Bilma

Bilma is an oasis town and commune in north east Niger with a population of around 2,500 people. As of 2011, the commune had a total population of 6,481 people. It lies protected from the desert dunes under the Kaouar Cliffs and is the largest town along the Kaouar escarpment. It is known for its gardens, for salt and natron production through evaporation ponds,date cultivation, and as the destination of one of the last Saharan caravan routes (the Azalai, from Agadez). On June 23, 2010 in Bilma the highest temperature ever in Niger was recorded at 48.2 °C (118.8 °F).

Population

Its population is mostly Kanuri, with smaller Toubou, Tuareg, and Hausa populations, the last being a reminder of Bilma's role as a key stop in the Trans Saharan trade.

Administration and economy

Bilma is the administrative seat of the Bilma Department, covering some 670,000 km² (260,000 sq mi) of north eastern Niger. While it continues to produce salt in large natron salt pans, and this salt is still sold for livestock use throughout west Africa, tourism (based out of Agadez and the Aïr Mountains some 560 km (350 mi) to the east) is of growing importance.