Nigeria is a member of both the British Commonwealth and the African Union. The official name of the country is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 7% of the world’s languages are spoken in Nigeria. Facts about Nigeria: 100+ Interesting Facts, JOKE: 21 Surest Ways to Annoy Other People, The Lagos State Ministry of Education (Facts and Vacancies), Density:  188.9 persons/ square kilometer, Government: Federal presidential republic, Longest river: Niger – 4180km (1175 km within Nigeria), Political divisions: 6 geo-political zones and 36 states, Nigeria is officially called the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world with over 170 million people. It is this laxity, accompanied by corruption, that has made Nigeria overtake India as the country with the largest population of poor people in the world. Below are 14 Fun Facts About Nigeria For Kids and I hope you’ll fall in love with this beautiful country. As such, when you are on your holiday visit to Nigeria, don’t be mistaken by looking at senior citizens directly in their eyes. Nigeria has one of the highest number of coups in Africa with 6 coups, The civil war in Nigeria broke out between July 1967 to January 1970, The oldest water works in Africa is found in Nigeria, Nigeria is the fifth fastest growing internet population in Nigeria, The first black African to win gold at the Commonwealth games was Emmanuel Ifeajuna. There is a high plateau of extinct volcanoes in the centre of the country and a mountainous area along its border with Cameroon. Based on archaelogical discoveries, the Nok Civilization which is around 500 to 2000BC is the earliest known civilization in Nigeria. Being the 7th most populous country in the world, this naturally makes it the world’s 7th largest democracy. The largest river in West Africa is the River Niger with a span of 4180km. 17 Interesting historical facts you should know about Nigeria; 770 A.D.. – Early Ijaw settlement. Its land borders are with Benin to the west, Cameroon, and Chad to the east and Niger to the north. Hausa is the most widely spoken and understood language in Nigeria. The Niger Delta is the second largest delta in the world, The state of Taraba speaks more languages than at least 30 countries in the world, Nigeria is a member of the British Commonwealth and the African Union, The National Youth Service Corps began in 1973, The Nigerian National Flag was designed in 1959 by Taiwo Akinkunmi. 1. Facts About Niger's Culture, Geography, and History. His name is Aliko Dangote, the founder of the Dangote Group. wing Provides an overview of Nigeria, including key events and facts about this oil-rich country with multiple ethnic and religious divides. The richest man in Africa is a Nigeria. Subscribe to get special offers and the latest offers from the Afrikanza team. Ironically, Nigeria is also the current poverty capital of the world, with about 80 million Nigerians living in abject poverty. The 13000 year old Iwo-Eleru cave skull is the oldest human fossil archive in West Africa and has been said to have over 140 000 year old features. Nigeria has the biggest population in Africa, followed closely by Egypt. At some point in the 1970s, Nigeria was engulfed in Biafran War, which was largely a battle between the Igbos and the Yorubas, though sunk in other casualties. Outlined below are some of the current facts about Nigeria: Nigeria is currently the largest economy in Africa, ahead of South Africa in second place. It is quite interesting and learning to speak as a foreigner will endear you to the locals. Chappal Waddi is located in Taraba State close to the Cameroonian border. There is more to learn about Nigeria, especially from its Nollywood. English is the official language in Nigeria, but more than 500 languages are spoken in the country. While there are a number of different religions practiced in Nigeria, the majority of the population is either... 3. 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria 1. It has a hilly rugged terrain that you would find attractive if you are a mountain climber. Movie in Nigeria has picked up with tremendous speed. Another good read: Most popular Nigerian Celebrities. You may also like: A look into Nigerian Cuisine. Fact #5 – The country’s capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1991. Although the official language of Nigeria is English, the people there speak over 500 other languages as well. The largest annual Christian gathering in Africa is hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God and it is called the Holy Ghost Convention. We have assembled the following 12 interesting facts to help you discover more about this vast land of Africa. The Nigerian Currency – Naira was introduced in 1959, The Cocoa House in Ibadan was once the tallest building in Africa. Coming of age: English in Nigeria - Volume 6 Issue 2. The richest black woman in the world is a Nigerian – Folorunso Alakija, The Yoruba tribe of Nigeria has the highest rate of twinning in the world. km, 70% of the Nigerian population are involved in Agriculture, The urban population is 18.1% of the total population, Nigeria has more muslims than the Saudi Arabia. Nigeria is a country on the continent of Africa. The varieties of the English language that are used in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. Due to rampant poverty, low standards of living characterized by the polluted environment, and inadequate healthcare, many Nigerians succumb to preventable medical conditions which have greatly contributed to its low lifespan despite positive growth in the national economy that doesn't adequately fizzle down to the grassroots. The first foreigners to explore the area that will be called Nigeria were the Portuguese in 1472. With over 170 million in population, it is believed that out of every four Africans, one is a Nigerian. It has not only made formidable appearances at the continental level but also at the World Cup. The capital is Abuja. Mega-state at Igbo-Ukwu has complex social structure, produces copious artefacts including bronzes. There are 152 accredited universities in Nigeria, The Third Mainland Bridge was the longest bridge in Nigeria until 1996 when the October 6 Bridge was built in Cairo, The most prominent ethnic groups are the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. The total number of languages in Nigeria comprises 7% of the total languages in the world. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa. A distinctive feature of the local cuisine is local agricultural products. 3. Our Country Director in Nigeria, Nari Welye, earned her law degree in 2011 from the University of Maiduguri and has worked tirelessly for women's rights and victims of gender-based violence. Also, don’t assume timidly by those who decide to avoid looking straight into your eyes for it is not considered welcoming to look at guests straight in their eyes. Nigeria still remains Africa’s football powerhouse. Apart from it being multi-ethnic and multi-lingual, it is also multi-cultural and multi-religious. Nigeria has a diverse geography, with climates ranging from arid to humid equatorial. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country is established in West Africa. Article continued below 6-10 Nigeria Facts 6. Nigeria is a large, densely populated West African country on the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Movie Industry also known as Nollywood is the second largest producer of movies in the world after Bollywood. Nigeria comprises of a region with one of the most ancient civilizations. Nigeria’s coast is low-lying with lagoons and sandy beaches. Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sovereign country in West Africa bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west. According to the World Bank, Nigeria's GDP was... 3. Nigeria has over 1 million applicants to University every year. Nigerian movies espouse Africa’s rich cultural heritage and have become a means to preserve and re-invigorate this culture from the threats of modernity. Not only have there been many historical dynasties over time, but there are also many artifacts that continue to be discovered pointing towards the sophistication of the ancient civilization that once occupied the land. This has contributed to civil strife which the federal republic struggles to contain. With a total land area of 923, 770 square kilometers, Nigeria is located in West Africa. The main African languages in Nigeria are: Hausa, Igbo, also referred to as Ibo, Yoruba, Fulani and Kanuri. Nigeria contains more historic cultures and empires than any other other nation in Africa. Legit.ng News ★ Here we have ★ 10 facts about Nigerian people and culture ★ you might have not known before. Nigeria has overtaken Ireland in Guinness sales and is the number 2 consumer of Guinness worldwide. Nigeria took its first loan from the World Bank in 1977, Nigeria is currently the biggest economy in Africa, The name Nigeria is derived from West Africa’s longest river – River Niger, Nigeria is said to have the highest paid legislators in the world, Nigerians are football lovers and the Nigerian Football team is called the Super Eagles, In 1851, Kano made 10 million sandal pairs and 5 million hides for export every year. Nigeria is infamous for advanced fee fraud (419) which is a form of bank fraud. The anambra waxbill bird is found only in Southern Nigeria and nowhere else in the world. About 200 Nollywood Movies are produced every single week, The Igbos found in the South Eastern part are the most industrious of the tribes in the country, The Igbos make up 18% of the ethnic groups in Nigeria, The Hausa-Fulanis make up 29% while the Yoruba make up to 21%, Cross River State in Nigeria has the largest diversity of butterflies in the world. 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria 1. The major system of transportation in the country is the road transportation system, The Pidgin English is the popular Lingua Franca in the country, The life expectancy in Nigeria is about 52.62 years, Nigeria was the first African country to eradicate the Ebola threat in 2015, 68% of the Nigerian populace are literate, Transparency International ranks Nigeria has the 136. Multinational state. However, Nigeria has since relocated its capital city to a more interior and safer Abudja. The three dominant ethnic groups often engage in political supremacy battle which often culminates into skirmishes. People from other parts of Nigeria and the neighboring countries migrate to Lagos in search of a better life and new economic opportunities. He is the founder and CEO of Nigerian Finder.com. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Unfortunately, military coups, civil wars, and mismanagement of the economy has meant that the State benefits hardly reaches the majority except the few who manage to capture State power and its instruments of wealth distribution. They date back as far as the 5th century BC, when communities living around the southern slopes of the Jos plateau make wonderfully expressive terracotta figures - in a tradition known now as the Nok culture , from the Nigerian village where these sculptures are first unearthed. Hundreds of languages are spoken in the country, including Yoruba, Igbo, Fula, Hausa, Edo, Ibibio, Tiv, and English. Many changes accompanied British rule: Western education, the English language, and Christianity spread during the period; new forms of money, transportation, and communication were developed; and the Nigerian economy became based on the export of cash crops. Stay on top of Nigeria latest developments on the ground with Al Jazeera’s fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated maps. There's a well-known saying, "If Nigeria sneezes, the whole of Africa catches a cold." Lagos Is The Birthplace Of Many Styles Of Music The city is famous throughout the continent for its rich culture and music. Some Nigerians were given the chance to take part in the governance of the country, however, they held powers that were either too small or completely irrelevant. Niger, officially known as the Republic of the Niger, is a landlocked country in Western Africa named after the Niger River. Nigeria is one of the earliest countries to gain independence from British rule on October 1, 1960 under … Nigeria is often called the "Giant of Africa." Through the Nigerian movies, many African can appreciate the rich cultural values, folklore, and tradition and the important lessons these values hold to the dignity of the African society. Nollywood is now the most dominant source of movies for Africa and its diaspora (including the Caribbean, North America, South America). The country has a population of 188,462,640 people, making it the 7th most populous country in the world. Keep reading: Most Beautiful Nigerian Churches, You can get in touch with us on support@afrikanza.com. Nigeria has English as its official language. Call us on +1 (206) 279-1367 between 10am - 4pm EST. Nigeria was formed when Frederick Lugard become of the Governor of the region. #4: The Oil Story. Nigeria is one of the commonwealth countries which were former British colonies ruled by the British government. The most obvious negative political impact is the dependence of Nigeria on the Great Britain. Key facts The current President of Nigeria is Muhammadu Buhari. Largest population in Africa. Take a look below for 30 more fascinating and interesting facts about Niger. English (especially the variety known as Nigerian Pidgin English) functions as a lingua franca in this multilingual country. The Nigerian Government was converted from his parliamentary system to a presidential system of government by the Obasanjo civilian regime. Nigeria's main ethnic groups are Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. This is considered as an aggressive posture that ought to be shunned, especially when it someone younger facing someone much older or more superior. Niger is bordered by Libya to the northwest, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest. The state with the highest number of universities in Nigeria is Ogun State with a total of 9 registered universities. Having been a former British colony, it found itself comfortable joining the British Commonwealth, an association that predominantly comprises colonies of the former British Empire. However, like most oil-producing nations, this has dampened its appetite to diversity its economy. Nigeria is a country located in West Africa along the Atlantic Ocean's Gulf of Guinea. The official language of Nigeria is English due to the colonization by the British. However, the lingua franca of Nigeria is English. The Southern and Northern Nigerian Protectorates was amalgamated in1914, Nigeria is referred to as the Giant of Africa due to their population and economy, Nigeria is located in the Western part of Africa with a total area of 923,768 km, The main rivers in Nigeria are the river Niger and river Benue, The 2 major rivers meet at Lokoja and they empty into the Nigeri Delta, The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi at 7936 ft, There are 36 states in Nigeria with one Federal Capital Territory, There are eight cities with a population of over 1 million people, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and Africa, Lagos state has a population of over 15 million people, Petroleum provides 80% of government earning.