Zinder

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Zinder (which is locally called Damagaram) is the second largest city in Niger, with a population of 170,574 (2001 census) now it is about 200,000. It is situated 535 miles east of the capital Niamey and 149 miles north of the Nigerian city of Kano.

From the eighteenth century it was the centre of the state of Damagaram. It had a population of over 20,000 and was known for its city wall, remains of which can still be seen, and for its slave market.

The city was captured by the French in 1899, and when Niger became a colony it was the first capital, until Niamey was promoted in 1926. Today, Zinder comprises three main areas. Birni, the old town, is home to Zinder Great Mosque and the Zinder Sultan's Palace, as well as a museum. Zengou, the old Hausa settlement, is known for its vernacular architecture. The new town, in between Birni and Zengou, is the commercial centre, known for its large market. The city now sprawls to the north and west, extending to the Karkada section, in the north.

The city has many distinctive granite rocks which cause there to be lakes throughout the city even though the city has a long history of water shortages. Recently water was piped by a Chinese company from the north to provide water to most of the city, however, this is problem is going to continue due to large population growth.

[edit] Transport

The city is served by Zinder Airport. It is also a crossroads of tarmac roads from Nigeria to Libya/Algeria and a road from east to west. There is a regular bus service between Zinder and other major Nigerien cities. In the city, it is possible to take a ride on a motor-bike taxi or a normal taxi. It is also possible to rent out bicycles.