Nigeria Map

Description: This map shows governmental boundaries of countries; states, state capital cities, and major cities and towns in Nigeria.

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Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country located in West Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa with over 236 million inhabitants. The country's capital is Abuja, while its largest city is Lagos.

Nigeria is bordered by Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, Cameroon to the east, and Benin to the west. The country's southern coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. The official language is English, though there are over 500 indigenous languages spoken throughout the country.

The economy of Nigeria is the largest in Africa, with a GDP of $477 billion (2022). It is a major producer of petroleum and has the largest natural gas reserves on the continent. The country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

Nigeria is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The country operates under a presidential system of government. The climate varies from arid in the north to tropical in the south. The country's landscape includes the Sahel savanna in the north, tropical rainforests in the south, and the Niger Delta region along the coast.

Nigerian culture is known for its diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups. The largest ethnic groups are the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. The country is roughly divided between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south.

The Facts:

Flag:
Capital:	Abuja
Largest city:	Lagos
Area:	356,669 sq mi (923,769 sq km)
Population:	~ 236,747,130 (2023 estimate)[1]
Official language:	English
National languages:	Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba
Religion:	53.5% - Islam 35.3% - Protestant 10.6% - Roman Catholic 0.6% - other
Ethnic groups:	30% Hausa 15.5% Yoruba 15.2% Igbo 6% Fulani 2.4% Tiv 2.4% Kanuri 1.8% Ibibio 1.8% Ijaw 19.9% other
Currency:	Naira (₦) (NGN)
Driving side:	Right
Calling code:	+234
Internet TLD:	.ng
Time zone:	UTC+01:00 (WAT)
Gross domestic product (PPP) (2024 estimate):	$1.443 trillion (Total) $6,340 (Per capita)
Gross domestic product (nominal) (2024 estimate):	$252.738 billion (Total) $1,110 (Per capita)
Official government website:	nigeria.gov.ng

Google Map of Nigeria

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List of Largest Cities in Nigeria

• Lagos
• Kano
• Ibadan
• Benin City
• Port Harcourt
• Aba
• Jos
• Ilorin
• Abuja
• Kaduna
• Enugu
• Zaria
• Ogbomosho
• Warri
• Ikorodu

• Maiduguri
• Ife
• Bauchi
• Akure
• Abeokuta
• Uyo
• Oyo
• Sokoto
• Owerri
• Yola
• Calabar
• Umuahia
• Ondo
• Minna
• Lafia

States of Nigeria

List of States of Nigeria

State	Capital	Area	Population
Abia	Umuahia	6,320 sq km (2,440 sq mi)	3,841,943
Adamawa	Yola	36,917 sq km (14,254 sq mi)	4,536,948
Akwa Ibom	Uyo	7,081 sq km (2,734 sq mi)	4,780,581
Anambra	Awka	4,844 sq km (1,870 sq mi)	5,599,910
Bauchi	Bauchi	45,893 sq km (17,719 sq mi)	7,540,663
Bayelsa	Yenagoa	10,773 sq km (4,159 sq mi)	2,394,725
Benue	Makurdi	34,059 sq km (13,150 sq mi)	5,787,706
Borno	Maiduguri	70,898 sq km (27,374 sq mi)	5,751,590
Cross River	Calabar	20,156 sq km (7,782 sq mi)	4,175,020
Delta	Asaba	17,698 sq km (6,833 sq mi)	5,307,543
Ebonyi	Abakaliki	6,400 sq km (2,500 sq mi)	3,007,155
Edo	Benin City	19,559 sq km (7,552 sq mi)	4,461,137
Ekiti	Ado Ekiti	6,353 sq km (2,453 sq mi)	3,350,401
Enugu	Enugu	13,161 sq km (5,081 sq mi)	4,396,098
Federal Capital Territory	Abuja	7,315 sq km (2,824 sq mi)	1,406,239
Gombe	Gombe	18,768 sq km (7,246 sq mi)	3,623,462
Imo	Owerri	5,530 sq km (2,140 sq mi)	5,167,722
Jigawa	Dutse	23,154 sq km (8,940 sq mi)	6,779,080
Kaduna	Kaduna	46,053 sq km (17,781 sq mi)	8,324,285
Kano	Kano	20,131 sq km (7,773 sq mi)	14,253,549
Katsina	Katsina	24,192 sq km (9,341 sq mi)	9,300,382
Kebbi	Birnin Kebbi	36,800 sq km (14,200 sq mi)	5,001,610
Kogi	Lokoja	29,833 sq km (11,519 sq mi)	4,153,734
Kwara	Ilorin	36,825 sq km (14,218 sq mi)	3,259,613
Lagos	Ikeja	3,577 sq km (1,381 sq mi)	12,772,884
Nasarawa	Lafia	26,256 sq km (10,137 sq mi)	2,632,239
Niger	Minna	76,363 sq km (29,484 sq mi)	6,220,617
Ogun	Abeokuta	16,981 sq km (6,556 sq mi)	5,945,275
Ondo	Akure	15,500 sq km (6,000 sq mi)	4,969,707
Osun	Osogbo	9,251 sq km (3,572 sq mi)	4,237,396
Oyo	Ibadan	28,454 sq km (10,986 sq mi)	7,512,855
Plateau	Jos	30,913 sq km (11,936 sq mi)	4,400,974
Rivers	Port Harcourt	11,077 sq km (4,277 sq mi)	7,034,973
Sokoto	Sokoto	25,973 sq km (10,028 sq mi)	5,863,187
Taraba	Jalingo	54,473 sq km (21,032 sq mi)	3,331,885
Yobe	Damaturu	45,502 sq km (17,568 sq mi)	3,398,177
Zamfara	Gusau	39,762 sq km (15,352 sq mi)	5,317,793

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Geography of Nigeria

Nigeria occupies 356,669 square miles (923,769 square kilometers) in West Africa, bordering Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The country extends between 4° and 14° North latitude and between 2° and 15° East longitude. The Niger and Benue rivers form the country's primary drainage system, converging at Lokoja and creating a distinctive "Y" pattern.

The terrain comprises four major geographical regions: the northern savanna plains, the central Middle Belt, the southern rain forests, and the coastal swamps. The Jos Plateau, rising approximately 1,800 meters above sea level, stands as the country's most significant highland area. In the northeast, the Mandara Mountains mark the border with Cameroon.

Nigeria's climate exhibits two distinct seasons: the wet season (April to October) and the dry season (November to March). The annual rainfall varies significantly, from over 3,000mm in the southern coastal areas to less than 500mm in the northeastern regions. Temperature ranges remain relatively constant throughout the year, with averages between 25°C and 30°C.

The vegetation patterns follow the rainfall gradient, transitioning from mangrove swamps and rainforests in the south to Sudan savanna and semi-desert conditions in the north. The Niger Delta, covering approximately 70,000 square kilometers, represents one of Africa's largest river deltas and contains vast oil reserves that drive Nigeria's economy.

Soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification present significant environmental challenges, particularly in the northern regions where the Sahel's influence continues to expand southward. These geographical factors significantly influence the country's agricultural patterns, population distribution, and economic activities.

Major Rivers of Nigeria

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Lakes of Nigeria

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Brief History of Nigeria

Nigeria's history spans thousands of years, with archaeological evidence indicating human habitation dating back to 11,000 BCE. The region developed several sophisticated pre-colonial civilizations, including the Nok culture (500 BCE - 200 CE), known for its advanced terracotta sculptures and iron-working techniques.

The medieval period saw the rise of powerful kingdoms and empires. The Kanem-Bornu Empire (700-1900) dominated the northeastern region, while the Oyo Empire (1400-1835) controlled the southwestern territories. The Benin Empire (1440-1897) established significant trade relations with European powers, particularly Portugal, through ivory, palm oil, and slave trade.

British colonial influence began in Lagos in 1861. The Royal Niger Company established control over the southern regions in the late 19th century. In 1914, British colonial administrator Lord Frederick Lugard amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates, creating modern Nigeria. This amalgamation brought together diverse ethnic groups, including the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, under one administrative structure.

Nigeria gained independence from British rule on October 1, 1960. The country experienced political turbulence, including a civil war (1967-1970) following the attempted secession of the Eastern Region as Biafra. Military regimes ruled Nigeria for nearly 30 years, with brief periods of civilian government. General Ibrahim Babangida's regime (1985-1993) introduced structural adjustment programs that significantly impacted the economy.

Democracy returned in 1999 with Olusegun Obasanjo's election as president. Subsequent leaders faced challenges including religious tensions, corruption, and economic diversification from oil dependency. Nigeria emerged as Africa's largest economy in 2014, driven by telecommunications, entertainment, and services sectors. The country continues to address security challenges, particularly from Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, while maintaining its position as a significant regional power in West Africa.

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References

1. ^ Nigeria. The World Factbook.. Central Intelligence Agency. www.cia.gov

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