Niamey

Niamey, city, capital of Niger, southwestern Niger, on the Niger River. A river port and road and trade center, Niamey is the southern terminus of a short railroad northwest to Tillabéri. 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. Founded at an unknown time as Niamma, it was later called Niame until the arrival of the French. Population (1999 estimate) 731,000.