What is the capital of Niger?

The capital of Niger is Niamey. The city lies in western Niger on the Niger River and serves as the country’s political, administrative, economic, and cultural centre.

Niamey grew from several pre-colonial villages inhabited by communities including Zarma, Songhai, Fula, and Maouri peoples. French forces established a military post there in 1901. Niamey replaced Zinder as the colonial capital in 1903, although the capital temporarily moved back to Zinder in 1911 before returning permanently to Niamey in 1926.

The city’s location beside the Niger River helped support agriculture, trade, and urban growth in a country dominated by the Sahara and Sahel. It expanded rapidly after Niger’s independence in 1960, especially as droughts and economic opportunities drew people from rural areas. Zinder is the most common mix-up, because it was an important historical capital, but modern Niger’s capital is Niamey.