NIAMEY, NIGER
The capital of Niger Niamey is located near the southwest border of the country on the left riverbank of
Niger. The population is about 398000 inhabitants. Since 1902 the city served as a river port and fort for the French colonizers, and has replaced Zinder as capital later. In 1926-1660 Niamey was an administrative centre of the French property Niger and in I960 has become capital of the independent Niger.
Niamey is not only the capital, but also the major industrial, transport and cultural center. Here the university, other educational institutions, the National museum and numerous research institutes are located. It is necessary to notice, that for inhabitants of the cities of Niger exhibiting nationalism in relation to the Europeans visiting the country is characteristic.
The economy of the city is based mainly on light and alimentary industries. The widespread employment of aboriginal handicraftsmen is manufacture of skins and pottery and items from silver, gold. The skins of domestic animals, grain, vegetables, textiles, charcoal and soft drinks are produced and exported from here. There is an international airport.