Photo by Nupo Deyon Daniel

Nigeria

Nigeria is located in West Africa and shares borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. It has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh-most populous country in the world.

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, designated in 1991 to replace Lagos as the capital. Lagos remains the largest city and the economic hub of Nigeria. English is the official language, inherited from British colonial rule. However, Nigeria is linguistically diverse, with over 500 ethnic groups, each with its own languages and dialects

Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people, making it the most populous country in Africa. The population is diverse, comprising numerous ethnic, cultural, and religious groups.

The country gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960 and  later became a republic on October 1, 1963.

Nigeria operates as a federal republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both the head of state and head of government, and there are three tiers of government: federal, state, and local.

It has the largest economy in Africa, driven primarily by petroleum exports. The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals. However, Nigeria also faces economic challenges, including poverty, corruption, and income inequality.

Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood, is the second-largest film industry in the world in terms of output, surpassing Hollywood by the number of films produced annually. Nollywood movies are popular across Africa and the diaspora.

Nigeria also has a vibrant music and entertainment industry, with genres like Afrobeats gaining international recognition. Nigerian musicians, such as Fela Kuti, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido, have achieved global fame.

Nigeria is religiously diverse, with Islam and Christianity being the two dominant religions. There are also indigenous African religions practiced by some communities, and religious tolerance is generally observed.

Nigeria is home to a rich blend of cultures, traditions, and festivals. Each ethnic group has its own cultural practices, languages, cuisines, and festivals, contributing to Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

Hidden Insights: Uncovering Nigeria

1. Ngwo Pine Forest and Waterfall: Situated near Enugu in southeastern Nigeria, the Ngwo Pine Forest is a serene and picturesque destination. Visitors can explore the lush forest trails and enjoy the stunning Ngwo Waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs.

2. Emotan Statue: In the heart of Benin City, Edo State, stands the Emotan Statue, a tribute to a legendary heroine of the Benin Kingdom. Emotan is revered for her acts of kindness and is celebrated as a symbol of resilience and community spirit.

3. Tarkwa Bay Beach: Accessible only by boat from Lagos, Tarkwa Bay Beach is a secluded stretch of coastline with calm waters and golden sands. It’s a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

4. Gashaki-Gumpti National Park: Situated in Taraba State, Gashaki-Gumpti National Park is Nigeria’s largest national park, known for its diverse wildlife and rugged terrain. Visitors can spot rare species such as chimpanzees, elephants, and the critically endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee.

Photo by Dominic Uzoanya

Photo by Emmanuel Chilaka-

Capital City: Abuja

Population: 230,842,743 (2023 est.)

Nationality: Nigerian(s)

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon

Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages

Religion: Muslim 53.5%, Roman Catholic 10.6%, other Christian 35.3%, other 0.6% (2018 est.)

Area Total: 923,768 sq km

Nigeria Embassy/High Commission in UK

Address: 9 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5BX

Website: www.nigeriahc.org.uk

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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, affectionately known by his clan name Madiba, was a statesman remembered as a beacon of hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice with a legacy of peace and reconciliation. Mandela was born on the 18th of July 1918, into the...

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