Nigeria is likely one of the most well-known countries in Africa and perhaps even the world. Nigeria is also rich in resources and cultural diversity and has a large population. Let's explore the features of this country which many consider being the superpower of the African continent.
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Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenNigeria is likely one of the most well-known countries in Africa and perhaps even the world. Nigeria is also rich in resources and cultural diversity and has a large population. Let's explore the features of this country which many consider being the superpower of the African continent.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is located along the western African coast. It is bordered by Niger to the north, Chad and Cameroon to the east and Benin to the west. The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja, which is located in the central part of the country. Lagos, the country's economic hub, is located along the south-western coast, close to the Benin border.
Two of the most diverse physical aspects of Nigeria are its climate and geography. Let's explore them.
Nigeria has a hot, tropical climate with some variations. There are 3 broad climatic zones. Generally, precipitation and humidity decline as you go from south to north. The three climatic zones are as follows:
Nigeria lies between 4-14o N latitude and 3-14o E longitude, making it north of the Equator and east of the Greenwich Meridian. Nigeria is 356,669 sq miles/ 923,768 sq km, almost four times the size of the United Kingdom! At its widest points, Nigeria measures 696 miles/ 1,120 km from north to south and 795 miles/ 1,280 km from east to west. Nigeria has 530 miles/ 853 km of coastline and comprises the Abuja Federal Capital Territory and 36 states.
Much like its climate, the topography of Nigeria varies throughout the country. Generally, there are hills and plateaux towards the country's centre, surrounded by plains in the north and the south. The wide valleys of the Niger and Benue rivers are also flat.
The most mountainous region of Nigeria is found along its southeastern border with Cameroon. Nigeria's highest point is Chappal Waddi. It is also known as Gangirwal, which means 'Mountain of Death' in Fulfulde. This mountain is 7,963 ft (2,419 m) above sea level and is also the highest point in West Africa.
Nigeria's current population is estimated at 216.7 million, making it the most populous country in Africa. It also has the 6th largest population in the world. The majority (54%) of the country's population falls within the 15-64 age cohort, while only 3% of the population is 65 years and older. Nigeria's population growth rate is 2.5%.
Nigeria's population expanded quite rapidly over the past 30 years. It grew from 95 million in 1990 to 216.7 million today (2022). At the current growth rate, it is expected that by 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States as the third most populous nation on earth, with a population of 400 million. Nigeria's population is expected to increase to 733 million by 2100.
Nigeria's population consists of over 500 different ethnic groups. Of these groups, the top six by the proportion of the population are listed below (Table 1):
Ethnic Group | Percentage of Population |
Hausa | 30 |
Yoruba | 15.5 |
Igbo | 15.2 |
Fulani | 6 |
Tiv | 2.4 |
Kanuri/Beriberi | 2.4 |
Now let's look at some interesting facts about Nigeria
Nigeria gets its name from the Niger River, which runs through the western part of the country. It has been nicknamed the "Giant of Africa" because its economy is the largest in Africa.
Lagos, located along the south-western coast of Nigeria, was the country's first capital and remains its largest city, both in terms of size (1,374 sq miles/ 3,559 sq km) and population (approx. 16 million). Abuja is the current capital of Nigeria. It is a planned city in the country's centre and was built in the 1980s. It officially became the capital of Nigeria on December 12, 1991.
There is a relatively high level of crime throughout Nigeria. This ranges from petty crimes such as stealing small sums of money to more serious crimes such as kidnappings. In the northern parts of the country, there is also the threat of Boko Haram, a terrorist group active in Northern Nigeria.
The Boko Haram terrorist group is most infamous for its April 2014 kidnappings of over 200 girls from their school. After much negotiation between the Nigerian government and the Boko Harem, 103 girls have since been released.
Nigeria's economy is the largest in Africa and has been experiencing rapid growth for many years. Although a large proportion of the population of Nigeria has worked in the agricultural sector since the late 1960s, the county has earned the majority (90%) of its income from the petroleum industry. Nigeria is oil rich. The rapid increase in oil prices from 1973 resulted in rapid growth in all sectors of the economy.
Since the late 1970s, the country has been affected by the fluctuations in the world market price for oil. However, the economy still recorded annual growth rates of 7% between 2004-2014. This growth was partially attributed to the growing contribution of manufacturing and the service industry to the economy. As a result of its massive industrialisation and growth, Nigeria is classified as a New Emerging Economy (NEE).
Nigeria experienced a recession in 2020 due to the decline in crude oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic. It was estimated that the GDP shrunk by 3% in that year.
GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product, the total value of the goods and services produced in a country over a year.
In 2020, Nigeria's total public debt was USD $85.9 billion, about 25% of the GDP. The country was also incurring high debt service payments. In 2021, Nigeria had a GDP of USD $440.78 billion, a 2% increase over its GDP in 2020. This, coupled with the fact that the economy recorded about 3% growth in the first quarter of 2022, shows some signs of rebounding.
Despite the country's overall wealth, Nigeria still has high poverty levels.
Nigeria is located along the western coast of Africa. It is bordered by Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon
As of 2022, the population of Nigeria is 216.7 million people.
As a result of its massive economic growth, Nigeria is considered a New Emerging Economy (NEE).
Nigeria does experience crime. These range from petty theft to terrorist activities. The latter mainly exists in the northern parts of the country, where the Boko Harem terrorist group is active.
Although Nigeria's economy contracted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now showing signs of rebounding. The economy experienced a 2% increase in GDP in 2021 which was followed by 3% economic growth during the first quarter of 2022.
Nigeria shares a border with four countries. Name them.
Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
How many climate zones are present in Nigeria?
3
What is the size of Nigeria?
1,013,460 sq km
True or False: The highest point in Nigeria is also the highest point in Western Africa.
False
What is the population of Nigeria?
216.7 million
True or False: Nigeria is the 10th most populous country in the earth.
True
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