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Statues of Nigerian Culture Maryland-Lagos Photo by Omoeko Media

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria

One of Africa’s most populous countries is Nigeria, which is also the continent’s center of creativity. Although most people are familiar with the basics of this nation, Nigeria is incredibly diverse and has many fascinating facts. In this community, you’ll discover warm, bright individuals who express their enthusiasm via a variety of artistic endeavors.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria, sometimes referred to as “the giant of Africa,” is really the tenth-largest nation on the continent. It is surrounded by the countries of Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger in the southeast of West Africa. Its name comes from the river Niger, which runs through its center. It is roughly four times the size of the UK and twice the size of California.  

Here are Top 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria

1. Nigeria has been home to Africa’s oldest dye pit

The oldest and final dye pit in Africa is located in Kano, Nigeria. It is called Kofar Mata. It was founded in 1498. At the height of its indigo-dyed cotton fabric production, there were around 270 dye pits located here. It has been passed down from father to son how to use the centuries-old dying technique at the Kofar Mata dye mine.

The various patterns on this indigo linen need accuracy and persistence. The dyeing of fabrics business is currently experiencing a decrease as a result of the introduction of less-priced imported fabric onto the Nigerian market. If you visit Nigeria, consider buying some of their textiles to help keep this technique of dying colors alive.

2. Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, is not the country’s capital

Transportation in Lagos photo by Oyewole Lawal

Despite not serving as the country’s capital, Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city. Another aspect of Nigerian reality that is usually distorted is this one. Nigeria’s capital is now Abuja, a city that was built in the 1980s. Abuja might be regarded as the nation’s administrative and political hub.

On the other side, there are more than 20 million people living in Lagos. It acts as the financial hub of the country and significantly influences the economy through sectors like fashion, education, and tourism.

3. The Nollywood film industry is located in Nigeria

Photo by Andrey Konstantinov

You may be familiar with Nollywood. Hollywood and Bollywood are two names that you’ve probably heard of. The film industry of Nigeria, a significant global producer of movies, is shown here. The second-largest Indian film industry, behind Bollywood, is Nollywood.

Each week, the industry turns out 100 movies. That was, in fact, what you read. It’s important to recognize this shocking fact about the entertainment industry in Nigeria. This suggests that the industry produces more than 10,000 entertainment movies throughout a complete year.

4. Almost 250 ethnic groups and 500 indigenous languages are spoken in Nigeria

Around 250 different ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria, the most diverse country in Africa. This country has a wide range of racial, linguistic, cultural, and religious groups. The official language of Nigeria is English. In addition to these, Nigeria has 500 other indigenous languages that help to distinguish its many ethnic groups. The three largest of these ethnic groups are Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa-Fulani. Civil instability has been made worse by the nation’s major ethnic groups’ desire for political dominance.

5. Nigeria is home to some of the world’s most diverse populations of butterflies

The richness of Nigeria’s flora and fauna is facilitated by the diversity of its habitats. Among other insects, butterflies can be seen in Nigeria. Around a thousand different butterfly species have already been identified in the country, and more are continually being discovered, so the total will only increase.

6. Nigeria produces the most oil and gas in all of Africa

Photo by Scott Rodgerson

Nigeria became the richest country in Africa when oil profits reached their height in the 1970s. There is a passive reserve of natural gas, oil, and petroleum in the country, which generates an average of 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day. Due to their substantial economic contribution and even their huge petroleum reserves. Nigeria’s economy is dependent on oil, which is why this is an important factor in its development. These factors are causing the Nigerian economy to grow rapidly, and it is predicted that as a result, by 2050, it would rank among the top 10 economies worldwide.

7. Anambra Waxbill birds can only be found in Southern Nigeria

The Anambra waxbill, a species of estrildid finch, can only be found in Southern Nigeria. This 12-centimeter tall bird can gather in flocks of 20 or more birds. It is frequently spotted in tall grasses adjacent to water sources, such as lagoon sandbanks, marshes, swamps, and rivers, and only five sightings of this species have been recorded in Nigeria. Typically, these birds consume grass seeds from seed heads.

8. The average lifespan is only 55 years

It is commonly known that Africans have a short average life expectancy. The average age in Nigeria is just a bit over 55 years, therefore there is scarcely an exception.

This is mostly due to a multitude of factors, including the fact that many people live in poverty and hence lack access to basic necessities like high-quality healthcare. As a result, individuals die young from a variety of illnesses that are easily treatable in other parts of the world.

Nonetheless, even child mortality rates are high due to the fact that cholera and malaria result in a large number of early children dying. This is a sad fact regarding Nigeria and other developing countries.

9. There are numerous National Parks in Nigeria

Photo by Johannes Andersson

Nigeria is home to several national parks. The responsibility of the Nigeria National Park Service is to manage the wild animals and flora found in Nigeria’s national parks (NNPS).

In 1979, General Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s military dictator, established Kainji Lake as the nation’s first national park. Together with five new National Parks, the National Parks Governing Board was founded in 1991.

In 1992, the Yankari Game Reserve was made into a national park; however, in June 2006, control of the park was given to the Bauchi State government.

The Gashaka Gumti, Chad Basin, Cross River, Kamuku, Okomu, Old Oyo, and Jos Wildlife national parks are among the other parks.

10. Most people in Nigeria are either Muslims or Christians

Due to the nation’s diversity, its residents practice a wide range of religions. The country is also home to some of the world’s greatest concentrations of Muslims and Christians. Muslims, who are concentrated in the north of Nigeria, and Christians, who are concentrated in the south; indigenous religions, such as those practiced only by the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups, are in the minority. Nigeria’s Christian population is aging as a result of a lower fertility rate than Muslims in the north. Christian and Muslim populations respectively make up 40% and 50% of the total population.

Along with these, other religions such as The Grail Message, Baha’i, Hinduism, Judaism, and The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity exist in Nigeria; however, they are primarily practiced by foreigners or a very small percentage of locals.

There are no disputes in these areas and everyone lives in peace.

These are just a few of the fascinating things to know about Nigerians and their nation. When you visit Nigeria, you will discover something new every day because of its incredible diversity. Although most people are underprivileged, they are rich in spirit and energy.

The best method to discover more interesting information about Nigeria and its inhabitants is to travel there. You will experience the culture, traditions, and way of life directly here.

In addition, you’ll discover a lot of amazing tales to tell your loved ones back home. This is what distinguishes an African vacation from others.

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