Where is Nigeria located on the political map of the world. Nigeria map in Russian. Capital of Nigeria, flag, history of the country. Where is Nigeria located on the world map. Government and politics

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Federal Republic of Nigeria- a state in West Africa. It borders in the west with Benin, in the north with Niger, in the northeast with Chad, and in the east with Cameroon.

The Niger and Benue rivers divide the country into two parts: the coastal plain is located in the southern part, and low plateaus predominate in the northern part. The highest point in the country, Mount Chappal Vaddi (2419 m), is located in Taraba state near the Nigerian-Cameroon border.

Airports in Nigeria

Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport

Benin Airport

Warri Airport

Kaduna Airport

Calabar Margaret Ekpo International Airport

Kano International Airport

Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Port Harcourt International Airport

Enugu Akanu Ibiam International Airport

Nigeria hotels 1 - 5 stars

Weather in Nigeria

The climate is equatorial monsoon and subequatorial, with high humidity. Average annual temperatures everywhere exceed +25°C. In the north, the hottest months are March–June, in the south - April, when temperatures reach +30–32°C. The rainiest and “coolest” month is August. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the Niger Delta (up to 4000 mm per year), in the central part of the country - 1000–1400 mm, and in the extreme northeast - only 500 mm. The driest period is winter, when the harmattan wind blows from the northeast, bringing daytime heat and sharp daily temperature changes from the desert regions of the mainland.

Nigerian language

Official language: English

There are about 400 local languages ​​and dialects, the most common languages ​​being Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.

Currency of Nigeria

International name: NGN

Naira is equal to 100 kobo. The circulation of other currencies is officially prohibited, although in reality almost all hard currencies in the world are accepted in markets and private shops.

Using credit cards and tourist traveler's checks is difficult and is only possible in the capital. Currency exchange can only be done in banks and official exchange offices.

Customs restrictions in Nigeria

The transit of foreign currency is limited only when leaving: you can import without restrictions, and you can export the amount within the limits of the imported foreign currency. The exchange can be made at any exchange office. It is recommended to save receipts. When transiting amounts up to $3000, its declaration is not required.

It is prohibited to export items made of bronze, animal skins, bird feathers, elephant bones, and gold coins. The import ban applies to weapons and drugs. Without imposing a duty, you can enter: perfumes - 250 g, household appliances, photo, audio and video equipment - one item of each name, strong alcoholic drinks - 1 liter, tobacco - 200 g, cigars - 50 pcs., cigarettes - 200 pcs., wine - 1 l.

Import of animals

To import animals, you need a special conclusion from a veterinarian confirming that the animal is free of diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies, as well as permission from the country’s veterinary service.

Mains voltage: 220V

Shopping in Nigeria

Everywhere, both in the market and in stores, you can and should bargain.

Safety

Nigeria is a country with a difficult crime situation; it is not recommended to enter into conflicts with the local population, carry large sums of money with you or leave them in a hotel room, or use a taxi in the dark, especially when there are strangers in it besides the driver.

Fraud is quite common, especially when using foreign currencies, so it is advisable to exchange some naira in small denominations in advance for everyday use.

Code of the country: +234

Geographic first level domain name:.ng

Nigeria on a map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)

Geographical position

Nigeria is a state located in the central part of the African continent. It borders Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon; has access to the Gulf of Guinea, the length of the coastline is 900 km. Almost all types of relief are represented on the territory of the country: low plateaus predominate in the north, most of the south is occupied by the Primorsky Plain, and the central part lies on a rocky plateau. The area of ​​the state is 924 thousand km².

Most of Nigeria has an equatorial monsoon climate. With the onset of spring, almost the entire country is covered by a strip of rain. In the south, up to 4000 mm of precipitation falls per year, in the central part - from 1000 to 1500 mm, and the least in the northeast - about 500 mm. Average monthly temperatures range from +26 °C in January to +33 °C in July.

Flora and fauna

Once upon a time, a large territory of the state was covered with tropical rainforests, but systematic cutting down and burning of areas for crops has significantly reduced their area. Today, tall, multi-story forests remain mainly along the right bank of the lower reaches of the Niger River and in the Cross River valley. The most valuable species in these forests are considered to be kaya, sapele, iroko, opepe, agba and obeche, which produce high-quality ornamental and construction wood. In the savannas grow baobabs, doum palms, ceibu, and whitish acacias, which serve as food for livestock. Among the herbs, different types of so-called predominate. elephant grass. The coast of Lake Chad is covered with thickets of papyrus and reeds.

The country's fauna is very diverse. In the forests there are many brightly colored parrots, red-headed woodpeckers, and hoopoes. Turpans, pelicans, flamingos, and kingfishers settle along the rivers. African black kites predominate among birds of prey. There are vultures, hawks, secretary birds, and hornbills. In the Nigerian forests and savannas you can still find herds of large mammals: elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, as well as dik-dik dwarf antelopes, whose weight is no more than 3 kg. Wild buffalos and scaly anteaters live far from human settlements. Tropical forests are inhabited by monkeys: chimpanzees, gorillas, baboons, monkeys, lemurs.

The rivers and Lake Chad are home to hippos (including the pygmy) and crocodiles. The country is home to the sea cow, which is extinct in other areas of the planet.

State structure

Nigeria map

Currently, a military government is in power, although formally the head of the republic is the president. Nigeria is a member of the British Commonwealth. Administratively, the country is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital District. The local currency is naira. The capital is the city of Abuja.

Population

In terms of population (181.5 million people), Nigeria ranks first on the African continent. The national composition includes more than 2,000 ethnic groups, each of which retains its own traditions, language and culture. The majority are from the Yoruba, Hausa and Ibu ethnic groups. The official language is English. Among the residents of the state, almost 50% are Muslims, 30% are Christians (including Catholics, Baptists, Evangelists, Adventists, etc.), about 20% adhere to traditional beliefs. At the same time, the popularity of the National Church of Nigeria, which preaches a new religion - Godianism, is growing.

Economy

Nigeria is an agricultural state with a rapidly developing oil industry. About half the population is engaged in farming, using mainly traditional farming methods. The dominant agricultural crops exported are cocoa, oil palm, peanuts, cotton, rubber, sugar cane, and cola. Sorghum, millet, rice, and root crops such as yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, cocoyam, and taro are cultivated. Pasture livestock farming is developed: zebu, kuri, sheep and goats are bred. Among the industrial sectors, the most developed are oil refining, metallurgical, mechanical engineering and chemical.

Folk crafts are common - weaving, weaving baskets and mats from raffia palm fibers, making wooden masks and figurines, and calabashes.

The ancestors of modern Nigerians lived on these lands for many millennia. The first settlements on the territory of the modern country date back to the Middle and Late Paleolithic. Starting from the middle of the 1st millennium BC. e. people in these places knew how to smelt metals, as evidenced by slag, remains of smelting furnaces, clay products, grains of cultivated plants discovered by archaeologists near the settlement of Nok, after which this culture was named.

In the first centuries A.D. e. On the territory of Nigeria there were state formations, the inhabitants of which were engaged in various crafts (weaving, leatherworking, dyeing), agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest states in the south were Oyo, Ife, Benin, in the north - Kanem, Bornu Kano, Katsina and Songhai. By the beginning of the 15th century. Europeans landed on the country's shores and engaged in the slave trade for several centuries. Ivory, palm oil, pepper and locally produced fabrics were exported. At the beginning of the 19th century. On the territory of the modern state, the Sokoto Sultanate was formed, which in 1914 was declared a British colony. The policy of oppression and exploitation of the indigenous population led to the growth of the national movement, the struggle for sovereignty, but independence Nigeria received only in 1960. Since then, the country has experienced several military coups.

Attractions

When entering, you must have a certificate indicating vaccination against yellow fever.

Lagos is one of the largest ports in Africa, where you can buy almost everything, and at a very reasonable price (especially if you know how to bargain).

A unique natural monument in Nigeria is the Joe Plateau. These are remnant rocks rising from the greenery of the jungle with flat tops and almost vertical slopes, eaten away by erosion. Since they consist of gray-colored rocks, the bright contrast with the greenery of the tropical forest that surrounds them is striking.

Nigeria photo

Nigeria- a state in West Africa on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. It borders in the west with Benin (border length 773 km), in the north - with Niger (1497 km), in the northeast - with Chad (87 km), in the east - with Cameroon (1690 km). Area - 923,768 km². The capital is Abuja.

The Niger and Benue rivers divide the country into two parts: the coastal plain is located in the southern part, and low plateaus predominate in the northern part. A large territory of the country is occupied by the Primorsky Plain, formed mainly by river sediments. In the west of the plain along the coast there is a chain of sand spits that connect with each other and the Gulf of Guinea.

The highest point in the country, Mount Chappal Vaddi (2419 m), is located in Taraba state near the Nigerian-Cameroon border.

Climate in Nigeria

The climate in southern Nigeria is equatorial monsoon; in the central part - tropical humid; in the north - tropical dry. Average annual temperatures: +26..+28 °C.

Rainy season (cold season) is from March to October. The greatest amount of precipitation falls on the coast (up to 4000 mm per year), in the central part of the country 1000-1400 mm, and in the extreme northeast - only 500 mm. In the north of the country, precipitation usually occurs from June to September.

The dry period (hot season) is from November to March. During this period, the harmattan wind blows from the northeast, bringing daytime heat and sharp daily temperature changes from the desert areas of the mainland (during the day the air warms up to +40 °C or more, and at night the temperature drops to +10 °C).

Last changes: 05/19/2013

Population

The population of Nigeria is 152.2 million people (2010). The country is the largest country in Africa by population, ranking only 14th on the continent in terms of territory.

Average life expectancy is 46 years for men, 48 years for women.

Ethnic composition: more than 250 aboriginal peoples and tribes. The largest ethnic groups are: Yoruba - 21%, Hausa and Fulani - 29%, Igbo - 18%.

Language

The official language is English.

The languages ​​Edo, Efik, Adawama Fulfulde, Hausa, Idoma, Igba, Central Kanuri, and Yoruba are also widely spoken among the population. There are a total of 421 languages ​​in Nigeria, of which 410 are living, 2 are second without native speakers, 9 are dead.

Local languages ​​are used mainly for communication and in the media, and some languages ​​are also taught in schools. The majority of the country's population speaks two or more languages.

Religion

About 50.4% of the population is Muslim (Hausa and part of the Yoruba), about 48.2% is Christian (Igbo and most of the Yoruba), the rest adhere to traditional beliefs.

The northern part of Nigeria (where the majority is Muslim) has been living under Sharia law since 1999.

Religious clashes periodically occur between Muslims and Christians. The Nigerian government is also involved in the conflict, regularly sending troops and police to stop the massacres.

Religious clashes have existed in Nigeria since it was a colony of the British Empire. However, the most violent clashes began after the northern parts of the country received the right to life under Sharia law. The local Christian minority began to be persecuted. The city of Jos has become the center of the fiercest fighting between representatives of two religious faiths. In 2010, more than 500 people died in Jos, one of the deadliest clashes in the city's history.

Last changes: 05/19/2013

About money

Naira(NGN) is the monetary unit of Nigeria, equal to 100 kobo.

There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 naira of various years of issue.

Outside Nigeria, local money “naira” has no value (except as a souvenir), so it is recommended to exchange all local money before leaving Nigeria.

Currency exchange can be done in banks and exchange offices (it is not recommended on the street, as the probability of fraud is very high; there are a lot of counterfeit US dollars in circulation).

Using credit cards and travel checks is difficult and is usually only possible in the capital and other large cities. Paying with a credit card is a very risky operation, even in hotels, there is a high probability of your confidential data being stolen from the card.

Last changes: 05/19/2013

Communications

Dialing code: 234

Internet domain: .ng

Telephone city codes

Abuja - 9, Benin City - 52, Lagos - 1, Kano - 64

How to call

To call from Russia to Nigeria, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 234 - city code, subscriber number.

To call from Nigeria to Russia, you need to dial: 009 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Last changes: 05/19/2013

Where to stay

Almost all hotels in Nigeria require payment for the entire stay before checking into the room. This even applies to Sheraton and Hilton. Usually you have to pay 125% of the room price, the balance (deposit) will be returned upon departure.

Please note that paying with a credit card is a very risky operation, even in expensive hotels there is a high probability of your sensitive card data being stolen (and subsequently used).

Last changes: 05/19/2013

Sea and beaches

There are a great many beaches in Nigeria, but they are mostly “wild” and very dirty. Although I must admit that the coast is very beautiful. There are no beach resorts either.

Last changes: 05/19/2013

History of Nigeria

People have inhabited the territory of Nigeria since ancient times. Somewhere in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. e. In the central part of the country on the Jos plateau, the Nok civilization was formed, marking the transition from the Stone to the Iron Age. Some cultural features (figurines of horses, riders and wheeled carts) make it possible to connect the emergence of Nok with the influence of the Mediterranean ancient center of civilizations. After the mysterious disappearance of the Nok civilization, its traditions were preserved by the Yoruba peoples, who created the early state associations of Ife, Oyo and the Benin kingdom.

In the 8th century, the nomadic Zaghawa Nilotes in the territories of central Sahara created the vast state of Kanem-Borno, whose power extended from Libya to Nigeria. In 1085, the rulers of Kanem-Borno, under the influence of Arab merchants, converted to Islam. The basis of the state's economy was transit trans-Saharan trade and the collection of tribute from conquered tribes.

In the 14th century, the loose nomadic empire of Kanem-Borno collapsed. On its ruins in northern Nigeria and the adjacent territories of Niger, the Hausa city-states were formed. In the 15th century, northwestern Nigeria became part of the Muslim Songhai Empire (centered in Timbuktu), which soon collapsed under the onslaught of Moroccan troops. The Hausa states regained their independence. At the beginning of the 19th century, they were united during the Fulani jihad into a single state of Sokoto.

Europeans appeared on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea in the 15th century. The first of them were the Portuguese. Unlike other regions of the world, Europeans did not try to gain a foothold in this territory, build their cities here, or convert the local population to their faith. On the contrary, they contributed to the strengthening of the native kingdoms (Oyo, Benin) by involving them in the world market. Exotic fruits and ivory were in demand in Europe, and slaves in its overseas colonies. And only the industrial revolution (dictating the exploitation of raw materials), as well as the ban on the slave trade in the 19th century, undermined the economy of the slave-trading kingdoms, contributed to their decline and absorption by the British colonial empire.

As a result of the “partition of Africa” at the Berlin Conference of 1885, Great Britain laid claim to part of the coast of the Guinea coast, corresponding to modern southern Nigeria. The colonialists instilled in the local population (Yoruba) the Anglican form of Christianity, agricultural crops of cocoa and peanuts, railways were built (1916), oil wells were drilled (1958). Bloodier was the annexation of the Muslim states of northern Nigeria.

In 1914, the British colonies in Nigeria were united into a single protectorate of Nigeria. A unified Nigerian nation was never formed. The country was divided into autonomous regions corresponding to the Yoruba (in the west), Hausa (in the north) and Ibo (in the east) territories. Ethno-regional parties were formed on the basis of these nationalities.

Independent Nigeria

On October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent state. The first government of independent Nigeria was based on a coalition of the CNIS and SNK parties; the representative of the SNK, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, became prime minister. After Nigeria was declared a republic in 1963, Nnamdi Azikiwe (representative of the NUIS) took over as president.

In January 1966, a group of Igbo officers led a military coup. The short period of the “first republic” was over. The military attempted to establish a unitary state in Nigeria, divided into provinces. Northern Nigerian Muslims saw the coup as a threat to their interests, and ethnic clashes broke out across the country. At the end of July, military units consisting of northern soldiers carried out a new military coup. The head of state was a lieutenant colonel (later general), Yakubu Gowon (ruled from 1966 to 1975). In the north, there was renewed persecution of the Igbo, and thousands were killed, leading to a mass exodus of the Igbo to the east, their attempts to create the state of Biafra, and the civil war of 1967-1970. The country returned to a federal system.

The country's political parties were banned from 1966-1978, 1984-1989 and 1993-1998. In 1975, Gowon was overthrown by a group of officers led by Murtala Muhammad, who was known for his intolerance of corruption and indiscipline; it is believed that the program he promulgated and launched to combat these phenomena in society could be crowned with worthy results, but Muhammad himself was killed in February 1976 during another, this time unsuccessful, coup attempt organized by Lieutenant Colonel B.S. Dimka. His replacement, Olusegun Obasanjo, transferred, as originally intended, power to a civilian government headed by Shehu Shagari, who was elected to this post under very dubious circumstances.

In 1979, a new constitution was adopted, marking the beginning of the “second republic”.

In 1983, the Shagari administration, mired in corruption and despotism, was replaced by a new group of military officers, who then led the country almost continuously for a decade and a half. In 1993, elections were held, but the military, mainly representatives of northern ethnic groups, refused to transfer power to the winner, Moshood Abiola, an ethnic Yoruba.

In 1998, during the preparation for the nomination of the country's military dictator Sani Abacha to the presidency, Abacha died, and Abdusalam Abubakar, who replaced him, nevertheless transferred power to civilians. The presidential election was won by retired Christian General Olusegun Obasanjo. An interfaith consensus was reached according to which the presidency should be replaced by representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities. Obasanjo served two terms in office, and tried through various manipulations to achieve changes to the constitution in order to run for a third term, but did not succeed. However, his protege, the Muslim Umaru Yar'Adua, was elected as the new president in 2007.

In 2006, there were acts of communal violence between Hausa Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. Over a hundred people died in clashes in February. In September, sectarian clashes took place in Jigawa State.

In November 2008, riots between Muslims and Christians broke out again in the city of Jos, killing about 300 people. The reason for the unrest was the victory in local elections of a Muslim party representing the interests of the Hausa people.

On January 13, 2010, a federal court in Nigeria transferred the powers of the presidency to the country's vice president, Goodluck Jonathan, because the previously elected president, Umaru Yar'Adua, was undergoing a long course of treatment in Saudi Arabia. On February 9, 2010, the Nigerian Senate confirmed the transfer of powers.

In March 2010, Jonathan dissolved the cabinet of ministers that he inherited from the previous president and began appointing new ministers, which caused discontent among supporters of Umaru Yar'Adua.

In March 2010, bloody clashes between Christians and Muslims in Plateau province killed more than 500 people.

On May 5, 2010, President Umaru Yar'Adua died at the age of 58 at his villa in the Nigerian capital, where he had returned in February after undergoing treatment abroad.

On May 6, 2010, Jonathan Goodluck took the oath of office as the new President of Nigeria. He will remain in office until his deceased predecessor's term expires. Future elections are scheduled for January 2011.

Last changes: 05/19/2013

Helpful information

It is customary to bargain in markets (fixed prices only for bread). As a rule, when trading, you can easily knock down half the price from what the seller originally set. Reducing the price and leaving without buying the goods is considered very rude.

Fraud is quite common, especially when using foreign currencies, so it is advisable to exchange some naira in small denominations in advance for everyday use.

Last changes: 05/19/2013

How to get to Nigeria

There are no direct flights between Russia and Nigeria.

A number of European and Middle Eastern airlines operate flights to Nigeria:

Via UK: British Airways(London Heathrow - Abuja, Lagos)

Via Germany: Lufthansa(Frankfurt - Abuja, Lagos)

Via Spain: Iberia Airlines(Madrid - Lagos)

Via the Netherlands: KLM(Amsterdam - Abuja, Lagos, Kano)

Via France: Air France(Paris - Charles de Gaulle - Lagos)

Via Italy: Alitalia(Rome - Fiumicino - Accra, Lagos)

Via Turkey: Turkish Airlines(Istanbul - Lagos)

Nigeria is the record holder among other states of the “black” continent. Despite the fact that it ranks only 14th in area, the country is the largest on the mainland in terms of population. With the official language in Nigeria, everything is simple - it is English and nothing more.

Some statistics and facts

  • Until 1960, Nigeria was a colonial dependent of Great Britain.
  • Despite the only official language, the dialects of local tribes are widely used in Nigeria. Their number is also a kind of record. There are 529 languages ​​spoken in the state, of which 522 are actively used.
  • In the 1980s, a single pan-Nigerian alphabet based on the Latin alphabet was developed for various Nigerian dialects.
  • Local dialects are used by residents of the country not only as means of communication at the everyday level. They are taught in schools and published in print media. Most of the Nigerian population speaks several languages.
  • There are more than 250 indigenous peoples and tribes in the state, and the most numerous of them are the Yoruba, Hausa and Fulani peoples.

English in Nigeria

For many years, Nigeria served as a “slave coast” and it was from here that slaves were supplied to numerous plantations of European colonial overseas possessions. The British absorbed small slave-trading kingdoms in the 19th century, and the country became a colonial dependency of Great Britain. It was then that English established itself as the official language on the shores of Nigeria.
In cities and towns, English is spoken by the majority of the Nigerian population, but in the provinces this is not so good. That is why it is better to use the services of local guides and translators when traveling to national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nigeria.

Tribal differences

The huge number of tribes and nationalities living in Nigeria is of interest to researchers of local dialects. The most widely spoken of the 529 languages ​​spoken in Nigeria is Yoruba. It is especially common in the western and southwestern parts of the state. The areas where the Yoruba language is spoken are called Yorubaland.
The Hausa language also serves as a means of interethnic communication in West Africa among the Muslim population. In addition to 18.5 million Nigerians, residents of Niger, Sudan, Cameroon, Ghana and Benin can speak Hausa.

Federal Republic of Nigeria It is considered a fairly large state in many respects. For example, in terms of the population that lives in this republic, it leads among other countries on the African continent. The total number of people who live in Nigeria is about 129 million inhabitants. This is 1/8 of the statistical indicators of all registered people inhabiting Africa. Therefore, such an indicator is very impressive for a single country. Description of Nigeria, geography, climate features and much more is the topic of the article.

Story

Nigeria, the features of which we will consider, has an interesting history of its own development, which is interesting due to many factors. Back in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. e. In the central part of the modern state, the Nok civilization begins to form. During that period, local residents actively created terracotta figurines, which were made in the form of wheeled carts, horses and riders.

After the Nok civilization ceased to exist, its culture was adopted by the Yoruba people. Thanks to him, the unique associations of Oyo, Ife and the Benin kingdom were created.

In the 8th century AD. e. The state of Kanem-Borno was created in the central Sahara, which occupied the territory from Libya to Nigeria. But in the 14th century it collapsed, as a result of which the Hausa people settled in certain parts of the former empire.

The first European settlements in Nigeria date back to the 15th century. These were the Portuguese who discovered new lands. But they did not try to impose cultures and their own orders, but, on the contrary, contributed to the development of the kingdoms of Oyo and Benin. And only in the 19th century, when Nigeria became a colony of Great Britain, did a foreign form of government and the English language actively begin to be implanted here.

In 1914, Nigeria, having the status of a British colony, became a single protectorate. But the future Federal Republic of Nigeria was not formed as a single nation at that time. This was hampered by its territorial division into many states in which different peoples lived.

Geography of Nigeria and local climate

The territory of Nigeria extends in western Africa from the coast of the Gulf of Guinea to the savannah. In the north, this country neighbors Niger, and on the western side it borders on Benin. Chad is located to the northeast of Nigeria and Cameroon to the east.

The climate of Nigeria is subequatorial and equatorial monsoon; the air is often dominated by high humidity. The average annual temperature, according to research, is about 25 o C. The hottest months in the northern part of the country are considered to be March-June. In the southern part of Nigeria, April is traditionally considered the warmest month of the year. Then the temperature limit rises to 30-32 o C. August, on the contrary, is rainier and cooler.

Since Nigeria's climate, as mentioned above, is subequatorial and equatorial monsoon, the winter period here is often dry. It is then that, as a result of the cold harmattan wind that blows from the northeast, sudden temperature changes occur. For example, during the day it can be 30 o C, and at night it sharply drops to 10 o C.

The highest point in Nigeria is Mount Chappal Wadi, whose height is 2419 meters. It is located near the border with Cameroon, in the state of Taraba.

Capital of Nigeria

According to historical information, on December 12, 1991, the capital of Nigeria became the city of Abuja. Until this time, the city of Lagos had a similar honorary status.The state of Abuja is located in the central part of the country. The area is not dominated by any of the so-called ethnic communities, so it remains neutral.

Abuja was founded in 1828, the main designer of the city was the architect Kenzo Tange. The city is divided into 6 districts. In the center is the residence of the President of Nigeria.

Abuja has a population of about 780,000 people and an area of ​​609 square kilometers.

The capital of Nigeria has well-developed infrastructure and transport links. In fact, Abuja is easily accessible from all parts of the country, with many roads leading from different directions. There is also an international airport here. Therefore, a person who wants to visit this area can do so very easily.

Territorial structure of Nigeria and form of government

Nigeria has a presidential form of government. The legislative body is the bicameral National Assembly, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. Today the Constitution is in force, which was adopted in May 1999 by the head of state.

More than 30 million km 2 is the area occupied by Africa. Nigeria - 924,768 km2. The number is quite impressive. The entire territory of the country is divided into 36 states. Each state has a House of Assembly, a legislative body. Resolutions passed at meetings of the Assembly come into force only when signed by the governor. The term of office of the Assembly Chamber is 4 years. Moreover, by law it must sit for at least 181 days a year.

The judiciary in the states of Nigeria is administered by 3 types of courts: the Customary Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the Shariah Court of Appeal.

The Nigerian flag was adopted in 1960, on October 1st. Divided into even vertical three parts: green stripes on the sides, white in the middle. Green symbolizes forests and natural resources, white symbolizes peace.

The coat of arms of Nigeria features two silver horses holding a shield on which an eagle sits. The shield itself is black, with a forked cross. Horses symbolize pride and dignity, the eagle symbolizes strength. White cross on the shield - Benue and Niger are the main rivers of the republic, the black color of the shield is fertile lands.

Local Attractions

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is famous for its tropical forests, as well as the famous Joey plateaus (flat-topped rocks). Also, visitors to this country should visit the metropolis of Lagos. Here they will see specialized and historical museums, various cultural and historical sites. Vacationers can also be pleased by the fact of a pleasant pastime on specially equipped beaches. There are also plenty of unusual entertainment venues where you can have fun and unforgettably spend your free time.

Natural resources and core activities

A natural resource such as oil provides a decent economic position for Nigeria. Natural gas, tin ore and other minerals are also mined in this republic. Quite large quantities of agricultural products are exported: rubber, cocoa beans, palm oil.

The basis of the activities of the inhabitants of this country lies in the development of the agro-industrial sector. Entire enterprises have been created here that specialize in processing waste generated in the process of farming.

Mechanical engineering, wood processing, food and light industries are also actively developing. In Nigeria, craftsmen use a special leather extrusion technology.

Peoples living in Nigeria

The most numerous peoples who live in Nigeria are the Tiv, Fulani, Kanuri and Hausa. They predominate in the northern part of the country. All of the listed peoples of Nigeria, except the Tiv, profess Islam.

Thanks to the militancy of the Hausa people and their skillful management of trade relations, their language became widespread in northern Nigeria.

If you look at the eastern part of the country, the following peoples of Nigeria live here: Igbo, Ibibio-Efik and Ijaw. Imo and Anabara states are largely Igbo dominated. In Cross River you can meet many people who belong to the Ibibio-Efik people. The Ijaws are densely populated in Bayelsa State. All these peoples live in small villages and run their own households there. Another common feature is the fact that they make important decisions collectively, on community councils. The function of power is performed by secular or religious leaders.

The state of Benin, which is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is home to the Yoruba people, who number about 20 million people.

Languages

The official language of Nigeria is English. However, there are also approximately 400 local languages ​​and dialects in which residents of one or another nation communicate with each other. The most widespread languages ​​are the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo peoples.

Nigeria's vernacular language is suitable for media dissemination and communication among the people. Most people living in Nigeria are fluent in at least two languages.

Culture in Nigeria

Talented writers for whom this country has always been famous have made a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Nigeria. Among them are Chinua Achebe, Femi Osofisan, Buchi Emecheta, Ben Okri, Daniel Fagunwa.

In the cinematic arts, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has also achieved very tangible success: today it ranks honorably second in the production of feature films. The only country in the world that is ahead of Nigeria in this matter is India.

The music that Nigerians listen to is completely diverse. Each people inhabiting its territory has its own musical preferences, as well as the instruments with which they hold their own concerts.

Religion

Most of all in Nigeria are those who adhere to the Islamic faith. In total, they make up about 50.4% of all those living in this republic. But there are also many Christians, approximately 48.2%. In fact, Christianity in Nigeria is a worthy competitor to Islam. The remaining 1.4% of Nigerians adhere to other religions.

What a tourist needs to know about Nigeria

All those who wish to visit Nigeria must initially decide what type of holiday they prefer. For example, those who love beach resorts should visit Port Harcourt. There are simply magnificent sandy beaches here. In the center of this small resort town there is a museum of National Traditional Jewelry of the 19th century.

If you prefer a city holiday, you should definitely visit the city of Kano. It is rich in various architectural, historical and cultural monuments. You can see here both a grand mosque and the emir's palace. And the Kano market is the most famous in Nigeria.

You can enjoy the originality of a country holiday and see natural parks in the village of Cross River and near the city of Akwa Ibom.

Flights to Nigeria are operated from the capitals of European powers. However, for this you must first obtain a visa. Registration of all documents allowing you to visit Nigeria takes on average about one week.