Niamey

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Niamey
Capital	Niamey
Population	707,951 inhabitants
Census	2001
Area	670 km²
Density	/km²
Map

Niamey, population 674,950 (2002 census), is the capital of Niger. It is Niger's largest city, lying on the Niger River, mostly on the left bank. It is an administrative, cultural and economic center. Niamey is located at 13°31'17" North, 2°6'19" East (13.521389, 2.105278). [1]

Downtown Niamey

The city is located in a millet growing region, while manufacturing industries include bricks, ceramic goods, cement and weaving.

Niamey was probably founded in the eighteenth century, but was of little importance to most of the country until the French developed a colonial post in the 1890s. This rapidly grew into an important centre. In 1926 it became the capital of Niger, and the population gradually increased, from about 3,000 in 1930 to around 30,000 in 1960, 250,000 in 1980 and - by some estimates - 800,000 in 2000. The major cause of the increase has been immigration during droughts.

Attractions in the city include the Niger National Museum, incorporating a zoo, a museum of vernacular architecture, a craft centre, and exhibits including dinosaur skeletons and the Tree of Ténéré. There are also American, French and Nigerien cultural centres, two major markets, and a traditional wrestling arena.

The city is also the site of Diori Hamani International Airport, the National School of Administration, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, which lies on the right bank of the river, and many institutes (Centre numérique de Niamey, IRD, ICRISAT, Hydrologic Institute, etc.)

In December 2005 it was the host of the Jeux de la Francophonie.

Niamey comprises a special capital district of Niger, which is surrounded by the department of Tillabéri.