Nigeria
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CountryNigeria
Flag
Capitalname: Abuja
geographic coordinates: 9 12 N, 7 11 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Population135,031,164
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2007 est.)
GMT+1
LocationWestern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon

see map
Areatotal: 923,768 sq km
land: 910,768 sq km
water: 13,000 sq km
Ethnic groupsNigeria, 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%
ReligionsMuslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
LanguagesEnglish (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani
Government typefederal republic
National holidayIndependence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)
Constitutionnew constitution adopted 5 May 1999; effective 29 May 1999
Legal systembased on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
BackgroundBritish influence and control over what would become Nigeria grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government faces the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the defusing longstanding ethnic and religious tensions are a priority if Nigeria is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Although the April 2003 elections were marred by some irregularities, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. General elections in April 2007 were considered significantly flawed by Nigerian and international observers but they marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. President Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA took office on 29 May 2007.
Internet
country code
.ng
LAST UPDATED ON 17 JUNE 2007