Niamey

Niamey, capital city of Niger in south-west Niger on the Niger River. A river port and road and trade centre, Niamey is the southern terminus of a short rail link north-west to Tillabery. The city manufactures pottery and bricks, leather goods, textiles, charcoal, metal products, soft drinks, and milled grain. Livestock, hides and skins, grain, vegetables, and locally made mats and textiles are exported.

A French fort since 1902, Niamey succeeded Zinder as capital of the military territory. From 1927 to 1958 it served as capital of the autonomous Niger Territory. Originally known as Niamma, it was later called Niame until the arrival of the French. Population 731,000 (1999 estimate).