Niger

The population of Niger is approximately 29M (2024).

The capital of Niger is Niamey.

Niger's GDP per capita is $894.54 (2024).

Life expectancy in Niger is 61.43 years (2024).

Niger covers 1,267,000 km² (489,191 sq mi).

Niger is sparsely populated, averaging 23 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Niger's population is growing rapidly at 3.3% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Niger falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $894.54. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Niger's intentional homicide rate is 4.4 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.

The official language of Niger is French.

Niger uses the West African CFA franc (Fr) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Niger are January, February, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Niger is currently developing its extensive natural resources, including uranium and petroleum, but it remains one of the world's poorest nations by income. It ranks 202 of 212 globally for GDP per capita, which is estimated at 895 USD. Recent data shows a high annual GDP growth rate of 10.3%.

The adult literacy rate in Niger is approximately 35.6%, which reflects significant challenges in the national education system. This figure currently ranks 168 of 170 countries globally. Educational access remains limited, particularly in rural areas, though the government continues to work on expanding primary school enrollment.

French is the official language of Niger, inherited from its colonial history, and is used in government and formal education. However, several indigenous languages are widely spoken across ethnic groups. Hausa is the most prominent, used by 53.1% of the population, followed by Zarma/Songhai at 21.2%.

Approximately 15.6% of the population in Niger are internet users. This level of digital penetration ranks the nation 202 of 212 in global comparisons. While connectivity is increasing in urban centers like Niamey, infrastructure development in the vast rural and desert regions remains a significant barrier to access.

The estimated 2026 population of Niger is approximately 28.8 million people. This figure is based on a projection from the latest official 2024 data of 27,032,412. The nation is currently experiencing a high annual growth rate of 3.28%, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in Western Africa.

Niger currently holds a population rank of global 55 of 215 countries. It is ranked 18th in Africa and 4th within the Western Africa subregion. This ranking is based on latest official 2024 data, which highlights Niger's position as a significant and rapidly expanding demographic power in the Sahel.

The estimated 2026 population density is 22.8 people per km² (59.1 people per sq mi). However, distribution is highly uneven; while the national density rank is global 182 of 215, the majority of the population is concentrated in the southern 20% of the land area near the Niger River.

The population of Niger is increasing rapidly at a rate of 3.28% annually. This growth is driven by a high crude birth rate of 41.4 per 1,000 people and a lower crude death rate of 8.7 per 1,000. Recent estimates show a net gain of 2,430 people every day.

The fertility rate in Niger is 5.9 births per woman, according to latest official 2024 data. This ranks the country 5th in the world for the highest fertility. This high rate is a primary driver of the country's rapid population expansion and contributes to its very young demographic profile.

Niger is one of the least urbanized countries in the world, with only 18.0% of the population living in cities. This places the nation at a global urbanization rank of 211 of 215. Most citizens live in rural, agrarian communities, although the capital, Niamey, is growing steadily.