Niger, officially the Republic of Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa, named after the Niger River. It is bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin to the southwest, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest. The capital and largest city is Niamey. Niger's history is characterized by several ancient empires and kingdoms, with a significant influence from the Songhai Empire and other regional powers. It was later colonized by France in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1960. Since independence, Niger has experienced political instability, including military coups and periods of military rule. The economy of Niger is largely based on subsistence agriculture, with some of the world's largest uranium deposits also playing a key role. Despite these resources, Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, with issues such as desertification, drought, and a high birth rate impacting its development. The population of Niger is predominantly young and rapidly growing, with various ethnic groups including the Hausa (the largest ethnic group), Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, Fulani, Kanuri, Toubou, and others. Islam is the dominant religion, practiced by the vast majority of the population. French is the official language, but several indigenous languages are also widely spoken. Culturally, Niger is known for its rich traditions in music, storytelling, and crafts, particularly silver and leatherwork. The Wodaabe and Tuareg nomads of Niger are famous for their elaborate dress and cultural festivals. Geographically, Niger is dominated by the Sahara Desert and the Sahel, with the Niger River providing crucial water resources. The country's climate is predominantly hot and dry, with significant variations between the north (desert) and the south (Sahel). Niger faces numerous challenges, including environmental issues like desertification and periodic droughts, which severely affect agriculture and food security. The country also grapples with high levels of poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and security concerns, particularly in areas bordering Mali and Nigeria, where there are activities of armed groups. Population of Niger from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 22.44 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 23.31 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 24.21 million inhabitants. Capital (Niamey): Population in 2020: About 1.3 million inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Niamey: 1.3 million Zinder: 322,935 Maradi: 267,249 Tahoua: 117,826 Dosso: 93,497 Tessaoua: 89,538 Gaya: 87,672 Dogondoutchi: 79,389 Diffa: 59,455 Tillabéri: 58,590 Niger is divided into 7 regions and the capital Niamey.