Nigeria, Federal Republic of, federal republic, western Africa, bounded on the north by Niger, on the east by Chad and Cameroon, on the south by the Gulf of Guinea, and on the west by Benin. The most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria has an area of 923,773 sq km (356,669 sq mi). Its name is derived from that of its major river, the Niger. Abuja is the capital and Lagos is the largest city.

Population
        103,912,000
        (1996 estimate)
Population Density
        113 people/sq km
        (292 people/sq mi)
        (1996 estimate)
Urban/Rural Breakdown
        40%Urban
        60%Rural
Largest Cities
        Lagos1,347,000
        Ibadan1,295,000
        Kano699,900
        (1995 estimate)
Ethnic Groups
        21%Hausa
        21%Yoruba
        18%Ibo
        11%Fulani
        29%Other
        including Ibibio, Kanuri, Edo, Tiv, Ijaw, Bura, and Nupe
Languages
Official Language
        English
Other Languages
        Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Kanuri, Tiv
Religions
        50%     Islam
        22%     Protestantism
        18%     orthodox animist beliefs
        10%     Roman Catholicism