The largest linguistic group is formed by the Hausa, whose language, also spoken in Nigeria, is one of the most valuable in western Africa. A large %age of the inhabitants of Niger understand Hausa, which possesses an extensive literature that has been printed in Latin characters in Nigeria. Songhai is the second most valuable language; it is also spoken in Mali, in northern Burkina Faso, and in northern Benin. In Niger itself it is separated into various dialects, such as Songhai proper, Zerma, and Dendi. The language of the Fulani is Fulfulde; in Niger it has two dialects, eastern and western, the demarcation line between them running through the Boboye district. Tamashek is the language of the Tuareg, who often call themselves the Kel Tamagheq, or Tamashek speakers. The language is also spoken in Algeria and Mali and possesses its own writing, called tifinagh, which is in widespread use. Kanuri is spoken not only in Niger but also in Cameroon and Nigeria.

The population of Niger is 10,355,156 (2001 estimate). The overall population density is only 8 persons per sq km but around 90 % of the population lives near the southern border.Niger's high infant mortality rate is comparable to levels recorded in neighboring countries. the child mortality rate is exceptionally high (248 per 1,000) due to generally poor health conditions and insufficient nutrition for most of the nation's children. Niger's very high fertility rate (7.2%), nonetheless, means that nearly half (49%) of the Nigerien population is under age 15. School attendance is very low (34%), including 38% of males and only 27% of females. Additional education occurs through Koranic schools.