Fast Facts:
1. It’s located in West Africa and is the 14th largest country on the continent.
2. It is Africa’s most populous country, with more than 200 million inhabitants.
3. Its capital is Abuja. Its largest city, Lagos, is the most populous on the African continent, home to more than 14 million people. Lagos is one of three African megacities.
4. Major languages: English is the official language, while Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo are national languages. More than 500 distinct languages are spoken in the country.
5. Major ethnic groups: The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa–Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, together comprising over 60% of the total population. There are more than 250 ethnic groups in the country.
6. Major religions: Islam (53%), Christianity (46%) Traditional African and other religions (1%)
7. It is a former British colony and gained independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960.
8. Its flag, adopted at independence, has three vertical bands of green, white and green. The two green stripes represent Nigeria’s natural wealth and the white represents peace and unity.
9. It is Africa’s largest oil producer and also home to the 2nd-largest proven oil reserves in Africa.
10. The town of Igbo-Ora has the world’s highest rate of twin births. Almost every house has at least one set of twins. It is believed to be caused by high consumption of yams.
11. Nigeria has been home to several indigenous pre-colonial states and kingdoms, including the Nok, Nri, Ife, Oyo and Benin, among others.
12. Tourism centers largely on festivals and events, arts and culture, history, national parks, beaches, rain forests, savannah, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
13. There are numerous cities and attractions to explore across the country, including Aso Rock and the Presidential complex in Abuja, the palace in Kano, colonial and art deco architecture of Ibadan, Gashaka Game Reserve, the Slave History Museum and National Museum in Calabar, the palace and museum in Ife-Ife, Benin City, Olumirin Falls, Gurara Falls, the sacred Oshun shrine in Osogbo, Cross River National Park, and Yankari National Park.
14. Things to see and do in Lagos include: Victoria Island, Nike Art Gallery, Lekki Conservation Centre, Lekki Market, National Museum, Kalakuta Republic Museum and Tafawa Balewa Square.
Comment (0)