Calabar is the capital city of Cross River State in Nigeria. It is also known by several alternative names, including Callabar, Calabari, Calbari, Cali, and Kalabar.
The city was originally named Akwa Akpa in the Efik language, reflecting the dominance of the Efik people in the region. Geographically, it is situated adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa rivers, as well as the creeks of the Cross River.