Niamey (French pronunciation: [njaˈmɛ]) is the Capital and largest city of the West African nation of Niger. Niamey lies on the Niger River, primarily situated on the east bank. It is an administrative, cultural and economic center. Niamey's population, which was estimated at 774,235 in 2006,, is now projected to be much higher. Niamey is located at 13°31'17" North, 2°6'19" East (13.521389, 2.105278). The city is located in a pearl millet growing region, while manufacturing industries include bricks, ceramic goods, cement and weaving. Niamey was probably founded in the eighteenth century, but was of little importance to most of the country until the French developed a colonial post in the 1890s. This rapidly grew into an important center. In 1926 it became the capital of Niger, and the population gradually increased, from about 3,000 in 1930 to around 30,000 in 1960, 250,000 in 1980 and - by some estimates - 800,000 in 2000. The major cause of the increase has been immigration during droughts.