Niger has one of the highest rates of natural increase (RNI) in the world, with an estimated RNI of around 3.7% per year as of 2023. This exceptionally high rate is driven by Niger’s very high fertility rate, which exceeds 6 children per woman, and a relatively young population structure. When compared to its neighbors, Niger’s RNI stands out: for example, Nigeria’s RNI is lower, at roughly 2.5%, while Mali and Chad have RNIs closer to 3%, and Burkina Faso’s is about 2.8%. Although all these countries experience rapid population growth due to high fertility and declining mortality, Niger’s RNI is notably higher, reflecting deeper demographic pressures and a faster pace of population increase. This rapid growth presents significant challenges for development, resource management, and social services in Niger, even more so than in its neighboring countries.
| Year | Rate of Natural Increase | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 2.896 | 6,093,085 |
| 1985 | 2.922 | 6,866,536 |
| 1990 | 3.055 | 7,813,600 |
| 1995 | 3.329 | 9,100,306 |
| 2000 | 3.601 | 10,746,376 |
| 2005 | 3.942 | 12,907,510 |
| 2010 | 3.839 | 15,612,503 |
| 2015 | 3.745 | 18,889,021 |
| 2020 | 3.716 | 22,759,615 |
| 2024 | 3.714 | 26,342,784 |
| 2025 | 3.705 | 27,322,555 |
| 2026 | 3.693 | 28,336,282 |
| 2030 | 3.611 | 32,731,179 |
| 2035 | 3.449 | 38,971,565 |
| 2040 | 3.251 | 45,998,038 |
| 2045 | 3.033 | 53,741,290 |
| 2050 | 2.802 | 62,099,731 |
| 2055 | 2.551 | 70,912,769 |
| 2060 | 2.389 | 80,163,916 |
| 2065 | 2.213 | 89,868,129 |
| 2070 | 2.026 | 99,845,408 |
| 2075 | 1.831 | 109,880,194 |
| 2080 | 1.645 | 119,778,700 |
| 2085 | 1.483 | 129,438,971 |
| 2090 | 1.325 | 138,767,814 |
| 2095 | 1.186 | 147,682,044 |
| 2100 | 1.047 | 156,089,859 |
Data from US Census International Database