Where is it?: Niger is in western Africa, southeast of Algeria.
Why do people go here?: There aren’t a considerable amount of travelers who head to Niger, but those that do are pleasantly surprised. Niger has both mountains and deserts, old desert cities and the Niger river.
What are the main entry points?: There are daily flights from Paris while Niamey, the capital, has connections to other major western African cities. You can travel overland between Niger and all other countries except Alegeria.
Currency used: West African Franc
Country Code for Phones: 227
Religion: Muslim 80%, Animist and Christian 20%
Population: 15.2 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fulani 9%, Tuareg 8%, Beriberi 4%
Government: Presidential Republic
Languages: French, Hausa, Djerma, indigenous
Major Cities: Niamey, Maradi, Agadez
Attractions: National Park du W, Dosso, Zinder
Tourism Office locations and links: Niger Travel
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Tenere, Air Mountains
Health Issues: No major health risks
Tips for Visiting
When to go: The coolest months are between November and February, although it’s hardly cool.
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day: August 3, Settlers Day: September 5, Republic Day: December 18, Various Islamic Holidays
Common Phrases: Hello = Bonjour, How are you? = Comment allez-vous?, Good = Bien or Bon, Yes = Oui, Okay = D’accord or OK, No = Non, Thank you = Merci, Please = S’il vous plat, Goodbye = Au revoir, Also: How you dey? – How are you? ; Fine-o – I’m fine, Wetin be your name? – What’s your name?; Please – I beg
or Hausa, Sannu – Hello, Ina kwana? – (How was your night?) Good morning, Lafiya – Fine, No gode – Thank you, Sai an jima – See you later
Getting Around: Both bus and bush taxi service most of Niger.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Niger is the Diori Hamani International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Niger travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.