Country Profile: Niger

Niger, located in Western Africa, is characterized by its predominantly desert terrain, with a landscape that includes desert plains and sand dunes in the north and savanna suitable for agriculture in the south. With a population of approximately 26.3 million, the country faces significant challenges, including high poverty rates and limited access to basic services. The economy is largely agrarian, yet heavily disrupted by frequent droughts, exacerbated by regional instability and security concerns, particularly from neighboring conflict zones. Governance has been tumultuous, with a recent military coup in July 2023 disrupting the democratic transition initiated in 2021.

Geography

Niger is a landlocked country situated in Western Africa, southeast of Algeria. The vast majority of its area is covered by desert, making it one of the hottest countries in the world. The terrain features flat to rolling plains in the southern region and significant hills in the north.

Total Area: 1.267 million sq km
Land Boundaries: 5,834 km
Highest Point: Idoukal-n-Taghes at 2,022 m
Climate: Desert, mostly hot and dry
Natural Hazards: Recurring droughts

People and Society

Niger has a population of approximately 26.3 million people, with a significant youth demographic. Ethnically diverse, the largest groups include the Hausa, Zarma/Songhai, and Tuareg. The official language is French, and Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by about 95.5% of the population.

Median Age: 15.2 years
Population Growth Rate: 3.66%
Life Expectancy: 60.9 years
Urban Population: 17.1%
Literacy Rate: 35.6%

Economy

Niger's economy is classified as a low-income, agrarian society with substantial challenges due to instability and humanitarian crises. The nation is recovering from COVID-19-related setbacks and is working to diversify its economy, focusing on uranium and oil production.

Real GDP (PPP): $47.921 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 8.4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 0.4% (2024 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line: 45.5% (2021 est.)
Major Industries: Uranium mining, petroleum, food processing

Government

Niger is currently under the control of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland following a military coup in July 2023. This junta has dissolved existing government institutions and rules by decree, reflecting ongoing political instability.

Government Type: Military junta
Capital: Niamey
Independence: Achieved on 3 August 1960
Next Expected Election: 2025
Legislature: Advisory Council for the Refoundation with appointed members

Military and Security

The Nigerien Armed Forces are tasked with various security responsibilities, including counter-terrorism efforts against groups like Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates. Military expenditures have been increasing due to heightened security needs in the region.

Military Expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Personnel: Estimated 35,000 - 40,000
Military Service Age: 18 years
Military Operations: Joint force formation with Mali and Burkina Faso in 2024
Security Concerns: Active terrorist groups threaten domestic stability

Energy

Niger's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with limited access to electricity across the population. The electrification rate remains low, particularly in rural areas.

Electricity Access: 19.5% of total population (2022 est.)
Installed Generating Capacity: 377,000 kW (2023 est.)
Fossil Fuels Contribution: 97% of total installed capacity
Total Petroleum Production: 13,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Coal Production: 427,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Environment

Niger faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification, soil erosion, and water contamination. The country is a participant in several international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change.

Environmental Issues: Overgrazing, deforestation, inadequate potable water
Urban Population: 17.1% (2023)
Agricultural Land: 36.8% (2022 est.)
Renewable Water Resources: 34.05 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Air Pollution: Particulate matter emissions at 50.15 µg/m³ (2019 est.)

Transportation

Niger's transportation infrastructure includes a limited number of airports and growing civil aviation capabilities.

Airports: 26 (2025)
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: 5U

Communications

Telecommunications in Niger are developing, with increasing mobile subscriptions but limited internet access.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 14.2 million (2021 est.)
Internet Users: 23% of population (2023 est.)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 58,000 (2021 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	26,342,784 (2024 est.)
Area	1.267 million sq km
Real GDP (PPP)	$47.921 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	0.4% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	46.6 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	60.9 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	19.5% (2022 est.)
Urban Population	17.1% (2023)
Literacy Rate	35.6% (2022 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	6.64 children/woman (2024 est.)