According to petwithsupplies, Niamey is the largest city in Niger and the capital of the country. It is situated on the banks of the Niger River and has a population of over 1 million people. The city has grown rapidly since its founding in 1900, and it now serves as an important political, economic, and cultural center in West Africa. Niamey is home to a number of important institutions including the University of Niamey, which was established in 1971. It also has several museums, markets, parks, and a zoo. The National Museum of Niger is located here as well as many other important historical sites such as Fort Boubon and La Maison des Esclaves. Maradi is another major city located in southern Niger with a population of over 500,000 people. It is an important agricultural center for the region with its surrounding area home to many cotton plantations as well as livestock farms. Maradi also serves as an important trading hub for goods coming from neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Benin. Zinder is another major city located in southeastern Niger with a population of over 300,000 people. It serves an important role in trade between West African countries due to its proximity to Nigeria; however it also has its own vibrant culture with music, dance, artisanship, and traditional foods being some of its highlights. Agadez is yet another major city located in northern Niger with a population of over 100,000 people. This city has become increasingly popular among tourists due to its desert landscape which provides visitors with stunning views during their travels through this region; however it also serves an important economic role for the country due to its position on trade routes linking North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa via camel caravans or air travel routes from Europe or North America. Overall, these four cities make up some of the largest urban centers in Niger – each offering something unique for visitors looking to explore this diverse country! In 2008, the politics of Niger was largely shaped by the country’s colonial past. After gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger had remained a one-party state until 1991, when a new Constitution was adopted that allowed for multiparty democracy. The Constitution also gave the military a prominent role in the government, with the president serving as both head of state and commander-in-chief. This arrangement was viewed by some as a way to ensure stability, while others felt it gave too much power to the military over civilian leaders. The main political parties in Niger during this time period were the National Movement for the Development of Society (MNSD) and its allies, which had been in power since 1991; and their opposition parties, which included several smaller groups such as the Democratic and Social Convention (CDS), Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), and Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP). In 2008, elections were held in which MNSD won an absolute majority of seats in parliament. This result was welcomed by many as a sign of democratic progress in Niger. In addition to domestic politics, Niger’s foreign policy during this time period was largely focused on regional integration with neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Algeria. In particular, Niger was involved in various initiatives aimed at improving trade relations between these countries. It also sought to develop closer ties with other African countries through organizations such as the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The country also played an important role in international efforts to combat terrorism and piracy throughout its region. Check payhelpcenter for Niger in 2008.