Nigeria - West Africa, the Land of Abundance
The Republic of Nigeria, which means “the Niger river by land,” is located in the south-eastern region of West Africa. A population of 1.3 million reside in an area of 923,700 square kilometers, including more than 250 tribes, amongst them the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo people. Christianity and Islam are the principal religions, with English the official language. The currency is the naira and the capital is Abuja. Nigeria Map

National Flag

Nigeria's national flag has two vertical strips of green on the right and left hand side, symbolizing the agriculture. In the middle there is a vertical strip of white which represents peace and reunification.

History

Nigeria is Africa's oldest in the world. In 8th century, Zaghawa nomads established a bornu Canine Empire around Lake Chad. From 14th to 16th century, the Songhai Empire flourished. In 1472, the Portuguese invaded, with the British invading a century later. In 1914 Nigeria became a British colony. On October 1, 1960 independence was declared and Nigeria became member of the Commonwealth. On 1 O, 1963 the Federal Republic of Nigeria was established, and since independence many military coups have taken place, with a long history of military control.

Economy and Cultural Customs

Crops are the staple of the economy, principally sorghum, millet, maize, rice, oil palm, cocoa, and peanuts. Natural rubber production in the world. The country is rich in tropical timber, mainly mahogany, African sycamore wood column cap, large green handle Sang, Congo, and other valuable timber hematoxylin. Natural mineral resources include oil and big gas reserves. A "day in West Africa government of the State "reputation.
Nigerian culture was evident as early as 2000 years ago, with the now famous Nok, Ife and Benin civilizations creating what is considered "the cradle of black non-culture."

An interesting trait of the Igbo people is the custom of ‘fattening’ a woman prior to marriage. This is where the woman is segregated from her family and encouraged to gain wait, symbolizing her change from girl to woman, ready for marriage and procreation. If the woman was unsuccessfully in marriage then she would continue to "fatten."

Nigeria's national musical instruments are unique and endemic to the country. The Kalangu is a double-sided drum, often used for religious chants or to accompany dances. The Sackler is a percussion instrument made from a dried gourd, which when shaken or lashed produces a rustling sound. Cougar hit by two wrought iron bell system, each piece may issue a different bell sounds.