Country Profile - Nigeria

Nigeria is situated on the West Coast of Africa. The equatorial southern lowlands merge into tropical hills and plateaus in the north, with mountains on the eastern boundary.

Nigeria, at 923,000 sq km, is 3 times larger than the UK and has a population of around 125 million, 43% of which are below the age of 14 years. It is Africa’s most populous country.

Nigeria is divided into 36 states in addition to the Federal Capital of Abuja, and is home for more than 250 ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa and Fulani. Although there are three main languages in addition to English, around 400 different languages are spoken across the country.

Nigeria is one of the world’s major oil producers and is the largest in Africa. Oil generates up to 95% of Nigeria’s revenues but there is urgent need of diversification in the economy. About 66% of the population still live below the poverty line.

Nigeria produces maize, taro, yams, cassava, sorghum and millet as well as cocoa, peanuts, palm oil and rubber. There continues to be high dependence on subsistence agriculture.

Nigeria is losing more and more arable land to urbanisation. Deforestation, soil erosion and pollution are serious issues.

Nigeria faces many health problems exacerbated by poverty. Life expectancy is around 51 years and infant mortality runs at over 7%.

Nigeria provides free and compulsory education for students aged 6-11. Adult literacy rates are over 54%. University education has suffered from lack of funding.

Nigeria is a devoutly religious country, with around 40% Christian and 50% Muslim as well as 10% indigenous beliefs. Religious and ethnic tensions are in strong evidence from time to time.