Country Details
| Land Area |
910,768 sq km |
Population |
113828587 |
| Capital City |
Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was |
People |
Nigeria, which is 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% |
| Language |
English, Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo |
Religion |
50% Muslim, 34% Christian |
| Government Type |
republic transitioning from military to civilian r |
Life Expectancy |
51.07 years |
| HIV/AIDS Rate |
5.06% (1999 est.) |
GNP per Capita |
$950 |
| Currency |
naira (NGN) |
Major Exports |
petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubbe |
| National Holiday |
Independence Day, 1 October (1960) |
Dialing Code |
234 |
| Electricity |
220V |
Malaria Risk |
High Risk |
| Water Quality |
Unsafe |
Inoculations |
Yellow Fever, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio |
| Crime |
|
Driving License |
International Driving Permit |
| Photography |
Use care don't photograph official buildings. |
Entry Regs |
Passport & Visa, Inoculation certificates required |
| Time Zone |
GMT+1 |
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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.
