Dosso Region


Dosso is one of the eight Regions of Niger. The region has an area of, with a population of 2,078,339 as of 2011.

History

The region of Dosso is the historic centre of the Dosso Kingdom, which had its capital at Dosso. Today the palace of the Sultanate of Dosso remains as a symbol of the aristocratic ruling class of the kingdom. The region was traditionally populated by Zarma people who are believed to have migrated from the Lake Débo area of what is now Mali during the time of the Songhai Empire.

Geography

Dosso border Tahoua Region to the northeast, Nigeria to the southeast, Benin to the southwest, and Tillabéri Region to the northwest. The region's border with Benin is formed by the river Niger. Part of the Dallol Bosso valley runs through the region; part of this area is protected as the Dosso Reserve, and contain some of the last remaining herds of West African giraffe.

Settlements

is the regional capital; other major settlements include Birni N'Gaouré, Dioundiou, Dogondoutchi, Falmey, Gaya, Loga and Tibiri.

Administrative subdivisions

Dosso is divided into 5 Departments, 5 urban administrative divisions and 38 rural administrative divisions, 1 province, 15 cantons and 3 nomadic grouping.

Demographics

Like most regions of Niger, the population of the region of Dosso has rapidly grown since independence. From 693,207 in 1977, its population increased to 1,018,895 by 1988, and to 1,479,095 by 2001. Dosso region has the third highest population density, below that of Niamey and Maradi regions. Most people live in rural areas, with only 10.4% of the population residing in urban areas. Other demographic statistics are similar to the national averages. The main ethnolinguistic groups are the Fulani, Hausa, Tuareg and Zarma. The region is also a major centre of the Maouri, a Hausa sub-group who have retained their traditional animist belief.