Nigeria is one of the most populated nations in Africa, and it is also the creative hub. Many people know the gist of this country but there are so many interesting facts about Nigeria that make up its diversity. Here, you will find friendly people with a vibrant energy that they express through many creative outlets.
So, if you want to learn more about this African country, you have come to the right place. Here are some of the cultural and historical facts about Nigeria to know about.
Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.
General Facts About Nigeria
These are the common facts about Nigeria that everyone should know about the country, whether they want to visit it or not.
The Country Has More Than 500 Spoken Languages
We weren’t kidding when we said that Nigeria is diverse, and you can see this in their language too. There are more than five hundred languages that people speak here, and English is the official language. Other languages that people speak here include Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, etc.
It Is The Largest Economy In Africa
Nigeria’s export market is massive, which is why it is the largest economy on the continent. The agriculture sector is comprehensive, as it accounts for 70% of employment in the country. Besides that, the primary export of the country is petroleum, as it accounts for over 90% of the total exports.
The Cultural Diversity Is Incredible Here
While there are more than 500 languages spoken here, there are also more than 250 ethnic groups in the country. All of these groups have unique cultures and traditions that you will not find anywhere else. You can imagine there are many incredible facts about Nigerian culture with all that diversity.
One Of The Biggest Exports Of Nigeria Is Oil
Nigeria is one of the top producers of crude oil, as the country produces more than two million barrels per day. Even the petroleum reserves are extensive, which is why they contribute so much to the economy. This is an important economic fact of Nigeria as the country would not thrive as much if oil wasn’t its biggest export.
Fun Facts About Nigeria That You Haven’t Heard Before
There are many things that people don’t know about Nigeria. That said, there are also many interesting facts about Nigeria that will blow your mind. Here are some of the top ones.
The Country Is Home To The Richest Man In Africa
The richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote, lives here, and he is a businessman. His interests span sugar and salt, manufacturing, cement, banking, agriculture, and much more. Because of this, his net worth is more than twelve billion dollars, making him the richest man on the continent.
He was also on the Forbes list of 100 richest people worldwide. Aliko is known for creating The Dangote Group in the 70s, and he was born in Kano.
Nollywood Is The Name Of The Nigerian Movie Industry
You have heard of Hollywood and Bollywood, but have you heard of Nollywood? This is the film industry of Nigeria, and it is one of the top producers of films worldwide. Nollywood comes as the second-biggest film industry after Bollywood in India.
The industry produces around two hundred movies each movie per week. Yes, you read that right. That’s a staggering fact about Nigeria’s entertainment industry. This means that in a complete year, the industry produces more than 10,000 movies for entertainment.
It Is Home To The Oldest Dye Pit In Africa
The oldest dye pit in Africa is Kofar Mata, and it is in Kano, where it was created in the 15th century. The dye pit still exists because it is a preservation of the classic tie and dye production that used to take place in the country. All the methods used in the pit are ancient, and one generation passes these methods on to the other.
There Is An Incredible Diversity Of Butterflies Here
Anyone that loves looking at beautiful and unique butterflies will enjoy Nigeria. The biodiversity here is incredible, as you will find more than 1,000 species of butterflies here. Besides that, new species of butterflies are also discovered from time to time.
Fun Facts About Nigeria For First-Time Travelers
As a first-time traveler, you need to know these Nigeria fun facts that will take your trip to another level.
There Are Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites In The Country
There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you can visit in Nigeria. These include the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Sukur Cultural Landscape. Both of these sites are incredible and famous landmarks in Nigeria. Be sure to check them out whenever you get the chance to visit the region.
The Largest City In Nigeria Is Lagos
The largest city is Lagos, but it is not the capital of Nigeria. This is another commonly mistaken fact about Nigeria. Instead, the capital of Nigeria is Abuja, and it was built during the 80s. You can think of Abuja as the administrative and political region of the entire country.
On the other hand, more than twenty million people live in Lagos. It is the financial hub of the country and it has an important impact on the economy through tourism, fashion, education, etc.
There Are Over 4,000 Plant Species Here
Flora and fauna are widespread in Nigeria, which is why nature lovers will love coming here. There are more than 4,000 plant species around the country, along with over 550 species of mammals and birds. So, it is one of the most naturally diverse places you can visit.
The Anambra Waxbill Is Only Found Here
Rejoice, wildlife lovers! Here is another exciting fact about Nigeria for you.
There are certain species of birds you will only find in Nigeria, and the Anambra Waxbill is one of them. It is a small bird that comes in incredible colors, and you will only find it in Southern Nigeria. Try to spot this cute little bird when you are there.
Mind-Blowing Facts About Nigerian Culture
The culture in Nigeria is unique, and you must respect it when you interact with the locals. Here are some of the top Nigerian culture facts that you need to know before you plan your trip to the country.
Many People Consider Left Hand Unclean
You will find this in most Islamic or African countries, including Nigeria.
The left hand is considered to be unclean, mainly because it is used for cleaning your bodily excrement in the culture. That is why you must never use the left hand in a handshake, as it is considered to be disrespectful. You will notice that most people will not shake hands or eat with their left hand.
Keep in mind that not everyone considers the left hand unclean in the country. However, it is still best to do everything with your right hand so that you don’t offend anyone.
People Love Using Social Media
More than 75% of the people in Nigeria use social media regularly. Of course, this is not a surprising fact as it is one of the top industrial nations on the continent. Whoever you meet on your trip, you can connect with them on different social media platforms.
The Life Expectancy Is Only 55 Years
It is commonly known that the average lifespan expectancy in Africa is low. Nigeria is no exception, as the life expectancy of people here is just above 55 years.
One of the main reasons for this is that a lot of people live in poverty conditions without any basic necessities, including good healthcare. Because of this, people die early due to many illnesses that are easily treatable in other parts of the world.
On the other hand, even the child mortality rates are high, as children die early because of malaria and cholera. This is one of the less fortunate facts about Nigeria and many developing countries.
Most Of The Population Is Muslim Or Christian
There are many religions that people practice in the country because it is a diverse nation. However, you will find that most people here are Muslim or Christian. This is the case with most African countries.
There are 50% Muslims in the country and 40% Christians out of the total population. Everyone lives in harmony and there are no conflicts in such matters.
Facts About Nigeria For Kids
There are many simple geographical and cultural facts about Nigeria for kids that will boost their knowledge and keep them interested as they learn more about this country.
The Longest River Here Is The Niger River
The longest river in the country is the Niger River, which is over 2,500 miles in length. You will find this river on the Northern side of the country. The river enters the north side and flows through the Niger Delta.
There Are Several National Parks Here
There are a few national parks in Nigeria that everyone should visit whenever they are here. For example, one of the most unique national parks is The Cross River National Park. It has unique rainforest vegetation that you will not find anywhere else.
Most People Work In The Agricultural Sector
The agricultural sector is the top sector of the country, as most people are employed in this. You will find endless farmers in the street markets selling fresh vegetables. Because of this, the use of vegetables is also evident in the cuisine of the country.
Many People Here Live In Poverty
Most of the people in Nigeria live in poverty as they don’t have access to basic resources and necessities. You will also notice that the divide between the rich and poor is also very evident. Some of the richest people in the world live here, while the poorest people don’t even have electricity or water in their homes.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Nigeria
These are some of the interesting facts about Nigerian people and the country. Nigeria is a very diverse country and you will find something new every day when you visit. Most people are poor, but they are rich from the heart and energy.
To learn more fun facts about Nigeria and its people, there is no better way than to visit the country yourself. You will get a firsthand experience of the culture, customs, and lifestyle here.
Plus, you will come across many incredible stories that can be shared with friends and family back home. This is what makes an African vacation so special.
20 Interesting Facts About Nigeria (Summary)
- The Country Has More Than 500 Spoken Languages
- It Is The Largest Economy In Africa
- The Cultural Diversity Is Incredible Here
- One Of The Biggest Exports Of Nigeria Is Oil
- The Country Is Home To The Richest Man In Africa
- Nollywood Is The Name Of The Nigerian Movie Industry
- It Is Home To The Oldest Dye Pit In Africa
- There Is An Incredible Diversity Of Butterflies Here
- There Are Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites In The Country
- The Largest City In Nigeria Is Lagos
- There Are Over 4,000 Plant Species Here
- The Anambra Waxbill Is Only Found Here
- Many People Consider Left Hand Unclean
- People Love Using Social Media
- The Life Expectancy Is Only 55 Years
- Most Of The Population Is Muslim Or Christian
- The Longest River Here Is The Niger River
- There Are Several National Parks Here
- Most People Work In The Agricultural Sector
- Many People Here Live In Poverty
