Fachi

bird's-eye-view of old town Fachi. Views of surrounding suburbs can be seen.
Fachi
Agram
Commune
Fachi is located in Niger
Fachi
Fachi
Location within Niger
Coordinates: 18°3′48″N 11°36′22″E / 18.06333°N 11.60611°E / 18.06333; 11.60611
CountryNiger
RegionAgadez Region
DepartmentBilma Department
CommuneFachi
Area
 • Total
35,536 km2 (13,721 sq mi)
Elevation
593 m (1,946 ft)
Population
 (2012 census)
 • Total
2,215
 • Density0.06233/km2 (0.1614/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter settlement_type. Replace with type.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter pushpin_map_caption. Replace with pushpin_caption.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter blank1_info. Replace with custom_data1_sec1.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter blank1_name. Replace with custom_label1_sec1.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter blank_info. Replace with custom_data_sec1.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter blank_name. Replace with custom_label_sec1.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter timezone. Replace with time_zone.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter mapsize1. Replace with map_size1.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with deprecated parameter timezone_DST. Replace with time_zone_DST.
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox settlement with multiple other deprecated parameters. Fix those above and preview again.

Fachi is an oasis surrounded by the Ténéré desert and the dunes of the Erg of Bilma in eastern Niger, placed on the western edge of the small Agram mountain outcropping. It has a population of 2,215 people (2012). It is also a stopping point of the Agadez to the Kaouar caravans of the Azalay. Fachi is 160 kilometres (100 miles) west of Bilma and 260 km (160 mi) east of the Aïr Mountains. Apart from water, dates, and salt, Fachi produces no provisions, and depends entirely upon trade in these products with passing caravans.

Frequently raided by Tuareg and Bedouins in its past, the town is built within high fortifications, known locally as a ksar, built from banco salt blocks; they are now unused.

Fachi's population is largely from the Kanuri and Toubou peoples, in whose language the town is called Agram. Fachi, its official name, is from Tuareg and Hausa peoples, who at one time lived there in larger numbers. Fachi's main export is dates. In which it produces almost 80% of Niger's date supply. Salt mining is also an equitable trade.