Niamey, population 398,265 (1988), is the capital of Niger. A port on the Niger River, Niamey is Niger's largest city and its administrative and economic center. The city is located in a peanut growing region. Manufactures include bricks, ceramic goods, cement, and shoes.
The French colonized the area in the late 19th century, but the city grew after it became the capital of Niger in 1926.
It is the site of the National School of Administration, a university, and the National Museum.
