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| Overview | People | Geography | Economy | Government | Communications | Transport | Military | Map |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Flag |  |
| Capital | name: Abuja geographic coordinates: 9 05 N, 7 32 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| Population | 149,229,090 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2009 est.) |
| GMT | +1 |
| Location | Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon see map |
| Area | total: 923,768 sq km land: 910,768 sq km water: 13,000 sq km |
| Ethnic groups | Nigeria, 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% |
| Religions | Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10% |
| Languages | English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani |
| Government type | federal republic |
| National holiday | Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960) |
| Constitution | new constitution adopted 5 May 1999; effective 29 May 1999 |
| Legal system | based on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations |
| Background | British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. |
| Internet country code | .ng |
