Nigeria is a country in West Africa. Its people have an extensive history and its rich culture is consisting of the traditions of more than 250 ethnic groups. Nigeria is by far the most populous country in Africa. The country holds the distinction of being called the »Giant of Africa«. This stature comes from the vastness of its land, the diversity of its peoples and languages, its huge population, and the country's oil and other natural resources, which have allowed Nigeria to dominate the West African economy and its politics. |
Nigeria shares borders with Cameroon in the east, Chad in the northeast, Niger in the north, and Benin in the west. Its coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria covers 923,768 square kilometres, making it world's 32nd largest country. It lies between latitudes 4° and 14°N and longitudes 2° and 15°E, and it is about 1300 km from west to east and 1060 from south to north. The length of its coastline is 853 km. Nigeria's highest point is Chappal Waddi (2419 m), which is located in Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, near the border with Cameroon.
The climate and landscape of Nigeria changes as one travels from south to north. Nigeria has diverse geographical zones, ranging from tropical wet to hot semi-arid. Along the coast, Nigeria has both freshwater and mangrove swamps. Fragile ecology of Niger Delta is home to hippopotamus, manatee, and an estimated 150 kinds of fish. Moving northward from the coast, Nigeria's landscape becomes a dense tropical forest and woodland. Here, tropical fruits, such as mangoes and bananas, and various palm trees grow easily. Moving toward the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, the terrain is primarily woodland and tall grass savanna. This landscape covers the majority of Nigeria. The Niger and Benue Rivers meander through this region, meeting at the Niger-Benue confluence at the town of Lokoja. The final geographical zone is situated in the North. Here is short grass savanna and marginal savanna. This region is part of the Sahel, a grassy edge of the Sahara Desert that stretches across most West African countries.
Nigeria has two seasons, dry season and rainy season. The dry season is accompanied by a dust laden airmass from the Sahara Desert, locally known as Harmattan, while the rainy season is heavily influenced by an airmass originating from the South Atlantic Ocean, locally known as the south west wind.
The Nigeria of today is a relatively new creation, dating back to the early 20th century. However, the people of Nigeria have an extensive history. Archaeological research has shown that people were already living in south-western Nigeria at Iwo-Eleru as early as 11,000 BC and perhaps earlier in south-eastern Nigeria at Ugwuelle-Uturu (Okigwe). The earliest identified Nigerian culture is the Nok culture that thrived between 1000 BC and 300 AD in Central and Northern Nigeria. Long before year 1500, much of modern Nigeria was divided into states identified with contemporary ethnic groups. These early states included Kingdom of Nri, Kingdom of Benin, Yoruba kingdoms, and Hausa kingdoms. These powerful kingdoms peaked in power in the late 18th century. British influence increased gradually during the 19th century and concluded in year 1900 with British protectorates Southern and Northern Nigeria. The colonial period in Nigeria lasted from 1900 to 1960. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained independence. On May 30, 1967, the Igbo people seceded from Nigeria and declared the establishment of the Republic of Biafra. The Nigerian government decided to set up a land and sea blockade of Biafra in order to starve its population. Nigerian-Biafran war lasted between July 1967 and January 1970. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Igbo people may have died, most from hunger and disease. After almost 33 years of military rule, Nigeria regained democracy in 1999. Nigeria's ancient kingdoms no longer exist, but there are still many Nigerian kings and emirs. They have little formal political power and their roles are largely ceremonial, but they still have influence among their people.
Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and Federal Capital Territory. The states are further divided into 774 local government areas. The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja. It is located in the centre of Nigeria, south of the 400 metre monolith Aso Rock. Abuja is a planned city. It was built mainly in the 1980s and became capital on December 12, 1991. Lagos, the capital city of Nigeria between 1914 and 1991, is the most populous city and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Latest reports estimate the population at 21 million, making Lagos the largest city in Africa. Other large and important cities are Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Maiduguri.
One of the most significant features of Nigeria is the size of its population. United Nations estimates that a current population is 174 million (July 2013) and is growing at a rate of more than 2% per year. Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, history, and culture. The largest and most influential ethnic groups are Hausa-Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the southwest, and Igbo in the southeast. Other large ethnic groups are Ijaw, Urhobo, Ibibio, Edo, Idoma, Igala, Tiv, Jukun, Nupe, Gwari, and Kanuri. The number of individual languages in Nigeria is 529. This number includes 522 living languages and 7 extinct languages. Official language is English, which was chosen to facilitate cultural and linguistic unity of the country. Three other languages are accepted in government: Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. Nigerian Pidgin, also known as »Pidgin« or »Broken«, is often used in casual conversation and has been spoken and understood by almost all Nigerians for more than a century.
Religion is very important part of life for almost all Nigerians. In 2010, 49,3% of Nigeria's population was Christian, 48,8% was Muslim, and 1,4% belonged to traditional religions. Among Christians, about 74% are Protestant, 25% are Catholic, and 1% belong to other Christian denominations. The majority of Nigerian Muslims are Sunni, most of whom are Maliki, Shafi'i or Salafi. There is a strong correlation between religious differences and ethnic and regional diversity. The south of Nigeria is predominantly Christian, while the north is predominantly Muslim.
Nigerian food embellishes a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as yam and cassava as well as vegetable soups made from native green leaves. Yam, the staple food of the Igbo people, is either cooked, pounded, or fried. Garri, which is made from cassava tubers, is praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives. Spices and herbs in conjunction with palm oil or groundnut oil are used to create deeply flavoured sauces and soups. Meat is also popular and suya, a barbecue like method of roasting meat, is one of the most famous Nigerian delicacies and can be easily found all over the country. Fried plantain is a popular side dish. Palm wine plays an important role in many ceremonies in Nigeria. Guests at weddings, birth celebrations, and funeral wakes are served generous quantities.
Nigeria is a fascinating country. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and unique opportunity to get in touch with unspoilt nature. It is a land of contrasts and very friendly people.
The climate and landscape of Nigeria changes as one travels from south to north. Nigeria has diverse geographical zones, ranging from tropical wet to hot semi-arid. Along the coast, Nigeria has both freshwater and mangrove swamps. Fragile ecology of Niger Delta is home to hippopotamus, manatee, and an estimated 150 kinds of fish. Moving northward from the coast, Nigeria's landscape becomes a dense tropical forest and woodland. Here, tropical fruits, such as mangoes and bananas, and various palm trees grow easily. Moving toward the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, the terrain is primarily woodland and tall grass savanna. This landscape covers the majority of Nigeria. The Niger and Benue Rivers meander through this region, meeting at the Niger-Benue confluence at the town of Lokoja. The final geographical zone is situated in the North. Here is short grass savanna and marginal savanna. This region is part of the Sahel, a grassy edge of the Sahara Desert that stretches across most West African countries.
Nigeria has two seasons, dry season and rainy season. The dry season is accompanied by a dust laden airmass from the Sahara Desert, locally known as Harmattan, while the rainy season is heavily influenced by an airmass originating from the South Atlantic Ocean, locally known as the south west wind.
The Nigeria of today is a relatively new creation, dating back to the early 20th century. However, the people of Nigeria have an extensive history. Archaeological research has shown that people were already living in south-western Nigeria at Iwo-Eleru as early as 11,000 BC and perhaps earlier in south-eastern Nigeria at Ugwuelle-Uturu (Okigwe). The earliest identified Nigerian culture is the Nok culture that thrived between 1000 BC and 300 AD in Central and Northern Nigeria. Long before year 1500, much of modern Nigeria was divided into states identified with contemporary ethnic groups. These early states included Kingdom of Nri, Kingdom of Benin, Yoruba kingdoms, and Hausa kingdoms. These powerful kingdoms peaked in power in the late 18th century. British influence increased gradually during the 19th century and concluded in year 1900 with British protectorates Southern and Northern Nigeria. The colonial period in Nigeria lasted from 1900 to 1960. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained independence. On May 30, 1967, the Igbo people seceded from Nigeria and declared the establishment of the Republic of Biafra. The Nigerian government decided to set up a land and sea blockade of Biafra in order to starve its population. Nigerian-Biafran war lasted between July 1967 and January 1970. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Igbo people may have died, most from hunger and disease. After almost 33 years of military rule, Nigeria regained democracy in 1999. Nigeria's ancient kingdoms no longer exist, but there are still many Nigerian kings and emirs. They have little formal political power and their roles are largely ceremonial, but they still have influence among their people.
Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and Federal Capital Territory. The states are further divided into 774 local government areas. The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja. It is located in the centre of Nigeria, south of the 400 metre monolith Aso Rock. Abuja is a planned city. It was built mainly in the 1980s and became capital on December 12, 1991. Lagos, the capital city of Nigeria between 1914 and 1991, is the most populous city and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Latest reports estimate the population at 21 million, making Lagos the largest city in Africa. Other large and important cities are Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Maiduguri.
One of the most significant features of Nigeria is the size of its population. United Nations estimates that a current population is 174 million (July 2013) and is growing at a rate of more than 2% per year. Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, history, and culture. The largest and most influential ethnic groups are Hausa-Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the southwest, and Igbo in the southeast. Other large ethnic groups are Ijaw, Urhobo, Ibibio, Edo, Idoma, Igala, Tiv, Jukun, Nupe, Gwari, and Kanuri. The number of individual languages in Nigeria is 529. This number includes 522 living languages and 7 extinct languages. Official language is English, which was chosen to facilitate cultural and linguistic unity of the country. Three other languages are accepted in government: Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. Nigerian Pidgin, also known as »Pidgin« or »Broken«, is often used in casual conversation and has been spoken and understood by almost all Nigerians for more than a century.
Religion is very important part of life for almost all Nigerians. In 2010, 49,3% of Nigeria's population was Christian, 48,8% was Muslim, and 1,4% belonged to traditional religions. Among Christians, about 74% are Protestant, 25% are Catholic, and 1% belong to other Christian denominations. The majority of Nigerian Muslims are Sunni, most of whom are Maliki, Shafi'i or Salafi. There is a strong correlation between religious differences and ethnic and regional diversity. The south of Nigeria is predominantly Christian, while the north is predominantly Muslim.
Nigerian food embellishes a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as yam and cassava as well as vegetable soups made from native green leaves. Yam, the staple food of the Igbo people, is either cooked, pounded, or fried. Garri, which is made from cassava tubers, is praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives. Spices and herbs in conjunction with palm oil or groundnut oil are used to create deeply flavoured sauces and soups. Meat is also popular and suya, a barbecue like method of roasting meat, is one of the most famous Nigerian delicacies and can be easily found all over the country. Fried plantain is a popular side dish. Palm wine plays an important role in many ceremonies in Nigeria. Guests at weddings, birth celebrations, and funeral wakes are served generous quantities.
Nigeria is a fascinating country. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and unique opportunity to get in touch with unspoilt nature. It is a land of contrasts and very friendly people.