Landlocked in West Africa

Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by seven countries and largely covered by the Sahara Desert.

Named After the Niger River

Despite being mostly desert, Niger gets its name from the Niger River, which flows through its southwestern region and supports agriculture and fishing.

One of the Hottest Countries on Earth

Niger experiences extremely high temperatures, especially in the desert regions, making it one of the hottest inhabited places on the planet.

Ancient Trading Routes

For centuries, Niger was a key stop on trans-Saharan trade routes, where goods like salt, gold, and slaves were transported across the desert.

Agadez – A Historic Caravan City

The city of Agadez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its mud-brick architecture, ancient minarets, and role in Tuareg culture.

Cultural Diversity

Niger is home to several ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, and Fulani, each with their own languages and traditions.

Nomadic Traditions

Many communities in Niger, especially the Tuareg, maintain a nomadic lifestyle, herding livestock across vast desert areas.

Dinosaur Fossils and Prehistoric Sites

Niger is rich in paleontological discoveries, including dinosaur fossils found in the Tenere Desert.

W National Park

W National Park, shared with Benin and Burkina Faso, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to elephants, lions, and hippos.

Low Literacy but Strong Oral Traditions

Although literacy rates are low, Niger has vibrant oral storytelling traditions, passed down through griots (traditional musicians and historians).