We bring you some very interesting Nigeria facts that you might not have known of beforehand.For example, did you know that according to evidence from archaeological sites and discoveries, Nigeria has a history of human existence that has been dated back as far as 9000 BC? The Nok civilization is the earliest civilization in the country, which took place around 500 BC up to 200 AD.Nigeria is a West African country that borders the Chad republic and Niger on the north, the Atlantic Ocean on the south, Benin republic on the west, and Cameroon on the east. The country’s terrain changes from the Niger Delta that is oil-rich in the southern part to the savanna-covered high plateaus found in the north. Down towards the coast is the rain forest belt region. In spite of some minor political instabilities and the insecurity witnessed in Nigeria, there are several interesting facts about Nigeria that are worthy of mention. Below are some remarkable Nigeria Facts anyone planning to visit the country will find interesting.
Africa’s Most Populated Country is Nigeria.
With a population of over 160 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populated country, as well as the 8th most populated in the entire world. This means that for every seven Africans, one is a Nigerian. Ethiopia is the next African nation to come close, whose population count of 84 million is merely about half that of Nigeria.
Over 250 Ethnic Groups
One interesting fact about Nigeria is her multi-ethnicity. Nigeria boasts of over 250 ethnic groups and tribes. However, three tribes are the most dominant, namely, the Igbo that makes up 18% of the population, the Yoruba that makes up 21% and the Hausa-Fulani the largest one with 29%.
Types of religion in Nigeria-Nigeria's Main Religions are Islam and Christianity
In Nigeria, the main religions are Christianity and Islam. The country is divided roughly into two religious organisations, with the south having almost exclusively Christians, and the north having Muslims. The Igbos found in the southeast are mainly Christians, while the Hausa-Fulani inhabiting northern Nigeria are mainly Islams. In addition, southern Nigeria is more urbanized and westernized when compared to the north.
Where did Nigeria name come from you may ask,well,Nigeria derives her name from river Niger, which is the largest and longest river in West Africa. The river covers a distance of about 2,600 miles (4,180 km) from its source in the Highlands of Guinea, inside south-eastern Guinea. It follows its course in a crescent through Niger, Mali, along the border with Benin, then getting into Nigeria. The river eventually empties its water into the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of Guinea after passing through a huge delta referred to as the Niger Delta.
One of Human Existence’s Oldest Locations.
So to round up....
- The official name of Nigeria is the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Nigeria is located in West Africa, it shares a land boarder with Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
- The total land mass of Nigeria is 923,768 km² (356,669 mi²), which makes it the world's 32nd-largest country by land mass.
- The British colonised Nigeria in the late 19th century through to 1960 when Nigeria became independent.
- Nigeria is a member of both the British Commonwealth and the African Union.
- Nigeria has a population of nearly 175 million people (174,507,539) as of July 2013, making it the most populous country in Africa, and the 7th most populous country in the world.
- The largest city in Nigeria is Lagos with an estimated population of around 21 million people.
- The capital city is of Nigeria is Abuja, which was planned out and then built in the 1980s, officially replacing Lagos as the capital in 1991.
- Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, the three largest of which are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo.
- The currency of Nigeria is called the Naira.
- English is the official language of Nigeria, and is used in education, business and for official purposes. In rural areas, indigenous languages of Yoruba and Igbo are more commonly spoken. There are also many other minority languages.
- The highest point in Nigeria is the mountain Chappal Waddi at 2,419 m (7,936 ft).
- The Benue River and the Niger River (which the country was named after) are the largest rivers in Nigeria, they join and empty into the large Niger Delta.
- Poor healthcare, living conditions and a lack of access to good water means Nigeria has a low general standard of living. The life expectancy is on average just 52 years.
- Nigeria has high levels of oil reserves and relies a lot on crude oil exports.
- Football (soccer) is popular in Nigeria, the national team known as the "Super Eagles" have made 5 appearances at the World Cup, won the African Cup of Nations 3 times and won the football gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.
- Nigeria's national basketball team qualified for the 2012 Olympics and the country has exported a number of players to America's NBA including Hakeem Olajuwon.
And just so you can have a good laugh after all that,here are some funny facts about Nigeria to see you out.You know we are a people who like to laugh and have fun,some of these will surely fill you up with laughter.
Nigeria's president has the highest vehicle convoy in the world.
90% of people who are indigenes of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state
have gaps between their teeth.
Adele @officialadele hails from Ede, Osun State. Full name Adeleye Adetokunbo.
Only 18 people out of 18000 who registered passed NECO and WAEC in Gombe State.
Females from Imo state Nigeria have more hair on their chest than their males.
The cost of living in Abuja, is more expensive than the cost of living
in London.
Nigeria has the highest number of musicians in the world.
Abuja girls are materialistic, expensive but cheap.
Beware of Edo girls.
Maiduguri girls have the longest hair.
Ijebu people fart all the time. Even while having sex.
Ibo girls are stingy and greedy.
Fulani girls have the longest tongue.
90% of people who are indigenes of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state
have gaps between their teeth.
Adele @officialadele hails from Ede, Osun State. Full name Adeleye Adetokunbo.
Only 18 people out of 18000 who registered passed NECO and WAEC in Gombe State.
Females from Imo state Nigeria have more hair on their chest than their males.
The cost of living in Abuja, is more expensive than the cost of living
in London.
Nigeria has the highest number of musicians in the world.
Abuja girls are materialistic, expensive but cheap.
Beware of Edo girls.
Maiduguri girls have the longest hair.
Ijebu people fart all the time. Even while having sex.
Ibo girls are stingy and greedy.
Fulani girls have the longest tongue.
PH girls like it in the A**
There's a place called Sabo in every state in Nigeria.
Gwagwalada is the hottest place in Nigeria.
Nigeria has the highest number of police officers in Africa.
Osun state has the highest number of Yahoo boys in the country.
4 out of every 5 Edo girls have a connect in Italy.
Calabar girls don't want your money, all they need is your energy.
Nigerians make up 1/8 of the population of Malaysia.
China's best market is Nigeria.
A man was recently sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a car
radio, while Cecilia Ibru was sentenced to 6 months for moving 150
billion.
An average Ibo man can smell money 100 meters away.
Nigerians are the highest users of slangs in Africa, 2nd only to USA
in the world.
The most spoken phrase in Nigeria is "How far ?"
Nigeria is the only country where everybody looks forward to hearing
the First Lady speak.
An Ibo man hustles from Jan 2 to Dec 24, only to spend it all during
There's a place called Sabo in every state in Nigeria.
Gwagwalada is the hottest place in Nigeria.
Nigeria has the highest number of police officers in Africa.
Osun state has the highest number of Yahoo boys in the country.
4 out of every 5 Edo girls have a connect in Italy.
Calabar girls don't want your money, all they need is your energy.
Nigerians make up 1/8 of the population of Malaysia.
China's best market is Nigeria.
A man was recently sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a car
radio, while Cecilia Ibru was sentenced to 6 months for moving 150
billion.
An average Ibo man can smell money 100 meters away.
Nigerians are the highest users of slangs in Africa, 2nd only to USA
in the world.
The most spoken phrase in Nigeria is "How far ?"
Nigeria is the only country where everybody looks forward to hearing
the First Lady speak.
An Ibo man hustles from Jan 2 to Dec 24, only to spend it all during
xmas n New Year.
Contribution from Buzz N.