Nigerian History and Economy

Study Notes

Federal republic with a presidential system
President serves as head of state and government
Bicameral legislature: House of Representatives and Senate
36 states and Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
Major political parties: People's Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC)

Nok culture, the earliest known civilization, flourished from 1000 BCE to 300 CE.
Hausa Kingdoms existed from the 14th to 19th centuries, while the Kanem-Bornu Empire thrived from the 13th to 19th centuries.
Nigeria was a British colony from 1914 to 1960, gaining independence on October 1, 1960.
The country experienced a Civil War from 1967 to 1970 between the government and Biafran secessionists.
Military rule dominated from 1966 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1998, before a democratic government took over in 1999.

Nigeria has the largest economy in West Africa and the second-largest in Africa, after South Africa.
The primary sectors driving the economy are agriculture, mining, and oil production.
Crude oil exports account for around 90% of the country's total exports.
Major agricultural products include cocoa, peanuts, cotton, and rubber.
The telecommunications and entertainment industries have experienced rapid growth.

The country has over 250 ethnic groups, with the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo being the three main groups.
Approximately 50% of the population practices Islam, while around 40% practice Christianity.
Traditional music and dance styles include Fuji, Apala, and Highlife.
Popular Nigerian cuisine includes jollof rice, suya, and egusi soup.

Nigeria is a federal republic with a presidential system of government.
The President serves as both the head of state and the head of government.
The country has a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Nigeria is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).
The two major political parties are the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Located in West Africa, Nigeria shares borders with Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
The country covers an area of 923,768 km² (356,669 sq mi).
Nigeria's diverse geography features tropical rainforests, savannas, and mountains.
The major rivers are the Niger and Benue.
The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi, standing at 2,419 m (7,936 ft).