Niamey << nyah MAY >> (pop. 1,400,000) is the capital and largest city of Niger. The city lies on the Niger River in the southwestern part of the country.
Niamey is the chief trade and exporting center for farm products raised in Niger. It has two market places, where people buy and sell farm products. Niamey has some small food-processing plants, but few other industries. The city’s main buildings include government office buildings and a mosque (Muslim house of worship). Most of the people live in crowded areas along the Niger River. Niamey has a small international airport.
In the early 1900’s, Niger was part of the large French territory called French West Africa. In 1926, Niamey became the capital of the French colony of Niger. It became the nation’s capital when Niger gained its independence in 1960.
