Country Profile: Niger

Niger, located in Western Africa, is a landlocked nation characterized by its vast desert terrain and a population of approximately 27 million people. Governed in recent years by a military junta, the country has experienced significant political turmoil and efforts to stabilize an economy plagued by poverty and reliance on agriculture. Despite rich natural resources, including uranium, Niger faces challenges from recurring droughts and security threats from neighboring regions.

Geography

Niger is situated in Western Africa, bordered by seven countries, and is predominantly characterized by desert plains and rolling hills. The northern regions are largely arid, while the southern part features savanna suitable for agriculture and livestock.

Total Area: 1.267 million sq km (slightly less than twice the size of Texas)
Land Borders: 5,834 km (including Algeria, Mali, and Nigeria)
Climate: Primarily desert with a tropical climate in the far south
Natural Resources: Includes uranium, gold, coal, and iron ore
Elevation: Highest point at 2,022 m (Idoukal-n-Taghes)

People and Society

Niger is home to a diverse population with a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, primarily the Hausa, Zarma/Songhai, and Tuareg. The nation has a young demographic profile, with a median age of just over 15 years and a high birth rate.

Population: 27,322,555 (2025 est.)
Major Ethnic Groups: Hausa 53.1%, Zarma/Songhai 21.2%
Languages: Predominantly Hausa, Zarma, and French (official)
Religion: 95.5% Muslim
Urbanization: 17.1% of the total population lives in urban areas

Economy

Niger's economy is classified as low-income, with agriculture representing a significant portion of its output. The country is resource-rich, notably in uranium, yet it struggles with humanitarian crises and security challenges that limit economic growth.

GDP (PPP): $47.921 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 8.4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 0.4% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 45.5% of the population lives below the national poverty line
Exports: $1.223 billion (2023 est.), with UAE and France as major partners

Government

Niger operates under a military junta following a coup in July 2023. The current government structure has dissolved previous parliamentary systems, leading to a significant concentration of power.

Capital: Niamey
Government Type: Military junta, previously a semi-presidential republic
Independence: Achieved on 3 August 1960 from France
Suffrage: Universal suffrage at age 18
Administrative Divisions: 7 regions and 1 capital district

Military and Security

Niger's military forces are tasked with both internal security and border defense, facing threats from various terrorist groups operating in the region. The military has a well-documented history of involvement in the country’s political landscape.

Military Strength: Estimated 50,000 active personnel (2025)
Military Expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Security Challenges: Active threats from groups like Boko Haram and ISIS
Mandatory Service: Legal age for military service is 18, with a 24-month term

Energy

The energy sector in Niger is dominated by fossil fuels, with a significant portion of electricity generation capacity stemming from thermal sources. Access to electricity remains limited, particularly in rural regions.

Electricity Access: 19.5% of the total population (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 377,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 1.645 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Fossil Fuel Share: 97% of total installed capacity comes from fossil fuels

Environment

Niger faces numerous environmental challenges, including soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification. Concerted efforts are needed to address these issues while fostering sustainable development.

Environmental Issues: Overgrazing, soil erosion, and inadequate potable water
Urban Population Growth Rate: 4.72% annually (2020-2025 est.)
Total Water Withdrawal: 2.351 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Participation in Environmental Agreements: Signatory to the Paris Agreement and several others

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes a modest number of airports and limited civil aviation capabilities.

Airports: 26 operational airports (2025)
Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix 5U

Communications

Communication networks are developing, although mobile and internet services remain limited in coverage.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 17.2 million (2023)
Internet Users: 23% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 58,000 (2021 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	27,322,555	(2025 est.)
Area	1.267 million sq km
GDP (PPP)	$47.921 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	0.4%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	46.29 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	60.9 years	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	19.5%	(2022 est.)
Military Expenditure	2.2% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	17.1%	(2023)
Poverty Rate	45.5%	(2021 est.)