In what region of Africa does the Niger river flow?

western region
The Niger River in the western region of Africa is used for irrigation, power production, and transportation. Niger River, principal river of western Africa. With a length of 2,600 miles (4,200 km), it is the third longest river in Africa, after the Nile and the Congo.

Which region of Africa contains the Niger river and its fertile land?

The Sahel contains the fertile delta of the Niger, one of Africas longest rivers.

Why is the Niger river so important in medieval Africa?

The Mali Empire established itself as a regional powerhouse in medieval times through of its exports of gold, as well as salt, and its control over the Sahara trade routes from West Africa. The Niger River basin nourished these powers, providing the resources necessary to build and sustain empires.

Why is it called river Niger?

The name may come from Berber phrase ger-n-ger meaning “river of rivers”. The modern nations of Nigeria and Niger take their names from the river, marking contesting national claims by colonial powers of the “Upper”, “Lower” and “Middle” Niger river basin during the Scramble for Africa at the end of the 19th century.

What is the most valuable resource in West Africa?

Bauxite is one of the most abundant resources in West Africa. Foreign multinational mining companies are deeply invested in unearthing Aluminium ore bauxite from African countries.

Where is the Niger River located in Africa?

The Niger River is a very important water body located in West Africa. With a length of about 2597 miles, the river is considered the 3rd longest in Africa. The river has presence in 5 west African countries – Guinea, Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria. The significance of the Niger River cannot be overemphasized.

Is the Niger River navigable to small vessels?

The river becomes navigable to small vessels again at Labbezanga—from which it flows into Niger—and continues to be navigable to the Atlantic Ocean. Navigation is seasonal, however, because of the fluctuations in the water level in the rainy and dry seasons.

Why is the Niger River important to the Sahara Desert?

Over time upstream erosion by the lower Niger resulted in stream capture of the upper Niger by the lower Niger. The northern part of the river, known as the Niger bend, is an important area because it is the major river and source of water in that part of the Sahara desert.

Who was the first European to see the Niger River?

In 1788 the African Association was formed in England to promote the exploration of Africa in the hopes of locating the Niger, and in June 1796 the Scottish explorer Mungo Park was the first European to lay eyes on the middle portion of the river since antiquity (and perhaps ever).