What is the capital of Niger?
Niamey lies on the Niger River in the west of the country, mostly on the river's left bank, and is surrounded by the Tillaberi Region.
Niamey is the capital and seat of government of Niger. Niger itself has an estimated population of 27,917,831 (2025).
Niamey is also the largest city in Niger, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Niamey at a glance
| City population | 1,026,848 (2012) |
|---|---|
| Country | 🇳🇪 Niger |
| Founded | 1901 |
| Largest city in Niger | Niamey |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (WAT) |
| Currency | West African CFA franc (XOF) |
About Niamey
French expeditions first reached the site in the 1890s and Captain Henri Salaman established a military post there in 1901. Before that, the location held villages of Fula, Zarma, Maouri and Songhai people.
Niamey replaced Zinder as the territorial capital from 1903 to 1911 and again from 1926, after which large-scale development began; the first city plan followed in 1930.
Niamey is Niger's main economic centre and an ethnically diverse city.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Niamey.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Niger?
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Niger on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.