Dialing code +234
ISO 2 code NG
ISO 3 code NGA
Capital Abuja
Main Language English
Currency Naira (NGN)
GDP $338.1 billion 33rd
Population 154,000,000 8th

Geography

Continent Africa
Location Western Africa bordering the Gulf of Guinea between Benin and Cameroon
Land 923,768 km2 32nd
Terrain Southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast plains in north
Climate Varies; equatorial in south tropical in center arid in north
Natural Hazards Southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast plains in north
Note: The Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea

Neighbouring Countries

Benin Cameroon Chad Niger

History

British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country 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 continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement and institutionalizing democracy. In addition Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history.
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Demographics

Life Expectancy 46.94 years 194th
Median Age 19.0 years 169th
Birth Rate 36.65 births/1,000 population 27th
Death Rate 16.56 births/1,000 population 13th
Sex Ratio 0.94 male(s)/female 21st
Literacy 68.0% 164th
Population

154.0 million

Transportation

Roadways 193200 km 26th
Railways 3505 km 48th
Airports 60 79th
Waterways 8600 km 15th
Heliports 2 44th
Airports paved 2 63rd

Economy

Currency Naira (NGN)
GDP $338.1 billion 33rd
GDP per capita (PPP) $2300 160th