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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 are10 Remarkable Nigeria Factsanyone planning to visit the country will find interesting.
Africa’s Most Populated Country
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 Igbothat makes up 18% of the population, the Yoruba that makes up 21% and the Hausa-Fulani the largest one with 29%.
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.
Derived Name from West Africa’s Longest River
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
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.
