Nigeria is a nation in western Africa. The main languages are English, Yoruba, Igbo, Ful and Hausa. Nigeria received it's independence for the United King in 1960. The country is a federal presidential democratic republic with strong autonomy of the states.
Formal Name: Federal Republic of Nigeria
Local Name: Nigeria
Capital: Abuja; Lagos (until December 12, 1991)
Currency: Naira (NGN)
National Holiday: October 1 - Independence Day
Population: 129,934,911 (2002)
Ethnic groups: Nigeria is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous
and politically influential: Hausa 17.2%, Yoruba 17.5%, Igbo (Ibo) 13.3%, Fulani 10.7%, Ijaw 10%, Ibibio 4.1%,
Kanuri 3.6%, Egba 2.9%, Tiv 2.6%, Igbirra (Ebira) 1.1%, Nupe 1%, Edo 1%, other 15% (2000)
Total Armed Forces: 76,500 (2000)
Merchant marine: 43 ships (2002)
Religions: Muslim 43.9%, Christian 45.9% (of which independent Christian c.15%, Anglican c.13%, other Protestant c.9%, Roman Catholic c.8%), indigenous beliefs 9.8%, other 0.4% (2000)
