Safest cities in Niger
18 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in NigerTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Niger.
- Terrorist kidnapThere is a very high threat of kidnapping throughout Niger, including Niamey. Al-Qaeda affiliated groups, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), operate throughout Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram operate in the Lake Chad Basin.
Security situation in Niger
- If you choose to travel to Niger, remain vigilant and monitor local media.
Political situation
- In July 2023, the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) launched a military coup which led to protests and unrest.
Crime
- Criminal kidnappingKidnapping by criminal groups is widespread across Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. There has been an increase in kidnappings of western nationals and gangs operate throughout Niger, including Niamey. There is a possibility that criminal groups could sell people they kidnap as hostages to terrorist organisations.
- ScamsBritish nationals are increasingly being targeted by internet and other scams. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, or work and employment opportunities. Victims are at great financial risk.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDYou should carry identification at all times. This would normally be your passport or residence permit. If you drive outside the main towns, authorities are very likely to ask you to produce identification.
- RamadanRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
- Using cameras in secure areasDo not photograph military or government installations.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relationships are illegal in Niger. Penalties include prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and fines. This applies to individuals who are found guilty of what is described as ‘LGBTQIA+ acts’. The laws also extend to people who officiate, witness, organise or consent to same-sex marriages. Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in…
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Niger, see information on driving abroad.
- Road safetyFCDO advises against all travel outside the capital Niamey.
- Public transportAvoid using buses or taxis where possible.
- Air travelFlight options may be limited and could change at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for the latest information.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- Floods and landslidesThe rainy season in Niger is from June to October. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Niger, updated 2026-08-29 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 4.42 /100k2012
- Income inequality
- Gini 32.92021
- Human development
- HDI 0.4192023
- Income
- $2,150/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 25.5 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 36/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 41/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 31/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 7.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.49GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 65.2 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- no dataof population · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.0 doctors /1k0.3 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 305 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Flood
- 6.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 5.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Niger (as of 2025).
How Niger compares
| Measure | Niger | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 4.4 /100k | 2.4 /100k | +2.0 /100k — better for World median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 32.9 | 35.2 | −2.3 — better for Niger |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.419 | 0.763 | −0.344 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 25.5 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +10.1 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 41/100 | 52/100 | −11/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 31/100 | 39/100 | −8/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 65.2 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +45.5 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 7.8/10 | 3.8/10 | +4.0/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Niger | Africa median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 4.4 /100k | 4.7 /100k | −0.2 /100k — better for Niger |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 32.9 | 38.5 | −5.6 — better for Niger |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.419 | 0.563 | −0.144 — better for Africa median |
| Road deaths | 25.5 /100k | 28.2 /100k | −2.7 /100k — better for Niger |
| Rule of law | 41/100 | 42/100 | −1/100 — better for Africa median |
| Corruption perceptions | 31/100 | 30/100 | +1/100 — better for Niger |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 65.2 µg/m³ | 27.3 µg/m³ | +37.9 µg/m³ — better for Africa median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 7.8/10 | 5.2/10 | +2.6/10 — better for Africa median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 18 cities, safest first
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- Tessaoua65.3 · #3956 worldwide
- Madaoua65.3 · #3957 worldwide
- Dakoro65.3 · #3958 worldwide
- Arlit65.3 · #3959 worldwide
- Magaria63.4 · #4175 worldwide
- Tchin-Tabaraden58.2 · #4583 worldwide
- Dogondoutchi56.8 · #4713 worldwide
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- Tahoua53.5 · #4987 worldwide
- Maradi53.4 · #4994 worldwide
- Gaya53.3 · #5000 worldwide
- Niamey48.1 · #5352 worldwide
- Diffa45.7 · #5484 worldwide
- Téra44.2 · #5601 worldwide