Niger River
Niger River
The Niger River (/ˈnaɪdʒər/; French: (le) fleuve Niger, pronounced [(lə) flœv niʒɛʁ]) is the principal river of West Africa, extending about 4,180 km (2,600 mi). Its drainage basin is 2,117,700 square kilometers (817,600 square miles) in area.
Etymology
The name Niger was given by the Romans, who had borrowed the word from the Greek word nigris, meaning "black". The river's unusual color is caused by the large amount of sediment it carries, which gives the water a dark, almost black appearance.
Course
The Niger River takes a boomerang shape, flowing in a northeasterly direction from its source in the Guinea Highlands of southeastern Guinea, before turning to the southeast and eventually to the south, passing through Nigeria and discharging through a massive delta, known as the Niger Delta or the Oil Rivers, into the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
Tributaries
The Niger has different tributaries, but the important ones are the Bani River, the Benue River, and the Tamboula River.
Flora and Fauna
The Niger River supports a wide variety of wildlife, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and a variety of fish species such as catfish and carp. The river's floodplains are also home to a variety of bird species.
Human Settlements
The Niger River is a lifeline for the countries it passes through, providing water for agriculture and transportation. Major cities along the river include Niamey, the capital of Niger, and Bamako, the capital of Mali.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Niger River
- Wikipedia's article - Niger River
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