Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa and the most populous nation on the African continent, with over 230 million people.

Key Facts

Capital: Abuja

Largest City: Lagos (a major economic hub).

Official Language: English (with over 500 indigenous languages, including Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Isoko, and Edo)

Independence: Gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960.

Geography and Demographics

Location: Nigeria is bordered by the Republic of Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroun, with a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea.

Landscape: Features savannas, rainforests, the Niger River, and the Jos Plateau.

Major Ethnic Groups: Hausa-Fulani (North), Yoruba (Southwest), Igbo (Southeast), and numerous others.

Religion: Roughly split between Islam (predominantly in the North) and Christianity (predominantly in the South).

Economy

Largest Economy in Africa: Driven by oil and gas exports(Nigeria is a top global oil producer).

Currency: Nigerian Naira (₦).

Other Sectors: Agriculture (cocoa, rubber, palm oil), telecommunications, and a growing tech scene ("Silicon Lagoon" in Lagos).

Challenges: Income inequality, reliance on crude oil, and public infrastructure gaps.

Culture

Nollywood: The world's second-largest film industry by output.

Music: Birthplace of Afrobeat (Fela Kuti) and global stars like Burna Boy, Rema, and Wizkid.

Literature: Reknown authors include Chinua Achebe (author of Things Fall Apart) and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

Cuisine: Popular Nigerian dishes include jollof rice, suya (spiced grilled meat), and egusi soup.

Political Landscape

Government: Federal presidential republic. Current president is Bola Tinubu (2023 - present).

History: Post-independence civil war (1967 - 1970 Biafra conflict), followed by military rule and a return to democracy in 1999.

Current Challenges

Security: Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist tensions in the Southeast. 

Economy: Inflation, currency devaluation, and fuel subsidy reforms causing public discontent. 

Social Issues: Youth unemployment, electricity shortages, and clashes between herders and farmers.

Strength and Opportunities

Youth Population: Over 60% under 25, driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tech Growth: Startups like Flutterwave and Andela highlight Nigeria's digital potential.

Cultural Influence: Global impact through music, film, and diaspora communities.