Nigeria

Government
 Multiparty government transitioning from military to civilian rule.

Geography
 Nigeria, is the most populous country in Africa, is situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. The lower course of the Niger River flows south through the western part of the country into the Gulf of Guinea. Swamps and mangrove forests border the southern coast; inland are hardwood forests.

 Historical Background
British influence and control over what would become Nigeria grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. Although the April 2003 elections were marred by some irregularities, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. In April 2008, government officials agreed to amend the 1814 Constitution to lessen the ties between church and state.

Facts & Figures

Name

Nigeria

Capital

Niamey

Government

Military Junta

Language

French (Official) Hausa, Fulfulde, Gulmancema, Kanuri, Zarma, Tamasheq (as "national")

Religion

Islam, spread from North Africa beginning in the 10th century, has greatly shaped the mores of the people of Niger. More than 90% of the population is Muslim,

Area

1,267,000 km2 ,489,678 sq mi

Population

July 2009 estimate 15,306,252 [1] (63rd) 2001 census 10,790,352

Currency

West African CFA franc

GDP(PPP)

2009 estimate Total $10.206 billion

GDP(nominal)

2009 estimate Total $5.261 billion

National Anthem

La Nigérienne