Nigeria - Country facts
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Location
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon
Background
Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Despite some irregularities, the April 2003 elections marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's history.
Climate
varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north
Terrain
southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north
Population
128,771,988
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to
Ethnic Groups
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%
Religions
Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
Languages
English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani
Map of Nigeria
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