Niger
Geographic & General info
- Capital: Niamey
- Population: approx. 26.2 million
- Languages: French (official), Hausa, Zarma/Songhai, Fula, Tamajeq, Kanuri
- Area: 1,267,000 km²
- Time Zone: UTC+1 (WAT)
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Flag Colors: Orange, white, green with an orange disc
- National Holiday: December 18
- National Anthem: L'Honneur de la Patrie
- Neighboring Countries: Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Algeria, Libya, Chad
Top 15 Largest Cities
- Niamey
- Maradi
- Zinder
- Tahoua
- Agadez
- Arlit
- Dosso
- Diffa
- Tillabéri
- Gaya
- Magaria
- Madaoua
- Téra
- Birni N'Konni
- Tessaoua
Top 15 Highlights
- Grand Mosque of Agadez
- Aïr Mountains (Massif de l'Aïr)
- Ténéré Desert
- W National Park
- Sultan's Palace & Old Birni Quarter (Zinder)
- Kouré Giraffe Reserve
- Boubou Hama National Museum (Niamey)
- Dabous Giraffe Petroglyphs
- Grand Market of Niamey (Grand Marché)
- Termit & Tin Toumma National Nature Reserve
- Lake Chad Basin Shoreline
- Historic Centre of Agadez (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Bilma Oasis & Salt Caravans
- Oasis of Timia (Gueltas & Orchards)
- Gorge of Oued Taffassasset
Climate and Nature
Niger experiences a predominantly hyper-arid desert and semi-arid Sahelian climate. Over two-thirds of the territory lies within the Sahara Desert. The southern border region features a wetter savanna zone. Landscapes range from rolling sand dunes in the Ténéré to volcanic peaks in the Aïr Mountains and fertile riparian habitats along the Niger River.
Culture and Gastronomy
Nigerien culture represents a vibrant mosaic of ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Zarma, Tuareg, and Fulani (Wodaabe). Traditions are highlighted by annual desert gatherings like Cure Salée and nomadic music festivals. Cuisine revolves around millet, sorghum, rice, and grilled meats. Famous dishes include Kilishi (spiced dried jerky), Dambou (steamed cereal with greens), and peanut-based stews.
Economy
Niger's economy relies heavily on subsistence farming and livestock pastoralism. Mining is the country's primary source of export revenues, as Niger ranks among the world's leading producers of high-grade uranium ore. Petroleum extraction and gold mining also play increasing roles in economic development.
Did you know?
- The 27-meter mud-brick minaret of the Grand Mosque of Agadez is the tallest earthen structure in the world.
- The Kouré region near Niamey protects the last remaining herd of wild West African giraffes (peralta subspecies).
- The Ténéré Desert was once home to the 'Tree of Ténéré', famously considered the most isolated tree on Earth (with no other tree within 400 km).
- In the Saharan desert near Dabous lie life-sized neolithic rock carvings of giraffes dating back over 8,000 years.
- Niger holds some of the world's largest high-grade uranium deposits, primarily extracted near the northern mining town of Arlit.
Live footage: Discover Niger via webcams and livestreams
Watch the most current webcams in Niger and enjoy real-time footage from beautiful locations. Whether you want to check the current weather, see the crowds at points of interest, or simply want to daydream with a livestream from Niger: our interactive map points you to the best camera viewpoints.
All webcam locations in Niger: Weather & Info
In the list below you'll find all available webcams from Niger in alphabetical order. Click on a city for the full live connection, current temperature, wind speed and local weather conditions for that specific place.
