Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Niger
Jamhuriyar Nijar
CapitalNiamey
Population27,917,831
GDP$21.6bn
Area1,267,000 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2021, 2016In 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.
Geography
Location
Western Africa, southeast of Algeria
Map references
Africa
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
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Land boundaries
total: 5,834 km
border countries: 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: Algeria 951 km; Benin 277 km; Burkina Faso 622 km; Chad 1,196 km; Libya 342 km; Mali 838 km; Nigeria 1,608 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south
Terrain
predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north
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
Natural resources
uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, petroleum
Land use
agricultural land: 36.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.8% (2023 est.)
other: 62.4% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.8% (2023 est.)
other: 62.4% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
2,881 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major 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
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 aquifers
Lake Chad Basin, Lullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Murzuk-Djado Basin
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
Natural hazards
recurring droughts
Geography - note
landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world; northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna that is suitable for livestock and limited agriculture
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Nigerien(s)
adjective: Nigerien
adjective: Nigerien
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.)
Reference: 2006Languages
Hausa, Zarma, French (official), Fufulde, Tamashek, Kanuri, Gurmancema, Tagdal
note: note: represents the most-spoken languages; Niger has 10 national languages: Arabic, Buduma, Fulfuldé, Guimancema, Hausa, Kanuri, Sonay-Zarma, Tamajaq, Tassawaq, and Tubu
note: note: represents the most-spoken languages; Niger has 10 national languages: Arabic, Buduma, Fulfuldé, Guimancema, Hausa, Kanuri, Sonay-Zarma, Tamajaq, Tassawaq, and Tubu
Religions
Muslim 95.5%, ethnic religionist 4.1%, Christian 0.3%, agnostics and other 0.1% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 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)
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.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 103.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 17.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 15.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 14.9 years
female: 15.6 years
Reference: 2024male: 14.9 years
female: 15.6 years
Population growth rate
3.66% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
46.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
9.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
Major urban areas - population
1.437 million NIAMEY (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
18.5 years (2012 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Reference: 2012note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio
350 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
3.27 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 88.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 40.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 48.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 11.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 59.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 51.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 40.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 48.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 11.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 59.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 51.1% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.04 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 81.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 15.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 26.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 18.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 84.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 73.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 15.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 26.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 18.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 84.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 73.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Tobacco use
total: 7.5% (2025 est.)
male: 13.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
male: 13.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
34.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Currently married women (ages 15-49)
80.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 6 years (2017 est.)
male: 7 years (2017 est.)
female: 6 years (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017male: 7 years (2017 est.)
female: 6 years (2017 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 421,795 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 891,565 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 891,565 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Ali Lamine Zeine | — | 2023-08-08 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Abdourahamane Tiani | — | 2023-07-28 | Current | Reported |
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: 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: note: pronounced nee-ZHAIR
Government type
formerly, semi-presidential republic
note: 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
Reference: 2023note: 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
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
Administrative divisions
7 regions (régions, singular - région) and 1 capital district* (communauté urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder
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 system of civil law, based on French civil law, Islamic law, and customary law
Reference: 2023Constitution
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 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: 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
Reference: 2023, 2010amendment process: formerly proposed by the president of the republic or 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: 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
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
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
election/appointment process: the CNSP rules by decree; previously, the president was directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister was appointed by the president, authorized by the National Assembly
most recent election date: 27 December 2020, with a runoff held on 21 February 2021
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%
expected date of next election: 2025
note: note: deposed president BAZOUM has been under house arrest since a military coup on 26 July 2023
Reference: 2025, 2023, 2021, 2020head of government: CNSP Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine ZEINE (since 9 August 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the CNSP
election/appointment process: the CNSP rules by decree; previously, the president was directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister was appointed by the president, authorized by the National Assembly
most recent election date: 27 December 2020, with a runoff held on 21 February 2021
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%
expected date of next election: 2025
note: note: deposed president BAZOUM has been under house arrest since a military coup on 26 July 2023
Legislative branch
legislature name: Advisory Council for the Refoundation (Conseil consultatif de la refondation)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 194 (all appointed)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
most recent election date: 5/1/2025
percentage of women in chamber: 19.6%
expected date of next election: April 2030
note: Note 1: 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
Note 2: In May 2025, Transitional President Tchiani signed decrees nominating 194 members of the Advisory Council for the Refoundation (Conseil consultatif de la refondation or CCR), CCR Bureau members, and the Speaker, Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey; the first session of the CCR convened on 28 June 2025
Reference: 2030, 2025, 2023legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 194 (all appointed)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
most recent election date: 5/1/2025
percentage of women in chamber: 19.6%
expected date of next election: April 2030
note: Note 1: 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
Note 2: In May 2025, Transitional President Tchiani signed decrees nominating 194 members of the Advisory Council for the Refoundation (Conseil consultatif de la refondation or CCR), CCR Bureau members, and the Speaker, Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey; the first session of the CCR convened on 28 June 2025
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
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: 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
Reference: 2023Alliance 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: 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
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/
Reference: 2023chancery: 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/
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/
Reference: 2023embassy: 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/
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
Independence
3 August 1960 (from France)
Reference: 1960National holiday
Republic Day, 18 December (1958)
note: note: commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger, which predated independence from France in 1960
Reference: 1960, 1958note: note: commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger, which predated independence from France in 1960
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green, with an orange disk centered on the white band
meaning: orange stands for the northern Sahara regions, white for purity and innocence, and green for hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River; the orange disc represents the sun and the people's sacrifices
note: note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered on the white band
meaning: orange stands for the northern Sahara regions, white for purity and innocence, and green for hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River; the orange disc represents the sun and the people's sacrifices
note: note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered on the white band
National symbol(s)
zebu
National color(s)
orange, white, green
National anthem(s)
title: "L'Honneur de la Patrie" (The Honor of the Fatherland)
lyrics/music: a government-appointed committee wrote both the lyrics and the music
history: adopted 2023; replaced previous national anthem, "La Nigérienne" (The Nigerien), that was adopted in 1961
Reference: 2023, 1961lyrics/music: a government-appointed committee wrote both the lyrics and the music
history: adopted 2023; replaced previous national anthem, "La Nigérienne" (The Nigerien), that was adopted in 1961
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)
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | — | 171 | — |
Economy
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
Reference: 2020Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $47.921 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $44.199 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $43.474 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $44.199 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $43.474 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $1,800 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 33.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 17.8% (2024 est.)
services: 45.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 17.8% (2024 est.)
services: 45.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 59.2% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 11.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 18.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 31.2% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -20.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 11.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 18.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 31.2% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -20.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
millet, cowpeas, sorghum, onions, milk, sugarcane, cabbages, cassava, groundnuts, tomatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
uranium mining, petroleum, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses
Industrial production growth rate
12.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
10.486 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 0.3% (2024 est.)
male: 0.4% (2024 est.)
female: 0.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 0.4% (2024 est.)
female: 0.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
45.5% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 32.9 (2021 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2021note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.8% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 27.8% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2021highest 10%: 27.8% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 3.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $2.325 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $2.785 billion (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019expenditures: $2.785 billion (2019 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 45.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$2.333 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.5 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.099 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$2.5 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.099 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $1.223 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.376 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $1.487 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $1.376 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $1.487 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 31%, France 23%, China 18%, India 6%, Sweden 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, oil seeds, uranium and thorium ore, radioactive chemicals, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $3.808 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $4.194 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.027 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $4.194 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.027 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 26%, France 15%, India 12%, Nigeria 7%, UAE 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
rice, aircraft parts, iron structures, refined petroleum, centrifuges (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $3.793 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 606.345 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 606.57 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 623.76 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 554.531 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 575.586 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 606.345 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 606.57 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 623.76 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 554.531 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 575.586 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$2.333 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.5 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.099 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$2.5 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.099 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $1.223 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.376 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $1.487 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $1.376 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $1.487 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 31%, France 23%, China 18%, India 6%, Sweden 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, oil seeds, uranium and thorium ore, radioactive chemicals, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $3.808 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $4.194 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.027 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $4.194 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.027 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 26%, France 15%, India 12%, Nigeria 7%, UAE 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
rice, aircraft parts, iron structures, refined petroleum, centrifuges (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 1.645 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.213 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 372.245 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 97% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 426,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 400 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 90 million metric tons (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.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 18,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 150 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 26.805 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 26.872 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 26.872 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 1.772 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 58,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
350 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.04 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 7.5% (2025 est.)
male: 13.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
male: 13.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 6 years (2017 est.)
male: 7 years (2017 est.)
female: 6 years (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017male: 7 years (2017 est.)
female: 6 years (2017 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
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 system of civil law, based on French civil law, Islamic law, and customary law
Reference: 2023Judicial 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
Military & Security
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: 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: 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
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 35-40,000 active Nigerien Armed Forces, including Gendarmerie; estimated 5-10,000 National Guard (2025)
note: 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
Reference: 2030, 2025, 2020note: 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)
Reference: 2024Military 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)
Reference: 2023Military deployments
note: in 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced they were forming a joint force of 5,000 troops to combat extremist groups in the Sahel
Reference: 2024Military - note
the military of Niger is responsible for territorial defense, but most of its focus is on internal and border security operations; the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS) and the al-Qaida affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) terrorist groups are active in western Niger and in adjacent strongholds in Burkina Faso and Mali, while the Nigeria-based Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa groups threaten southeast Niger; parts of Niger also face spillover from communal, criminal, and vigilante violence in neighboring Nigeria; since the 2023 coup, some former ethnic separatist rebels have taken up arms in support of deposed President BAZOUM
the military has played a significant role in Niger's domestic politics since its establishment in 1960-61; prior to seizing control of the government in 2023, it attempted coups in 1974, 1996, 1999, 2010, and 2021, and ruled the country for much of the period before 1999 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2023, 2021, 2010the military has played a significant role in Niger's domestic politics since its establishment in 1960-61; prior to seizing control of the government in 2023, it attempted coups in 1974, 1996, 1999, 2010, and 2021, and ruled the country for much of the period before 1999 (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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/
Reference: 2023chancery: 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/
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/
Reference: 2023embassy: 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/
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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1960-09-20 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 421,795 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 891,565 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 891,565 (2024 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 remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/niger/
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: 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: 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
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
5U
Airports
26 (2025)
Environment
Environmental 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
International environmental 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
Climate
desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south
Land use
agricultural land: 36.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.8% (2023 est.)
other: 62.4% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.8% (2023 est.)
other: 62.4% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 17.1% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 4.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 4.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total 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.)
Reference: 2023from 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.)
Particulate matter emissions
59.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 137.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 713.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 128.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 11.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 713.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 128.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 11.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.866 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 20.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 20.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 193.247 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 38.654 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 2.351 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 38.654 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 2.351 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
34,050,000,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 58,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Broadcast media
state-run TV station; 3 private TV stations provide a mix of local and foreign programming; state-run radio has the only radio station with national coverage; about 30 private local radio stations; as many as 100 community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
Internet country code
.ne
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 20,685,753 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 21,435,446 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 22,188,069 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 22,947,757 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 23,717,613 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 24,502,140 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 25,311,973 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 26,159,867 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 27,032,412 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 27,917,831 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $10,341,025,540 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $11,359,273,443 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $12,800,907,986 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $12,420,836,507 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $13,648,332,190 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $14,936,154,253 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $15,531,799,641 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $16,949,765,464 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $19,729,786,047 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $21,646,191,388 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 348,056 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 449,236 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 162,733 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 189,413 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 219,232 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 317,174 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 350,773 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 390,945 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 416,964 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 439,378 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 14,833 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -6,830 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -3,830 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -15,778 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -4,402 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -4,405 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 995 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 995 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -4,041 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -7,704 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,917,831 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 28,814,878 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 21,477,348 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 449,236 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 439,378 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -7,704 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 85,591 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 21,661 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.756 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.790 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.665 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.791 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.476 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.181 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.172 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Illegal since 26 March 2025, codified since 11 June 2026; Penalty: 5 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000,000 francs. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2025 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes / No Limited protections. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $21,646,191,388 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $775 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 7.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | -4.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 0.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Low income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 61.4 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 5.9 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 18.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 15.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 15.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 18.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 33.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 35.6% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 19.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 4.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 21.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 68 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 79.6% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 4.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 65.6 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 0.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 60.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 5 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 13.5140° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 2.1073° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 17.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 10.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00, Africa/Niamey | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29