|
|
The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria accounts for approximately one-quarter of West Africa's people. Although less than 25% of Nigerians are urban dwellers, at least 24 cities have populations of more than 100,000. The variety of customs, languages, and traditions among Nigeria's 250 ethnic groups gives the country a rich diversity. The dominant ethnic group in the northern two-thirds of the country is the Hausa-Fulani, most of whom are Muslim.
|
Other major ethnic groups of the north are the Nupe, Tiv, and Kanuri. The Yoruba people are predominant in the southwest.
About half of the Yorubas are Christian and half Muslim. The predominantly Catholic Igbo are the largest ethnic group in the southeast, with the Efik, Ibibio, and Ijaw (the country's fourth-largest ethnic group) comprising a substantial segment of the population in that area. Persons of different language backgrounds most commonly communicate in English, although knowledge of two or more Nigerian languages is widespread. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are the most widely used Nigerian languages.
|
Click on image segments to reveal States. |
General Information
FULL COUNTRY NAME: Federal Republic of Nigeria
FEDERATION UNIT: 36 states and Abuja, the federal capital
AREA: 350,000sq Miles. (560,000 sq Kilometers)
POPULATION: Over 120 Million
CAPITAL CITY: Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: English Language
MAJOR LOCAL LANGUAGES: Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Efik, Kanuri
GOVERNMENT: Bicameral presidential System of Government
PRESIDENT: Musa Yar 'Adua
GDP: US$143.5 billion
GDP PER HEAD:US$380
MAJOR INDUSTRIES: Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Coal, Palm Oil, Cocoa, Peanuts, Cotton.
MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS: USA, EU & Japan.
MONEY: Naira (N) and Kobo (kobo)
TIME: GM/UTC
ELECTRIC CURRENT: 220Volts, 50 Cycles A/C.
The Coat of Arms
|
The shield, which is black, represents the good earth of Nigeria. The wavy hands, which are silver on the shield, represent the river Niger and Benue, their junction and confluence. The supporters, that is, the two horses, which are white, represents dignity. |
The ground on which the bearing stand is Coctus spectablilis, which is a common wild flower, found throughout Nigeria.The wreath is in Nigeria's National colours of green and white and the Eagle Stands for Strength.
Nigeria's Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress
|
The Flag: The Flag is divided vertically into 3 equal parts. The central part is white and the 2 outer parts are green. The green of the flag represents agriculture and the white, unity and peace. |
For more information about Nigeria, visit  website.
|
