Map of Niger – Regions, Cities, Borders & Geography
Explore Niger with this interactive country map and guide to its regions, cities, main roads, rivers and desert landscapes. Niger is a large landlocked country in West Africa. Much of its territory lies in the Sahara, while its southern areas form part of the Sahel, with towns, farming areas and cross-border connections.
Niger is in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. Its capital is Niamey, on the Niger River. Niger has eight region-level administrative divisions, including Niamey, and much of the north is covered by Sahara Desert landscapes.
Interactive Map of Niger
Use the map to locate Niamey, Agadez, Zinder, Maradi, major roads and nearby countries. Zoom in for local settlements and routes, or out to see Niger's full extent from its southern borderlands to the Sahara.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Where Is Niger Located?
Niger lies south of Algeria and Libya, west of Chad and north of Nigeria and Benin. Burkina Faso and Mali border the country to the west. It is completely landlocked, with no direct coastline. The Sahara dominates the northern interior, and the Sahel forms a drier transition zone toward the more populated southern belt.
Niger is not the same country as Nigeria, its southern neighbour. Niger's capital is Niamey; Nigeria's capital is Abuja. The countries share a long border but have separate governments and administrative systems.
Niger's Eight Administrative Divisions
Niger is commonly mapped as seven regions plus Niamey, the capital district or urban community, giving eight first-level divisions. A plan to increase this to 19 regions was presented in May 2026, but it should not be confused with an already implemented boundary map. Older and newer references may therefore describe proposed boundaries differently.
| Region or capital district | General location | Places and features |
|---|---|---|
| Agadez | North and centre | Agadez, Aïr Mountains, Ténéré Desert |
| Diffa | Far southeast | Diffa, Komadougou Yobé, Lake Chad basin |
| Dosso | Southwest | Dosso, Gaya, Benin border |
| Maradi | South-central | Maradi, Dakoro, agricultural markets |
| Tahoua | West-central | Tahoua, Birni NâKonni, Sahel |
| Tillabéri | West | Tillabéri, Niger River, Mali and Burkina Faso borders |
| Zinder | South-central and east | Zinder, historic city centre, Gouré |
| Niamey | Far southwest | National capital and separate urban region |
Major Cities and Towns
Niamey is Niger's capital and principal administrative centre. Located on the Niger River in the southwest, it is a useful starting point for understanding the country's road network and its connections with neighbouring countries.
Zinder, in the south, is a major historic and commercial city. Maradi is an important market centre near the Nigerian border. Tahoua links several routes across the country's west-central interior, while Dosso lies along routes toward Benin and Nigeria.
Farther north, Agadez is a major settlement on the edge of the Sahara and close to the Aïr Mountains. Diffa serves the southeastern area near the Lake Chad basin, and Tillabéri lies west of Niamey near the Niger River.
Deserts, Mountains and Rivers
The Sahara Desert covers extensive areas of northern Niger. The Ténéré Desert is known for its broad sand and gravel landscapes, while the Aïr Mountains rise near Agadez. These highlands contrast sharply with the open plains and dunes around them.
The Niger River crosses the country's southwestern corner, passing through Niamey before entering Nigeria. It is central to riverside settlements, agriculture and transport. In the southeast, the Komadougou Yobé and the Lake Chad basin are important geographical features, although water levels and shorelines can vary seasonally and over time.
Most rainfall falls during a relatively short wet season, especially in the south. Conditions grow markedly drier northward, shaping settlement patterns, land use and the visibility of seasonal waterways on maps.
Roads, Airports and Travel
Principal road corridors connect Niamey with Dosso, Maradi, Zinder, Tahoua and other southern settlements. Routes also extend north toward Agadez, although long distances, sparse services and variable road conditions are significant considerations. Niger's principal international airport serves Niamey.
A road appearing on a map does not establish that it is open, safe or suitable for travel. Security conditions, border access and transport services can change without notice. Consult current government travel advice and local authorities before planning any journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Niger?
Niamey is Niger's capital. It stands on the Niger River in the southwest of the country.
Which countries border Niger?
Niger borders Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali.
How many regions does Niger have?
The established map shows seven regions plus Niamey, or eight region-level divisions. A 19-region restructuring proposal was presented in 2026.
Is Niger the same as Nigeria?
No. They are neighbouring countries. Niger's capital is Niamey, while Nigeria's capital is Abuja.
Does the Niger River flow through Niger?
Yes. The river crosses southwestern Niger, including Niamey, before continuing into Nigeria.
Where are the Aïr Mountains?
The Aïr Mountains are in north-central Niger, near Agadez, within the wider Sahara region.
Is Niger mostly desert?
Much of Niger is desert or semi-arid land. Its more populated southern belt includes Sahel landscapes and areas of seasonal farming.
About This Map
This interactive OpenStreetMap view helps readers explore Niger's geography, towns, roads and surrounding countries. Zoom level and data updates affect which labels, roads and boundaries appear. Proposed administrative divisions may not yet be reflected in map layers.
Disclaimer: This map is for general reference only. Locations, boundaries and transport details may change. Verify important information with official sources.