What is the population of Niger in 2026?
Niger has a population of 27,917,831 people (2025 estimate), which is 54th in the world and about 0.34% of the global total.
Officially Republic of Niger
Population 2025
27,917,831
0.34% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
+3.22%
+899,792 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
21/km²
1,266,700 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
15.6 years
Life expectancy 61.4 years
Our World in Data, 2025About Niger
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa named after the Niger River. It is the largest country in West Africa by area and one of the least developed nations in the world, consistently ranking near the bottom of the UN Human Development Index. Despite its challenges, Niger has the world's highest fertility rate and is one of the fastest-growing countries by population. The vast majority of the country is covered by the Sahara Desert.
Country Facts
- Capital
- Niamey
- Continent
- Africa
- ISO codes
- NE · NER
- Demonym
- Nigerien
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF Fr)
- State inception
- 1960
- Time zone
- UTC+01:00
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +227
- Internet TLD
- .ne
- Land neighbours
- 7
Languages
- French
Religions
- Islam (99.3%)
- Christianity (0.3%)
- Traditional (0.4%)
Demographics
Niger has the world's highest fertility rate at 7.0 children per woman, and its population is doubling roughly every 18 years. The median age of just 15.4 years makes it the world's youngest country. Only about 17% of the population lives in urban areas. The population is ethnically diverse, with Hausa, Zarma/Songhai, Tuareg, and Fulani being major groups. Over 99% of the population is Muslim.
Economy
Niger is one of the world's poorest countries, with most of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and herding. Uranium mining is the primary source of export revenue, though gold production is increasing. The economy is highly vulnerable to droughts, locust infestations, and global commodity prices. Foreign aid represents a significant portion of the budget. Economic growth barely keeps pace with population growth.
Major exports
- Uranium
- Gold
- Onions
- Cowpeas
- Livestock
- Oil
Major imports
- Food
- Machinery
- Petroleum products
- Cement
- Vehicles
Health
Education
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
Over 80% of Niger is covered by the Sahara Desert. The habitable zone is primarily in the south along the Niger River and its tributaries. The climate is hot and dry with a short rainy season. The Air Mountains in the north reach heights of over 2,000 meters. Desertification is advancing southward, threatening already limited agricultural land. The Niger River is vital for farming and fishing.
Natural resources
- Uranium
- Gold
- Petroleum
- Coal
- Iron ore
- Tin
- Phosphates
- Molybdenum
- Salt
Climate
- Desert and semi-arid Sahel
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 46.6%
- Age 15–64
- 50.8%
- Age 65+
- 2.6%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 0 | 1 |
| 95-99 | 24 | 61 |
| 90-94 | 593 | 1,129 |
| 85-89 | 5,016 | 8,134 |
| 80-84 | 20,257 | 30,230 |
| 75-79 | 49,907 | 66,105 |
| 70-74 | 98,846 | 107,972 |
| 65-69 | 152,607 | 160,444 |
| 60-64 | 212,116 | 215,640 |
| 55-59 | 271,737 | 268,947 |
| 50-54 | 336,793 | 327,501 |
| 45-49 | 423,177 | 403,248 |
| 40-44 | 524,587 | 497,973 |
| 35-39 | 628,460 | 600,097 |
| 30-34 | 777,899 | 745,221 |
| 25-29 | 996,365 | 956,976 |
| 20-24 | 1,263,698 | 1,216,876 |
| 15-19 | 1,560,940 | 1,505,457 |
| 10-14 | 1,856,871 | 1,792,480 |
| 5-9 | 2,117,102 | 2,048,057 |
| 0-4 | 2,428,334 | 2,354,535 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,597,810 |
| 1960 | 3,505,050 |
| 1970 | 4,650,275 |
| 1980 | 6,135,971 |
| 1990 | 8,286,059 |
| 2000 | 11,509,630 |
| 2010 | 16,548,835 |
| 2020 | 23,717,613 |
| 2030 | 32,518,075 |
| 2040 | 42,316,740 |
| 2050 | 52,513,876 |
| 2060 | 62,724,334 |
| 2070 | 72,166,391 |
| 2080 | 80,226,967 |
| 2090 | 86,498,189 |
| 2100 | 90,819,274 |
History
Niger has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with rock art in the Sahara dating back thousands of years. The region saw the rise of several empires including the Songhai Empire. France colonized the area in the late 19th century. Niger gained independence in 1960 but has experienced several military coups, including recent ones in 2021 and 2023. Political instability has hindered development.
Culture
Niger's culture reflects its diverse ethnic groups. The Tuareg are known for their distinctive blue clothing and camel caravans. Traditional music features instruments like the molo (lute) and the alghaïta (oboe). The Cure Salée festival celebrates nomadic pastoralist traditions. Oral tradition remains important for preserving history and culture. Extended family and community ties are central to social life.
Current Challenges
Niger faces extreme challenges: highest fertility rate, very low development, food insecurity affecting millions, limited education access, child marriage, terrorism from groups like Boko Haram and ISIL, political instability, and climate change exacerbating desertification. Water scarcity and limited healthcare result in high child mortality. The combination of rapid population growth and environmental degradation creates a crisis scenario.
Future Outlook
Niger's population could reach 70 million by 2050 and potentially 200 million by 2100 if current trends continue. Addressing the demographic challenge through girls' education and family planning is critical. Climate adaptation, political stability, and security are essential for development. International support remains crucial. Without significant change, Niger faces severe humanitarian and environmental crises.
Highlights
What Niger Is Known For
- World's highest fertility rate
- World's youngest population (median age 15.4)
- Second-largest uranium producer globally
- Part of the Sahel region
- Largest country in West Africa
Interesting Facts About Niger
- Niger has the world's highest fertility rate at 7.0 children per woman
- The name Niger comes from the Niger River, meaning 'great river' in Berber
- Niger is the world's second-largest uranium producer
- The dinosaur Nigersaurus was discovered here with 500 replaceable teeth
- The Sahara Desert covers over 80% of the country
- Niger has the world's youngest population with a median age of 15.4
How Niger Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| Niger | 27.9M |
Major Cities in Niger
1 metropolitan area in our city dataset.
- Niamey1.33M · +5.15%
Countries Bordering Niger
7 land borders.
Niger Population FAQ
Is the population of Niger growing or shrinking?
Niger's population is growing at +3.22% per year, a change of roughly 899,792 people annually.
What is the capital of Niger?
The capital of Niger is Niamey.
What is the largest city in Niger?
Niamey is the largest metropolitan area in Niger, with about 1.33M people.
How densely populated is Niger?
Niger has 21/km² across 1,266,700 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in Niger?
Life expectancy at birth in Niger is 61.4 years (2024).
What is the median age in Niger?
The median age in Niger is 15.6 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is Niger in?
Niger is in Africa.