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Death rate
9.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
46.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 377,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.645 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.213 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 372.245 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.645 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.213 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 372.245 million kWh (2023 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
34.6% (2022)
Imports
$4.194 billion (2022 est.)
$4.027 billion (2021 est.)
$3.542 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$4.027 billion (2021 est.)
$3.542 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$1.376 billion (2022 est.)
$1.487 billion (2021 est.)
$1.338 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$1.487 billion (2021 est.)
$1.338 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 58,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 60.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 59.3 years
female: 62.5 years
male: 59.3 years
female: 62.5 years
Real GDP growth rate
2.5% (2023 est.)
11.9% (2022 est.)
1.38% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
11.9% (2022 est.)
1.38% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
2.9% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 47.8% (2023 est.)
industry: 20.2% (2023 est.)
services: 26.9% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 20.2% (2023 est.)
services: 26.9% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
4.41% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
3.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
3.66% (2024 est.)