15 Interesting Facts about Nigeria

Want to understand more about Nigeria? Here are 15 Interesting Facts about Nigeria that you simply probably didn’t know before reading this!


To make this even more fun, I would like to offer you a little challenge. what percentage of those Nigeria facts did you already know? Leave a comment after reading and tell me your result!


1. It is the most populous country in Africa

Almost 200 million people live here, which makes Nigeria one of the foremost populous countries in the world. By 2019, it's ranked because of the 7th most populated country within the world. the bulk of the Nigerian people are either follower of Islam or Christianity with 50% and 40% of the entire population.

2. Over 500 indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country

Nigeria doesn’t only have many of us living within its borders, but it’s also multicultural. In fact, it’s also one of the foremost diverse countries within the world in terms of indigenous languages spoken on a daily basis.

In total, experts estimate that quite 500 different languages are spoken. a number of the main languages are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, albeit English is the official language.

3. Social Media is very popular in Nigeria

As one of the foremost industrialized African countries, perhaps this is often not one among the foremost surprising facts about Nigeria, nonetheless, it’s interesting. About 75% of the entire population uses social media on a daily basis. What’s unique for the Nigerian population is that the bulk uses a smartphone instead of a computer or laptop.

4. Home to the richest man in Africa

Aliko Dangote may be a Nigerian businessman with a net worth of a minimum of 10.6 billion USD. When Forbes listed the 100 richest people within the world, he was included on the list.

5. There are more than 250 Ethnic Groups

As you already know, there are many various languages spoken here, which totally is sensible once you realize that there are over 250 ethnic groups with distinct cultures and traditions.

6. Oil is one of the biggest exports of the country

Nigeria may be a large producer of petroleum with a mean of two,5 million barrels each day. they need a huge reserve of petroleum, and it plays an important role within the Nigerian economy. 

7. Lagos is the largest city, but it’s not the capital

Abuja is that the capital of Nigeria. it had been inbuilt in the 1980s and was planned to exchange Lagos because the Abuja even before it had been built. It’s the country’s political and office.

Abuja is one of the fastest-growing cities within the world with a population of around 6 million people in its metropolitan area, and it’s one of the most important cities in Nigeria.

8. The movie industry is known as Nollywood

Nollywood is the nickname for the Nigerian film industry, and it’s even bigger than Hollywood. it's estimated to be second within the world, only to Bollywood in India. About 200 movies are produced every week, which means that Nollywood produces more than 10 000 movies per year!

9. The life expectancy is just 55.2 years

Life expectancy is usually lower on the African continent, and unfortunately, Nigeria isn't an exception. the most reason for the low anticipation is poverty. Many Nigerians are poor and a few of them die young thanks to diseases that could’ve been treated. Child mortality is additionally quite high. another reasons include toxic beverages and diseases like cholera and malaria.

This is one of the sad facts about Nigeria, and while things recover for a few Nigerians, the rapid increase is predicted to bring further problems for the poorest.

10. Nigeria is a member of the British Commonwealth

Lagos was invaded by the British in 1851 and have become a British protectorate in 1901. The colonial rule lasted until 1960 when Nigeria finally attained its independence.

However, although it’s an independent state it remained a part of the British Commonwealth, a bit like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia for instance
In addition to that, Nigeria is also a member of the African Union.

5 x Nigeria Facts for Kids

  • The Nigerian flag was designed by Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1959
  • The Eagle is the Nigerian national animal
  • Football is the national sport
  • The highest point is Chappal Waddi at 7936 ft (2,419 meters above the sea)
  • The name Nigeria is derived from Niger, which is the longest river in West Africa

General Facts about Nigeria

If you’re looking for information, below are some more general facts about Nigeria such as total population, currency, highest point as well as national anthem and type of government. 

  • Total Area: 923,768 km2 (356,669 sq mi)
  • Capital: Abuja
  • Total Population: 199,789,000
  • Continent: Africa
  • Demonym: Nigerian
  • Official Language: English
  • Currency: Naira (₦) (NGN)
  • Government: Federal presidential republic
  • President: Muhammadu Buhari
  • Highest Point: Chappal Waddi
  • Largest Lake: Oguta Lake
  • National Anthem: “Arise, O Compatriots”
  • Country Code: NG
  • Calling Code/Prefix: +234

Flag of Nigeria

The Nigerian Flag is characterized by 3 vertical stripes with white color in the middle, and green on either side. 

Map of Nigeria

Below you can see the country’s territory marked in Yellow. It has borders to Chad, Niger, Benin, and Cameroon. 

How many of these Nigeria facts did you know? 

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