The Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Capital » Abuja
Facts
- Population » 186 million
- Africa’s most populous country
- Languages » English (official), Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa
- Religions » Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
- Life expectancy » 52 years (men), 54 years (women)
- Currency » Nigerian naira
Geography
- Area » 923,768 sq km (356,669 sq miles)
- Bordered by Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.
Notes
- Nigeria is France’s leading trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Maps
Climate
Britannica » In general, the length of the rainy season decreases from south to north. In the south the rainy season lasts from March to November, whereas in the far north it lasts only from mid-May to September. A marked interruption in the rains occurs during August in the south, resulting in a short dry season often referred to as the “August break.” Precipitation is heavier in the south, especially in the southeast, which receives more than 120 inches (3,000 mm) of rain a year, compared with about 70 inches (1,800 mm) in the southwest. Rainfall decreases progressively away from the coast; the far north receives no more than 20 inches (500 mm) a year.
Overlanding
- Roads in Nigeria and Cameroon are very difficult during the rainy seasons.
Safety & Security
- High threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping (2019)
- Parts of Nigeria are considered some of the most dangerous destinations for travellers. (2019)
- The groups Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram are quite active at the moment (2019).
Maritime Safety
- Kidnap attacks on ships for ransom have become common in the Gulf of Guinea from Senegal to Angola, taking in the southwest coast of Nigeria. The perpetrators are usually Nigerian pirates.The Gulf of Guinea accounted for more 95 percent of all maritime kidnappings in 2020, with 130 crew taken in 22 separate incidents, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), which monitors security at sea. (IMB)
Nigeria Travel Advisories
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This page was updated May 17, 2023