string(13) "slug is niger" Niger - Country Profile - African Landlocked Countries Research Centre
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Niger

Capital: Niamey

Population

Estimated at 27.9 million (2025)

Area

Approximately 1.27 million km²

Bordering Countries

7

Overview

Landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali

Niger is the largest country in West Africa by land area, largely desert, and heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture and uranium mining. It faces extreme poverty and food insecurity but has opportunities in oil and solar energy.

Bordering Countries: Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali

Economic Profile

Primary Exports

Uranium, oil, agricultural products

Key Industries

Agriculture (subsistence), oil production, livestock, mining

Main Trade Partners

Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and regional neighbors

Economic Challenges

Poverty, rapid population growth, limited infrastructure, food insecurity

Trade & Transit Infrastructure

Main Transit Corridors

Relies on corridors through Benin, Nigeria, and Togo for coastal port access

Port Access

Via Benin, Nigeria, Togo ports

Transport Infrastructure Quality

Limited road and rail networks; ongoing efforts to improve transport corridors

Trade & Transit Challenges

Infrastructure deficits, security concerns, high transport costs

Key Statistics & Indicators

Human Development Index: 0.394 (Ranked 189th out of 191 countries)

National Trade & Development Strategies

Addressing climate shocks, improving food security, transport corridor upgrades

Ongoing and Planned Projects

Oil sector expansion, food security programs, transport corridor upgrades, banking sector reforms