Nigeria

West Africa

Nigeria is a country in West Africa, home to 229.2 million people, with an area of 923,768 km². Its capital is Abuja.

Capital: Abuja
Population: 229.2 million
Area: 923,768 km²
Region: West Africa
Density: 248 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Nigeria · West Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Nigeria is known for

Nigeria is best known for Yankari National Park, Obudu Mountain Resort and Lagos.

Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa, with over 200 million people. Nigeria is known for its diverse culture, with over 500 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions and languages. The country has a rich history, with evidence of ancient human settlements dating back to 9000 BC. The capital city is Abuja.

Nigeria at a glance

Language: English is the official language, with Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo as the most widely spoken indigenous languages
Currency: Nigerian naira (NGN)
Religion: Christianity and Islam are the predominant religions in Nigeria, but traditional religions are also practiced
National dish: Jollof rice (a spicy rice dish) served with various meats and vegetables
Climate: Nigeria has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The south is hot and humid, while the north is dry and arid
Main industries: Petroleum, including oil and gas production; agriculture, including cocoa, peanuts, and palm oil; and manufacturing, including textiles, cement, and consumer goods
GDP: $504.6 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Nigeria is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 162 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Nigeria

Some of the main tourist attractions in Nigeria include:

Yankari National Park a wildlife park located in Bauchi State known for its large elephant herds, baboons, and other animals.
Obudu Mountain Resort a mountain resort in Cross River State known for its scenic views, cable car ride, and hiking trails.
Lagos the largest city in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, known for its bustling markets, nightlife, and beaches.
Zuma Rock a large monolith located in Niger State, known for its unique shape and cultural significance.
Nike Art Gallery an art gallery in Lagos that showcases traditional Nigerian art and contemporary African art.
Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove: a UNESCO World Heritage site in Osun State that is home to a sacred forest and shrine dedicated to the river goddess Osun.
Olumo Rock a large rock formation located in Abeokuta, Ogun State, that served as a natural fortress during the Yoruba wars.
Gurara Waterfalls a series of waterfalls located in Niger State, known for their beauty and as a popular picnic spot.
Kajuru Castle a medieval-style castle located in Kaduna State, built in the 1980s by a German expatriate.
Idanre Hills a cluster of hills located in Ondo State that feature unique rock formations and ancient ruins.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Nigeria has to offer. The country is also known for its vibrant music and film industries, with Nigerian musicians and filmmakers gaining global recognition in recent years.

Nigeria in pictures

Nigeria on video

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Nigeria compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of West Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Nigeria	229.2 million	923,768 km²	Abuja
Ghana	34.4 million	238,533 km²	Accra
Ivory Coast	31.2 million	322,463 km²	Yamoussoukro
Niger	27.2 million	1,267,000 km²	Niamey