Overview
Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country located in West Africa. It is positioned between the Sahel region to the north and the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, to the south. Covering an area of 923,769 square kilometres (356,669 square miles), Nigeria is one of the largest countries in the region by land area.
Population
Nigeria is home to more than 242 million people, making it the most populous country in Africa. On a global scale, it ranks as the sixth-most populous country in the world, reflecting its significant demographic weight both on the continent and internationally.
Geography and Borders
Nigeria shares land borders with several neighboring countries:
- Niger to the north
- Chad to the northeast
- Cameroon to the east
- Benin to the west
To the south, Nigeria's coastline meets the Gulf of Guinea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, providing the country with maritime access and trade routes.
Government and Administrative Structure
Nigeria operates as a federal republic, a system that divides governing power between a central federal government and individual states. The country is organized into 36 states, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The FCT is home to Abuja, which serves as the nation's official capital.
Major Cities
While Abuja functions as the political capital, Lagos stands as Nigeria's largest city by population. Lagos is not only significant within Nigeria but is also recognized as one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Within Africa, it ranks as the second-largest metropolitan area on the continent, underscoring its importance as a hub of commerce, culture, and urban life.