Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west. The country is often called “Giant of Africa” due to its large population and economy. Let’s find out a little more about this multicultural country.
Interesting facts about Nigeria
1. Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and seventh most populous country in the world.
2. The country is also the largest economy in Africa. While the agricultural industry accounts for approximately 70 percent of the country’s employment, petroleum products are the primary export accounting for more than 90 percent of Nigeria’s exports.
3. There is a “twin town” of Igbo-Ora. This town has one of the highest birth rates of twins. Although there is no scientific evidence of this phenomenon, many of the local Yoruba people believe their consumption of yams and okra leaves to be the reason behind it.
4. Nigeria is a diverse multiethnic country with more than 250 ethnic groups residing here, the largest being the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. There are over 500 ethnic languages spoken in Nigeria.]
5. Have you heard about Nollywood? It is the nickname for the Nigerian Movie Industry. Nollywood is said to produce around 2000 movies every year and is the second largest movie industry globally in terms of output, second only to Bollywood. Quite interesting!
6. The country is home to the richest man in Africa. Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian businessman with a net worth of 13 billion USD which makes him the 85th wealthiest person in the world.
7. Nigeria is the birthplace of several early civilizations. West Africa’s oldest civilization, the Nok, have been in the country since 1000 BC. Nigeria also had prosperous kingdoms and empires such as the Hausa kingdom, Fulani empire, the Kanem–Bornu Empire and the kingdom of Nri, amongst others.
8 Nigeria, although an independent state remains part of the British Commonwealth just like Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
9. The Niger River is the third largest river in Africa, and the country was named after it.
10. Nigeria is home to a large number of butterflies. The area surrounding Calabar witnesses a variety of colourful butterflies.
The drill monkey is native to Nigeria, and it is only found in one other country – Cameroon.
Trip leader Sakshi’s Recommendations if you are visiting Nigeria:
Calabar: It is a pretty town located on a hill above the Calabar River. It is the gateway to the rainforests of the Afi Mountains. You can also enjoy thes surrounding region which is home to millions of butterflies.
The famous Calabar Carnival is held in the town every year in December. It is one of Nigeria’s biggest tourist events and attracts a lot of people. There are events like boat regattas, fashion shows, concerts and traditional dances and performances.
Gurara Waterfalls: This waterfall is still considered a little offbeat and therefore you won’t have to compete with hordes of tourists. Swim in the small pools at the bottom of the cascading falls.
Lekki Conservation Centre: This is the largest canopy in Africa. You can take an organized tour through the center, where you’ll walk on planks over mangroves, learning about the fauna and flora which are native to the area. The canopy walkways make for an ideal viewing spot for crocodiles, monkeys and various birds.
Idanre Hills: These mystic hills are situated in the ancient town of Idanre. Climb up the 667 steps and look around the carefully preserved signs of early habitation and civilization, including a school, a palace courtyard and a mausoleum.
Museums: The museums tells us the history of any country and you must visit few of them especially in a country like Nigeria which has experienced everything from the early civilization, to the colonial rule and slavery.
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