Country Information on Nigeria

Terrain Nigeria may be divided into four distinct geographical zones: a swampy, mangrove-wooded coastal region, interrupted by numerous lagoons and bays; a dry highland and savannah region in the north, influenced by the harmattan blowing from the desert; and a central savannah region. Low-lying areas in the south are characterised by increased precipitation, rainforests and the country's highest population density. The Adamaua mountain range in Nigeria's east borders Cameroon. Climate Nigeria is mostly hot and tropical, but varies according to the region. Nigeria has two climatic zones. The coast has an equatorial climate, with high humidity and heavy rainfall. To the north, continental air masses bring dry, dusty winds from the Sahara. The temperature varies considerably with the seasons, as does precipitation, which is scantier here. Fauna/Flora Nigeria has the third-largest mangrove forests in the world (regarding area covered), intensive oil drilling, however, threatens their very existence. Other habitats include wetland areas covered by raffia palms, swamps and mountain forests. Rapid deforestation with a loss of 70-80% of forested areas is a consequence of an ever-increasing number of inhabitants, who need firewood and cultivable areas. Nigeria has an extraordinary diversity in animal species; however, numerous species are threatened by extinction. The country's fauna includes chimpanzees, elephants, hippopotamuses, and gorillas. Due to terrain roughness the swamps of the Niger Delta have long escaped close biological scrutiny. Endemic species include a number of monkeys, spotted-necked otters, mongoose, oriental small-clawed otter, squirrels, antelopes, elephants, and a number of water animals, birds, reptiles and insects. History/Politics As successors of Nok civilization (500 - 200 BC) the Yoruba people established a democratic, metropolitan system of administration and an influential alliance of city-states from the 9th century onwards. In the 15th century Portuguese spice traders (who later engaged in slave trade) were the first to get in contact with the indigenous population. Flourishing slave trade resulted in conflict between the Portuguese and the British, with the British eventually gaining supremacy over the coastal areas in the 18th century. After slave trade had been abolished by the early 19th century, the British would still explore the central parts of the country and unite the three distinctive cultures of Haussa, Yoruba, and Ibo under a uniform administration. The area became a British colony in 1914. In spite of the country's artificial unity all three ethnic groups would present a united front in striving for independence, especially after World War II. On 1 October 1960 Nigeria became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations. The first prime minister, Nnamdi Azikiwe, led a coalition government which represented the major parties of the north and east regions. Azikiwe was appointed Nigeria's first president when Nigeria became a republic in 1963. However, the country's independence did not automatically strengthen internal unity among Nigeria's ethnic groups. Nigeria went through an unstable period with bloody military coups and ethnic chauvinism, eventually leading to the outbreak of the Biafra War in 1967 after Ibo people would try to establish an independent country. The war that had cost the lives of 1 million people finally ended in 1970 and Lieutenant General Yakubu Gowon became head of government. During Gowon's government, Nigeria enjoyed a period of economic growth that was due to an increase in revenues from crude oil and nationalization of various foreign oil companies. Despite promises of a return to civilian rule, military rule prevailed and led to recurring coups and ethnic conflict. Resulting political instability was characterized by various short-lived military governments. The year 1999 marked the adoption of a new constitution and peaceful transition to civilian rule. Ousegun Obasanja, a former Yoruba military member, was elected president. Economy Nigeria's economy possesses an enormous potential as far as productivity, diversity, and vitality are concerned. However, Nigeria's economy predominantly depends on the production of crude oil, which accounts for 95% of export earnings. 70% of the country's active population is employed in the agricultural sector. As the agricultural production could not keep up with population growth, Nigeria has become an importer of food. Major agricultural products include maize, rice, and yams, peanuts, bananas, cotton, and sugar cane, with cattle breeding predominant in the north. Major manufacturing products include coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, rubber, timber, textiles, and building materials. Culture The biggest festival in Nigeria is the Sallah celebration at the end of Ramadan (the Islamic period of fasting) and Tabaski (69 days later). Another important festival is Id el Kabir to remember Abraham's sacrifice. The principal event of the celebrations is the Katsina Durbar, with prayers starting the day, a colourful parade of ornately dressed Hausa-Fulani horsemen, and Emirs dressed in ceremonial robes.