Country Profile · No. 38

Nigeria

Capital / Admin Capital

Abuja (political) / Lagos (economic hub)Population: ~223.8MIndependence: 1960 (October 1)

First Prime Minister / President

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Prime Minister, 1960–1966)First President: Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963–1966)Current President: Bola Tinubu (Serving since May 2023)

Geography & Borders

Benin, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea). West African giant featuring a diverse layout from tropical rainforests to savanna and the Niger Delta.

Demographics & Language

Islam (~53.5%), Christianity (~45.9%). Official: English language. Major groups: Hausa (~30%), Yoruba (~15%), Igbo (~15%), Fulani (~6%), Tiv, Ijaw.

Economy & GDP

Largest economy in Africa; major exporter of crude petroleum and natural gas; booming tech, finance, and entertainment sectors ("Nollywood").

Global Diaspora

1. United States (~400k–600k), 2. United Kingdom (~200k–300k), 3. Canada (~60k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Texas (Houston), Maryland (Silver Spring / Bowie), New York, Georgia (Atlanta).

Major Conflicts

Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) (1967–1970), Boko Haram insurgency (2009–present), historical military coups.

3 Must-See Sites

1. Yankari National Park (Popular wildlife reserve featuring natural warm water springs like the Wikki Warm Spring), 2. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (UNESCO-listed dense forest sanctuary along the Osun River filled with shrines, sculptures, and art celebrating Yoruba deity traditions), 3. Zuma Rock (An iconic monolithic inselberg rising dramatically just outside Abuja).

Quick Facts

The most populous nation in Africa and the sixth most populous on Earth; globally famous for its cultural powerhouse status, driving international pop culture through music (Afrobeats) and cinema (Nollywood).