Niger
Republic of Niger
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +3.73%
Niger is a Western Africa landlocked nation of around 26.3 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. This landlocked territory spans 1.27 million km² with a density of 21 people per km². Its capital is Niamey, and French is the official language, while the West African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
26,312,034
Area
1,267,000 km²
Density
21/km²
World Rank
#55
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 41.9 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 8.9 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 46.6% of the population is under 15, while only 2.6% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Niamey
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French
- Currencies
- West African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +227
- Top-Level Domain
- .ne
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 26,312,034
- Land Area
- 1,267,000 km²
- Population Density
- 21 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +3.73%
- Annual Growth
- +981,439 people
- Daily Growth
- +2,689 people
- World Population Share
- 0.32%
- Coordinates
- 16.00°, 8.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $735 classifies Niger as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 0.4%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 32.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
61.2 years
GDP per Capita
$735
Birth Rate
41.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
18.1%
Fertility Rate
6.06 births/woman
Infant Mortality
67.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
0.4%
Literacy Rate
35.6%
Internet Users
23.2%
Under 15
46.6%
Over 65
2.6%
Health Spending
4.0% GDP
Gini Index
32.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
12.3M
15-64 years
13.4M
65+ years
681K
Urbanization
Only 18.1% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Niamey, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 7704.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
4.7M
18.1%
21.6M
82.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 61.2 years is below the global benchmark of 72.8. An infant mortality rate of 67.4 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 35.6%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Niger
Niger has 6 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Niger is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Niger participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 26,312,034 |
| 2030 | 30,213,160 |
| 2035 | 35,314,539 |
| 2040 | 40,611,986 |
| 2045 | 46,054,992 |
| 2050 | 51,601,935 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Niger.
Largest Cities in Niger
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Niger by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Niger?
The population of Niger is approximately 26.3 million as of 2026, making it #55 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Niger?
The capital of Niger is Niamey.
What languages are spoken in Niger?
The main languages spoken in Niger are French.
How big is Niger?
Niger covers an area of 1,267,000 km² with a population density of 21 people per km².
Is Niger growing or shrinking?
Niger is growing at a rate of 3.73% per year, adding approximately 981,439 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Niger?
The average life expectancy in Niger is 61.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Niger?
The GDP per capita of Niger is $735.