Niger’s port, capital, and administrative centre, Niamey is located in the southwest of the country, on the northeast bank of the Niger River.
Founded in the 18th century, first name Niamma, it remained a little town until 1902, when a French fort was established in the city. In the same year Niamey succeeded to Zinder as a capital.
The population grew rapidly especially in 1960, when independence was gained from France and in the 1970s due to the discovery of uranium in Niger in 1968. About 2000 people lived there in 1940, while today, the estimated population is 600,000).
Today, Niamey has most of the amenities of a modern capital city, but at the same time, maintains a distinct Sahel character.
It has an international airport and has road links with Benin and Nigeria.

Agadez, in northern Niger, is the largest city in the country. It is home to an estimated 78,289 inhabitants.

Lying in the Sahara, Agade...