Zinder Region is one of the seven regions of Niger; the capital of the region is Zinder. The region covers 145,430 km². It is the most populous province of Niger.
History
Numerous Palaeolithic and Neolithic remains, as well as cave paintings, have been found in the Termit Massif. Zinder was initially the capital of the Niger territory. However, this was moved to Niamey in 1926 and thereafter Zinder declined in importance, though it remains an important regional centre.
Settlements
Zinder is the regional capital; other major settlements include Alakoss, Albarkaram, Bande, Boune, Dakoussa, Dan-Barto, Dantchiao, Daouche, Dogo-Dogo, Falenko, Gaffati, Gamou, Garagoumsa, Gouchi, Gouna, Goure, Guidiguir, Hamdara, Ichirnawa, Kantche, Kelle, Kolleram, Kourni, Kwaya, Magaria, Malawa, Matameye, Mirriah, Moa, Ollelewa, Sassoumbroum, Tanout, Tenhya, Tesker, Tsaouni, Yaouri and Yekoua.
Administrative subdivisions
thumb|right|250px|Departments of Zinder
Zinder was divided into 5 Departments:
- Goure Department
- Magaria Department
- Matameye Department
- Mirriah Department
- Tanout Department
Of the 27 administrative stations (postes administratifs) of Niger which were set out in a law dated 1 August 2011 to become departments and for which the appointment of prefects on 29 February 2012 completed the conversion, the following 5 are in Zinder region.
- Belbédji Department
- Damagaram Takaya Department
- Dungass Department
- Takiéta Department
- Tesker Department
So, Zinder now has 10 departments and the city of Zinder.
Demographics
thumb|Nomads in Zinder region
As of 2012 the population of the Region was 3,539,764. The main ethnolinguistic groups are various Arab groups, Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri, Dazaga Toubou and Tuareg groups such as the Tayart Tamajeq. The Tagdal language, thought to be a mixed Songhay-Tuareg language, is also spoken.
Economy
The region was the poorest in Niger and had the highest incidence of extreme poverty (60% of the population) according to World Bank data from 2018. The region was also hit hard by the 2005–2006 Niger food crisis.
Governors
- Yahaya Yandaka - 2013-16
- Issa Moussa - 2016–present
See also
- Regions of Niger
- Departments of Niger
- Communes of Niger