Full Name:

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Area:

924,000 sq km (360,360 sq mi)

Population:

140,003,542

Year of Independence:

1st October 1960

Capital:

Abuja

People:

250 different ethnic groups, including: Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo, Kanuri, Ibibio, Tiv, Ijaw

Language:

The main Nigerian languages are Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Edo, Efik

Lingua franca (Official Language) :

English

Religion:

Muslim (50%), Christian: mostly Roman Catholic (40%), animist (10%)

Government:

Presidential democracy

President:

Alhaji Shehu Musa Yar'adua

GDP:

US$143.5 billion

GDP per head:

US$1380

Annual Growth:

1.6%

Inflation:

14%

Major Industries:

Crude oil, natural gas, coal, palm oil, peanuts, cotton