description Niger Overview
The Niger River is West Africa's principal river, rising in the Guinea Highlands and following an unusual inland arc through Mali before turning southeast through Niger and Nigeria. It runs about 4,180 kilometers and reaches the Gulf of Guinea through the Niger Delta. The river's inland delta, floodplains, and downstream wetlands support farming, fishing, transport, cities, and wildlife, making it central to the geography and water management of the region.
help Niger FAQ
Where does the Niger River rise?
The Niger rises in the Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea. It then flows through Mali before turning southeast through Niger and Nigeria.
How long is the Niger River?
The Niger is about 4,180 kilometers long. It is generally described as Africa's third-longest river after the Nile and the Congo.
Why does the Niger River make such a large inland arc?
Instead of flowing directly toward the Atlantic, the river first travels northeast into Mali and passes near Timbuktu. It then bends southeast and eventually reaches the Gulf of Guinea through Nigeria's Niger Delta.
What is the difference between the Inland Niger Delta and the Niger Delta?
The Inland Niger Delta is a seasonal wetland in central Mali, while the Niger Delta is the coastal river mouth in Nigeria. The Malian delta spreads across floodplains near Mopti and Timbuktu, whereas the Nigerian delta opens into the Gulf of Guinea.
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