15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
Nigerien
/niːˈʒɛəriən/

Niger is a large landlocked country in West Africa, with its capital city of Niamey located on the banks of the Niger River. Much of the nation's territory is covered by the Sahara Desert, which shapes its climate, landscapes, and traditional way of life. The country takes its name from the Niger River, which flows through its southwestern region and supports farming, fishing, and settlement along its banks. Niger is known for uranium mining, which has long been an important part of its export economy. The nation has a rich cultural heritage, with trans-Saharan trade routes historically linking the region to North Africa and beyond. Its communities include Hausa, Tuareg, Fulani, and other peoples whose languages, music, and crafts add to the cultural landscape. French is the official language, and Hausa and other indigenous languages are widely spoken. Travelers interested in desert cultures and historic trade routes will find Niger a fascinating destination.
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Named after the Niger River, from the Tuareg phrase 'gher n-gheren' meaning 'river of rivers'.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
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Want to explore where Nigeriens live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region