Nigerian History and Economy

History

• Earliest known civilization: Nok culture (1000 BCE - 300 CE)
• Hausa Kingdoms (14th - 19th centuries)
• Kanem-Bornu Empire (13th - 19th centuries)
• British colonization (1914 - 1960)
• Independence from Britain on October 1, 1960
• Civil War (1967 - 1970) between government and Biafran secessionists
• Military rule (1966 - 1979, 1983 - 1998)
• Democratic government since 1999

Economy

• Largest economy in West Africa
• 2nd largest economy in Africa (after South Africa)
• Primary sectors: agriculture, mining, and oil production
• Crude oil exports account for around 90% of total exports
• Major agricultural products: cocoa, peanuts, cotton, and rubber
• Rapid growth in telecommunications and entertainment industries

Culture

• Over 250 ethnic groups
• 3 main ethnic groups: Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo
• Majority of population (around 50%) practice Islam
• Around 40% practice Christianity
• Traditional music and dance: Fuji, Apala, and Highlife
• Popular Nigerian cuisine: jollof rice, suya, and egusi soup

Politics

• 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)

Geography

• Located in West Africa
• Bordering countries: Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger
• 923,768 km² (356,669 sq mi) in area
• Diverse geography: tropical rainforests, savannas, and mountains
• Major rivers: Niger and Benue
• Highest point: Chappal Waddi (2,419 m / 7,936 ft)

History of Nigeria

• 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.

Nigerian Economy

• 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.

Culture of Nigeria

• 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.

Politics of Nigeria

• 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).

Geography of Nigeria

• 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).