 Life in Nigeria, city of Abuja, history, people, lifestyle, traditions and music. Nigeria, formerly known as the Royal Niger Company Territories, derived its name from the mighty Niger River, which is the dominant physical feature of the country. Initially, Nigeria was divided into two sections, the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. However, in 1914, these regions were merged and the area became known as Nigeria. It was during this time that Nigeria became a British Protectorate, a status that lasted until 1960, when the country gained independence and later became a republic in 1963. Located in West Africa, Nigeria shares its land borders with the Republic of Benin to the West, Chad and Cameroon to the East and Niger to the North. The southern part of the country lies on the Gulf of Guinea, while the northeast border is Lake Chad. With a population of 221,098,100, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja, which is also the eighth most populous city in the country. A notable geographical feature of Abuja is Azorak, a towering monolith reaching 400 meters in height. Nigeria is a federal republic with a democratic system of government. It operates under a national government as well as governments in its 36 states. The power is held by the people who elect representatives to exercise it, while the executive power is vested in the president. As of 2023, Bola Tinubu is the current president of Nigeria and Kashim Shatima serves as the vice president. The economy of Nigeria relies heavily on exports, particularly crude petroleum, petroleum gas, special purpose ships, cocoa beans and refined petroleum. The currency used in Nigeria is the Naiyira. Nigeria's history dates back to the existence of various indigenous ethnic groups that inhabited the region for thousands of years. Among these groups are the Nock civilization, known for its terracotta sculptures, the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria, the Yoruba people who established city-states in the southwest and the House of Fulani people in the northern regions. Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, including the Housa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Ijao, Kanuri, Tive, Ibibio, Nupé, Igala and many others. The linguistic diversity of Nigeria is remarkable, with approximately 500 different languages identified. Some major languages spoken in Nigeria include Housa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulfuda, Kanuri, Tive, Ibibio, Nupé and Edo. English serves as the official language and is widely spoken and understood across the country. Nigeria is renowned for its vibrant traditional festivals celebrated by different ethnic groups throughout the nation. These festivals showcase various aspects of Nigerian culture, including dance, music, masquerades, traditional attire and cultural displays. Examples of these festivals include the Derbar Festival in the northern region, the Nuyam Festival, Iwaji or Iriji among the Igbo people, the Osun, Osago Festival in Osun State and the Iyo Festival in Lagos. Traditional Nigerian weddings are festive occasions that vary across ethnic groups, characterized by cultural rituals, traditional attire, music, dancing and feasting. Each ethnic group has its own unique customs and practices, such as the Igbo Igba Imku ceremony, the Yoruba engagement ceremony and the Housa Fatiha ceremony. Masquerades play a significant role in Nigerian cultural traditions. These performances involve individuals wearing masks and elaborate costumes, representing ancestral spirits or deities. Masquerades are integral to ceremonies, festivals and cultural events, serving purposes like entertainment, spiritual connections and social commentary. Nigerians embrace diverse lifestyles with bustling cities and serene rural areas, offering unique experiences. Along the coastlines, picturesque beaches provide an escape for relaxation and recreation. The vibrant nightlife of cities like Lagos and Abuja offers a variety of entertainment options, with nightclubs pulsating with music, including the popular Afrobeats genre. The culinary scene in Nigeria is diverse, featuring traditional dishes like Jollof Rice, Suya pounded yam with a goosey soup and Muay Muay as well as international cuisines catered to diverse palates. Sports hold a special place in Nigerian culture, with football being a passion that unites people from different backgrounds. The national football team, the Super Eagles, represents the nation in international competitions. Nigerian musicians such as Felakuti, King Sunny-Aid and Burnaboy have gained global recognition contributing to the vibrant music industry. Music festivals and concerts provide platforms for emerging artists to showcase their talents. Nigeria's diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity contribute to its unique appeal. The Niger River winding through forests, plains and villages is a remarkable sight and a lifeline for communities. The Obudu Plateau in the southwest offers stunning highland scenery, while the Mambila Plateau in the southeast provides a retreat with cool temperatures and beautiful landscapes. The Gashaka, Gumti National Park in the northeast, is Nigeria's largest national park, home to diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Nigeria's cultural heritage is showcased through attractions like the ancient Benin City Walls and the Great Mosque in Kano, reflecting the country's rich history and architectural wonders.