Map of Niger

Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Algeria and Libya to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, and Burkina Faso and Mali to the west. The country covers an area of 1.267 million square kilometers and has a population of 19 million people. The capital city of Niger is Niamey, which is located in the southwestern part of the country. Niger is a predominantly desert country, with most of its terrain covered by the Sahara Desert. The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius during the day. Despite its inhospitable environment, Niger is home to a diverse range of cultures and ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Hausa, who make up around 60% of the population. Other significant groups include the Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, and Songhai. French is the official language of Niger, but various indigenous languages are also spoken. Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by around 80% of the population.