Country Profile: Niger
Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Mali, and Nigeria among others. The nation primarily consists of desert terrain in the north and savanna in the south, which supports a majority of its population. With an estimated population of over 27 million in 2025, Niger faces significant economic challenges, ranking among the world's poorest countries. Recent political developments have led to a military junta taking control, introducing further uncertainty into its governance and economic stability.
Geography
Niger is situated in Western Africa, southeast of Algeria, and spans an area of 1.267 million sq km, slightly less than twice the size of Texas. The climate is predominantly desert, with the northern region being characterized by hot, dry conditions, while the extreme south features a tropical climate. The country is landlocked, featuring a vast expanse of desert plains interspersed with hills and rivers.
- 5,834 km of land borders with Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Libya, Mali, and Nigeria.
- Highest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes at 2,022 m.
- Major water resource includes the Niger River, which is 4,200 km long.
People and Society
As of 2025, Niger's population is projected to reach 27,322,555, with a youthful demographic where 49.5% are aged 0-14 years. The predominant ethnic groups include Hausa (53.1%), Zarma/Songhai (21.2%), and Tuareg (11%). The country has a high birth rate of 46.29 births per 1,000 population and a low life expectancy of 60.9 years at birth.
- Total fertility rate: 6.55 children per woman (2025).
- Literacy rate is approximately 35.6%.
- Urban population: 17.1% of total population (2023).
Economy
Niger's economy is largely agrarian, with 33.8% of its GDP coming from agriculture. It continues to grapple with economic instability and humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. Uranium mining is a significant sector, contributing to ongoing efforts for economic diversification.
- Real GDP (PPP): Estimated at $47.921 billion in 2024.
- GDP growth rate: Projected at 8.4% for 2024.
- Unemployment rate: Remains exceptionally low at 0.4% in 2024.
Government
Niger operates as a republic, though it is currently under military rule following a coup in July 2023. The military junta, known as the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), has dissolved existing governmental structures. Previously, the country had experienced cycles of democratic governance and coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.
- Current leader: General Abdourahamane TIANI (since July 2023).
- Capital: Niamey, which is also the largest city, with about 1.437 million residents (2023).
- Next expected election: 2030.
Military and Security
Niger's military forces, known as the Nigerien Armed Forces, focus on addressing internal and border security challenges, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing threats from terrorist groups. The military regime has increased security expenditures in recent years in response to these challenges.
- Military expenditure: Estimated at 2.2% of GDP for 2024.
- Active military personnel: Approximately 50,000.
- Notable threats include groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates.
Energy
Niger's energy sector is dominated by fossil fuels, with 97% of its electricity generated from these sources. However, access to electricity remains limited, with only 19.5% of the population having access as of 2022.
- Installed electricity capacity: 377,000 kW.
- Electricity consumption: 1.645 billion kWh in 2023.
- Petroleum production: Roughly 13,000 barrels per day in 2023.
Environment
Niger faces numerous environmental challenges, including soil erosion and desertification, both exacerbated by overgrazing and inadequate water resources. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at combating these issues.
- Total water resources: Approximately 34 billion cubic meters (2022).
- Annual CO2 emissions: Estimated at 3.132 million metric tonnes (2023).
- Only 0.8% of land is forested, highlighting the challenges in land use management.
Transportation
Niger has a total of 26 airports and relies on road networks for internal connectivity as it lacks any coastline.
Communications
The communications sector is developing, with a mobile cellular subscription base of 17.2 million, representing a penetration rate of 66 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2023.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,322,555 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 1,267,000 sq km | Land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $47.921 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.4% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 46.29 births/1,000 pop | Estimated for 2025 |
| Life Expectancy | 60.9 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electricity Access | 19.5% | Percentage with access as of 2022 |
| Urban Population | 17.1% | Percentage of total population (2023) |
| Military Expenditure | 2.2% of GDP | Estimated for 2024 |
| Literacy Rate | 35.6% | Estimated for 2022 |
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