10 facts about Nigeria as she turns 56

Nigeria, an African country on the Gulf of Guinea, has many natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. Protected areas such as Cross River National Park and Yankari National Park have waterfalls, dense rainforest, savanna and rare primate habitats. One of the most recognizable sites is Zuma Rock, a 725m-tall monolith outside the capital of Abuja that’s pictured on the national currency.


#10: most populous country in Africa

Nigeria, making up 16% of Africa's population, it is the most populated country in Africa, with 173.6m people as of 2013, estimated to reach 184m by 2016. After Nigeria comes Ethiopia, which is 90m and 7.7% of Africa's population.

#9: largest concentration of blacks in the world

Nigeria housednthe largest concentration of blacks in the world and in Africa. After Nigeria comes Brazil with 56m concentration of blacks, followed by the United States with about 45m blacks.

#8: more than 250 ethnic groups

As diverse as Nigeria is, it has more than 250 ethnic groups. Having 3 major ethnic groups, the igbo making 18%, Yoruba 21% and Hause-fulani 29%.

#7: it has the largest river in west Africa 

The River Niger is the largest and longest river in west Africa and spanking about 4,180km with its source from the highlands of southeastern Guinea. It's drainage basin is 2,117,700km². It cuts across Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Guinea, and Benin.

#6: one of the oldeat locations of human existence

Evidence from archaeological discoveries has shown that humans existed in Nigeria Far back as 9000 BC. The. Nok civilisation (500 BC - 200AD) is the earliest known civilisation here.

#5: Home of Nollywood

Nollywood is the name given to Nigeria's entertainment industry. It has been ranked the second largest producer of movies in the world after Bollywood and above Hollywood.

#4: largest diversity of butterflies 

Nigeria takes pride in being the most suitable habitat for the world’s largest diversity of butterflies. It is widely believed that the areas surrounding Calabar, Cross- Rivers State in the southern part of Nigeria harbours the world’s largest diversity of butterflies.

#3: The richest black man and woman hails from nigeria

#2: the longest bridge in Africa 

The third mainland bridge in Lagos State, measuring about 12km. It was built by Julius berger Nigerian Plc and opened by president Ibrahim Babangida in 1990.

#1: highest incidence twin birth

"Nigeria is known for the highest incidence of twins in the world, specifically in the western part of the country. Igbo-Ora, a little town in Oyo state, has been nicknamed Twin capital of the World because of its unusually high rate of twins that is put as high as 158 twins per 1000 births." (hfmagazineonline)