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Last update: January, 21 2021

Niger

flag of Niger
Government
NameRepublic of the Niger
FrenchRépublique du Niger
Government typesemi-presidential republic
CapitalNiamey (978,029 (2012))
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
People
Population (2020)24,206,636 (57th)
Density of population12.1 P/km2
NationalityNigerien
Official languages
French
Ethnic groups (2006)
Hausa53.1%
Zarma / Songhai21.2%
Tuareg11%
Fulani (Peuhl)6.5%
Kanuri5.9%
Gurma0.8%
Arab0.4%
Tubu0.4%
other / unavailable0.9%
Religions (2012)
Muslim99.3%
Christian0.3%
animist0.2%
none0.1%
Life expectancy (2020)
Male57.8 years
Female60.8 years
Total population59.3 years (219th)
Homicides
Total (2012)4.4 per 100,000 people (68th)
Geography
Land area1,266,700 km2
water area300 km2
total area1,267,000 km2 (23rd)
Mean elevation474 m
Lowest point
Niger River200 m
Highest point
Idoukal-n-Taghes2,022 m
Land use (2011)
Agricultural land35.1%
Arable land12.3%
Permanent crops0.1%
Permanent pasture22.7%
Forest1%
Other63.9%
Urbanization
Urban population (2020)16.6%
Rate of urbanization4.27% annual rate of change (2015 – 2020)
Economy
Labor force (2017)6.5 million  (70th)
Labor force by occupation (2012)
Agriculture79.2%
Industry3.3%
Services 17.5%
Unemployment rate (2017)0.3% (3rd)
GDP (PPP) (estimate 2018)
Total$23.475 billion (140th)
Per capita$1,213 (183rd)
GDP (nominal) (estimate 2018)
Total$9.869 billion (136th)
Per capita$510 (179th)
GDP by sector (estimate 2017)
Agriculture41.6%
Industry19.5%
Services38.7%
Exports (2017)$4.143 billion (115th)
Exports partners (2017)
France30.2%
Thailand18.3%
Malaysia9.9%
Nigeria8.3%
Mali5%
Switzerland4.9%
Imports (2017)$1.829 billion (171st)
Imports partners (2017)
France28.8%
China14.4%
Malaysia5.7%
Nigeria5.4%
Thailand5.3%
US5.1%
India4.9%

Niger on the world map

Niger on the world map

Niger top 10 largest cities (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-N’Konni (63,169)
  8. Dosso (58,671)
  9. Gaya (45,465)
  10. Tessaoua (43,409)

Demography

Population pyramid

Population pyramid of Niger (2020)

Age structure data

Estimate for 2020:

  • 0-14 years: 50.58% (male 5,805,102/female 5,713,815)
  • 15-24 years: 19.99% (male 2,246,670/female 2,306,285)
  • 25-54 years: 23.57% (male 2,582,123/female 2,784,464)
  • 55-64 years: 3.17% (male 357,832/female 364,774)
  • 65 years and over: 2.68% (male 293,430/female 317,866)

Remark: the age structure of a population affects a nation’s key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.

Population from 1950 to 2020

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Source: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects 2019, Online Edition. Rev. 1.


Evolution of the life expectancy from 1960 to 2018

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Source: World Development Indicators, The World Bank

Major rivers

Economy

Agriculture:

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rice, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Industries:

uranium mining, petroleum, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Exports – commodities:

uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Imports – commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Time zone and current time in Niger

Go to our interactive map to get the current time in Niger

Sources: