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Location Overview |
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| Nigeria, Federal Republic of, republic in western Africa, bounded by Niger on the north, by Chad and Cameroon on the east, by the Gulf of Guinea on the south, and by Benin on the west. The most populous country of Africa, Nigeria has an area of 923,768 sq. km (356,669-sq. mi.). Its name is derived from that of its major river, the Niger. Abuja is the capital and Lagos is the largest city.
Initially composed of a number of ethnically based kingdoms and states, the area of modern Nigeria was brought under British rule by 1906. It became an independent state on October 1, 1960. Following a period of tension among its ethnic groups, especially the Yoruba of the southwest, the Ibo of the southeast, and the Hausa and Fulani of the north, Nigeria was ruled by the military from 1966 to 1979. During the period from 1967 to 1970 peoples of the southeast attempted—ultimately without success—to secede from Nigeria by forming the Republic of Biafra. The period of civilian rule (1979-1983) ended with a military coup. Much of Nigeria consists of a low plateau cut by rivers, especially the Niger and Benue. Most of the country is suitable for agriculture. Its major economic resources are its massive petroleum and natural gas deposits. |
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