Nigeria Country Profile

Geography and Climate

• Located in West Africa
• Bordered by Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Niger
• 923,768 km² in size, making it the 32nd largest country in the world
• Tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity
• Savannas, forests, and mountains make up the country's diverse terrain

Economy

• Largest economy in West Africa
• Oil-rich country, with oil production being the main source of revenue
• Agriculture, manufacturing, and services also contribute to the economy
• Membership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Government and Politics

• Federal republic with a presidential system
• Divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
• Executive power held by the President, legislative power held by the National Assembly, and judicial power held by the Supreme Court
• Multi-party system, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) being the dominant parties

History

• Pre-colonial era: Various kingdoms and empires, including the Nok, Kanem-Bornu, and Hausa-Fulani
• Colonial era: British colonization from 1914 to 1960
• Independence: October 1, 1960
• Civil war: 1967-1970, resulting in the defeat of the secessionist state of Biafra

Demographics

• Population: approximately 202 million people, making it the most populous country in Africa
• Over 250 ethnic groups, with the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo being the largest
• Main languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani
• Majority of the population is Muslim, with a significant Christian minority

Challenges

• Corruption and mismanagement of oil revenue
• Poverty and income inequality
• Insecurity and insurgency, particularly in the northeastern region
• Ethnic and religious tensions
• Limited access to education and healthcare