26 Facts About Nigeria

Nigeria is a West African country located on the Gulf of Guinea.

Nigeria is now one of the continent's leading countries.

Nigeria has one of Africa's largest and fastest-growing economies, as well as the most diverse population of any African country.

Nigeria has the largest population of any country on the African continent, with 211 million people.

The country has a total area of approximately 923,769 km2.

Nigeria, as a federal republic, is divided into 26 states plus its capital territory.

Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups.

There are over 500 different languages spoken by the people of the country.

In 1897, British journalist Flora Shaw coined the name Nigeria after the Niger River, which runs through the country.

With a height of 2.42 km above sea level, Chappal Waddi is the highest point in Nigeria and the third tallest peak in Africa.

The country's southernmost region has a tropical rainforest climate with up to two metres of rain per year. However, the majority of the country has a savanna climate, with an average of one metre of rain per year.

Nigeria also has a diverse ecosystem.

Humans have been present in Nigeria since 11,000 BC.

The Spanish Flu devastated Nigeria. In 1918, ships passing through Nigeria's ports brought the Spanish Flu with them.

In 1929, Nigeria experienced the Women's War. It all started when thousands of women from Eastern Nigeria demonstrated against colonial policies, particularly the so-called warrant chiefs.

Nigeria's military dictatorship ended in 1977.

The oil industry remains one of the most important sectors of the Nigerian economy. Nigeria is the only African country that produces 2.53 million barrels of oil and gas per day.

Today, Nigeria's telecommunications sector is rapidly expanding. According to statistics, the country has at least 23.5 million radio sets and more than 200 radio stations.

According to statistics, the country has 56.9 million televisions, 350,000 wired telephone lines, and over 200 million cellular lines.

Experts estimate that 60% of all Nigerians now own cell phones, and that number is increasing with each passing year.

The tourist industry generates an estimated $1 billion per year and accounts for 6% of the country's GDP.

Several Nigerian cities, including Abeokuta, Kano, Lagos, and Onitsha, serve as textile industry hubs.

Nigeria recently expressed an interest in nuclear energy. Nigeria has also asked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to back a plan to construct reactors capable of producing up to 4000 MW of energy by 2027.

Nigeria launched its own satellite, NigComSat-1, in 2003, using a Chinese rocket from China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Nigeria has an excellent healthcare system.

The country also has a thriving music and film industries.