EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, BEIJING

尼日利亚联邦共和国驻华大使馆

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, BEIJING

亚联邦共和国驻华大使馆亚联邦共和国驻华大使馆

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Nigeria at a Glance

尼日利亚国家概况 | Facts & Figures

Discover Nigeria — The Giant of Africa

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a country in West Africa, known for its diverse cultures, abundant natural resources, entrepreneurial population, and important role in African and international affairs.

With a population exceeding 230 million, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and an important market for international trade, investment, tourism, and economic cooperation.

From its expanding technology sector and creative industries to its agricultural potential and mineral resources, Nigeria offers a broad range of opportunities for international engagement.

1. Nigeria in Numbers

237.5M

Population (2025)

923,768

Area (km²)

36 + FCT

States and Federal Capital Territory

774

Local Government Areas

1960

Year of Independence

250+

Ethnic Groups

Sources: United Nations, World Bank, Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, and Nigerian diplomatic missions.

2. General Country Information

S/N Category Facts
1 Official Name Federal Republic of Nigeria
2 Capital City Abuja
3 Largest Commercial Centre Lagos
4 Independence Day 1 October 1960
5 Republic Day 1 October 1963
6 Government Federal Presidential Republic
7 Official Language English
8 Major Indigenous Languages Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo
9 Currency Nigerian Naira (NGN, ₦)
10 International Dialling Code +234
11 Time Zone West Africa Time (UTC+1)
12 National Motto Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress
13 National Colours Green and White
14 Driving Right-hand side of the road
15 Internet Country Code ng

3. Geography and Climate

Nigeria is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin to the west, Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east. To the south, Nigeria has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.

Its geography includes coastal mangroves, tropical rainforests, savannah grasslands, river valleys, plateaus, and semi-arid landscapes.

The country experiences tropical climatic conditions, generally characterised by wet and dry seasons, with considerable regional variations.

 
Nigeria High Commission, Canberra

4. Government and Administration

Nigeria operates a federal presidential system of government with three arms: the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

The country comprises 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Government administration operates at federal, state, and local levels.

Executive

Led by the President, who serves as Head of State and Head of Government.

Legislature

The bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Judiciary

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Executive

Led by the President, who serves as Head of State and Head of Government.

Legislature

The bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Judiciary

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Nigeria’s judicial system.

5. Economy and Major Industries

Nigeria has a diverse economy with activities spanning energy, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, telecommunications, technology, trade, and the creative industries.

Selected economic indicators — World Bank, 2025

$290.8B

GDP (current US$)

4.0%

Real GDP Growth

$1,224

GDP Per Capita

Figures are rounded and based on the World Bank’s published 2025 series.

Oil and Gas

Crude oil, natural gas, petrochemicals and energy services.

Agriculture

Cassava, cocoa, rice, maize, yam, sesame and livestock.

Technology and Finance

Fintech, digital services, telecommunications and software.

Manufacturing

Cement, food processing, textiles, consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.

Oil and Gas

Crude oil, natural gas, petrochemicals and energy services.

Agriculture

Cassava, cocoa, rice, maize, yam, sesame and livestock.

Technology and Finance

Fintech, digital services, telecommunications and software.

Manufacturing

Cement, food processing, textiles, consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.

6. Natural Resources

Nigeria possesses a wide variety of mineral and energy resources distributed across different regions.

Major resources include petroleum, natural gas, limestone, gold, iron ore, coal, bitumen, tin, lead, zinc, and lithium-bearing minerals.

The country also has significant agricultural land and water resources that support farming, fisheries, and related industries.

7. Culture, Languages and Heritage

Executive

Led by the President, who serves as Head of State and Head of Government.

Legislature

The bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Judiciary

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Executive

Led by the President, who serves as Head of State and Head of Government.

Legislature

The bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Judiciary

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups, each contributing to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

English is the official language, while Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are among the most widely spoken indigenous languages. Hundreds of other languages are spoken across the country.

Nigerian cultural expression is reflected in its music, fashion, cuisine, literature, festivals, visual arts, and cinema.

Nigeria’s creative industries, particularly Nollywood and Afrobeats, have attracted international audiences and contributed to the country’s global cultural presence.

8. Tourism and Heritage Sites

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

A UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised in 2005, known for its sacred forest, shrines and Yoruba cultural heritage.

Sukur Cultural Landscape

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, featuring traditional settlements and agricultural terraces.

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

A UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised in 2005, known for its sacred forest, shrines and Yoruba cultural heritage.

Sukur Cultural Landscape

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, featuring traditional settlements and agricultural terraces.

Nigeria has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of October 2026.

UNESCO World Heritage Convention

Other notable attractions include Zuma Rock, Obudu Mountain Resort, and Lekki Conservation Centre.

9. Nigeria and the International Community

Nigeria has played an active role in international diplomacy since independence.

It became a member of the United Nations on 7 October 1960 and participates in major regional and international institutions, including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth of Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Nigeria also maintains extensive diplomatic relations with countries around the world, including the People’s Republic of China.

10. Nigeria–China Facts

To make the page particularly relevant to Chinese visitors, I recommend a dedicated section presenting essential facts about bilateral relations.

1971

Diplomatic relations established

55 Years

Bilateral relations in 2026

2024

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Beijing

Location of Nigeria’s Embassy in China

Nigeria and China cooperate in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and cultural exchange.