Nigeria

Guide Note

Nigeria is a country located on the West Coast of Africa. It is bordered by the Republic of Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. Nigeria has the largest population of all the African nations.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Abuja
2. Government: Federal Constitutional Republic
3. Republic Declared: October 1, 1963
4. Independence:
   1. From The UK: October 1, 1960
5. Population: 148,000,000 (2007) Est
6. Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
7. Official Language: English
8. Recognized Languages: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba
9. Religion: Muslim, Christian, Indigenous faiths
10. Time Zone: West Africa Time (UTC +1)
11. International Dialing Code: +234
12. Internet TLD: .ng
13. Motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress"
14. Anthem: "Arise O Compatriots, Nigeria's Call Obey"
15. Area: 356,667 square miles

Nigeria is rich in petroleum, coal, and tin, as well as iron ore, limestone, lead, zinc, and fertile land. Despite this, political strife, military insurgence, and government mismanagement since independence have kept Nigeria from achieving its potential level of prosperity.

Nigerians have contributed to the artistic world through literature, music, and film. Famous Nigerians include Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Fela Kuti, and King Sunny Adé.