Nigeria: Geography and Population

Geography and Climate

• Located in West Africa
• Bordered by Chad and Cameroon to the east, Benin to the west, and Niger to the north
• Coastal plains in the south, with a savanna region in the north
• Highest point: Chappal Waddi, 2,419 meters (7,936 ft)

Population and Languages

• Approximately 202 million people (2020 est.)
• Over 250 ethnic groups, with the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo being the largest
• Official language: English
• Other widely spoken languages: Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani

Economy

• Largest economy in West Africa
• Primarily driven by agriculture, with a focus on oil production
• Main exports: petroleum, natural gas, and agricultural products (cocoa, peanuts, cotton)

History

• Ancient civilizations: Nok, Kanem-Bornu, and Hausa city-states
• British colonization (1914-1960)
• Independence from Britain in 1960
• Civil war (1967-1970) and military rule until 1999
• Current government: federal republic with a president and national assembly

Culture

• Rich cultural heritage, with diverse traditional music, art, and literature
• Influenced by Islamic, Christian, and traditional beliefs
• Popular festivals: Eyo, Osun Osogbo, and Argungu Fishing Festival

Challenges

• Corruption and political instability
• Security concerns, including Boko Haram insurgency
• Poverty and inequality, with a significant wealth gap between north and south
• Environmental issues, such as deforestation and oil spills

Geography and Climate

• Located in West Africa, bordered by Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Niger
• Comprises coastal plains in the south and a savanna region in the north
• Highest point: Chappal Waddi, with an elevation of 2,419 meters (7,936 ft)

Population and Languages

• Approximately 202 million people as of 2020
• Over 250 ethnic groups, with Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo being the largest
• English is the official language
• Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani are other widely spoken languages

Economy

• Largest economy in West Africa, primarily driven by agriculture and oil production
• Main exports: petroleum, natural gas, and agricultural products like cocoa, peanuts, and cotton

History

• Ancient civilizations: Nok, Kanem-Bornu, and Hausa city-states
• British colonization from 1914 to 1960
• Independence from Britain in 1960
• Civil war from 1967 to 1970 and subsequent military rule until 1999
• Current government: a federal republic with a president and national assembly

Culture

• Rich cultural heritage with diverse traditional music, art, and literature
• Influenced by Islamic, Christian, and traditional beliefs
• Popular festivals include Eyo, Osun Osogbo, and Argungu Fishing Festival

Challenges

• Corruption and political instability
• Security concerns, including the Boko Haram insurgency
• Poverty and inequality, with a significant wealth gap between north and south
• Environmental issues, such as deforestation and oil spills