What every visitor should know about Niger:

Money
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). 100 XOF is worth about US$0.22, or €0.15.
Crime
CrimeSafe Travel Score™: 2.5 out of 5 (Use caution)

Areas of concern:

  • Mugging
  • Pick-pocketing / bag-snatching
  • Armed robbery is frequent
  • Carjacking
  • Banditry on rural roads
Capital
Niamey
Tap water
Very dangerous. Water-borne disease is widespread and purification is unreliable. Drink boiled or bottled water only.

Niger facts and figures:

People

Population
15,306,252
Language
French (official), Hausa, Djerma
Ethnicity
Haoussa 55.4%, Djerma Sonrai 21%, Tuareg 9.3%, Peuhl 8.5%, Kanouri Manga 4.7%, other 1.2%

Economy

GDP
US$700 (per capita)
Income equality
Low
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. More guides: Africa Americas Asia Europe Middle East Pacific