The Nigerian people pride themselves on being the largest black nation in the world and also the largest country in Africa with a population of over 180 million people. The country is made up of three major ethnic groups and these three represent approximately 70% of the country’s total population. The other 30% share over 370 ethnic differences speaking over 700 different languages. The three main ethnic groups in Nigeria include the Hausa-Fulani, who predominantly occupy the northern region of the country, the Igbos, who occupy the south-east, and the Yoruba, who occupy the south-west region.
Nigerians, population
Nigeria is a West African country in the southern coastal part of West Africa. The capital of Nigeria is Abuja and Lagos is the largest city in the country. As previously mentioned, there are three major ethnic groups in Nigeria: the Hausa-Fulani, the Igbo and the Yoruba. These three groups together make up about 70 percent of the country’s population.
The distribution of the Nigerian population among the remaining 10 percent ethnic groups is made up of a few other groups, each exceeding 1 million. These include the Ibibio, Kanuri, Tiv, etc. More than 300 other ethnic groups make up the prominent 20 percent of the population.
There are approximately 162.5 million Nigerians (according to the World Bank and the United States Census Bureau). This makes Nigeria the 8th most populous country in the world and the largest in Africa. Nigeria’s population has a high birth rate which is responsible for the population explosion seen in the country over the past 50 years.
The population of Nigeria has increased by 37, representing an increase of around 400% over the past 60 years. If this trend continues, Nigeria’s population will exceed 0.6 billion in the next 60 years.
Nigerian culture, languages
There are many cultural differences among the people of Nigeria, as there are many ethnic groups in the country. Despite the influence of the western world, Nigerian people still value their traditional languages, arts, music, dance, literature, food, etc.
The official language in Nigeria is English. It is used as a means of communication in all government interactions and in all government and private schools. However, each ethnic group has its own language.
Pidgin English is also a “national” but informal vernacular. It’s basically a mix of the English language with Yoruba or Igbo grammatical structures. Pidgin arose out of the need for British seafarers to find a way to communicate with local traders. However, in contemporary Nigeria, it is a common form of communication in ethnically mixed urban areas among people who have no formal education in English.
Nigerian houses
Before the coming of the British and the post western colonization of Nigeria, houses were typically built in rural areas to match the environment in which people live. For example, the Ijaw in the Niger Delta had more water than land and therefore built their houses on stilts over streams and swamps, and movement between these houses was by boat.
Houses were then also built using available resources in the region. Due to easy access to bamboo, vines, banana leaves, and mud, Igbo homes were often built from these materials. They were made of bamboo frames held together with vines and mud and roofed with banana leaves.
In the north, on the other hand, houses were typically geometric, muddy structures, mostly with Muslim inscriptions and decorations. This group of people built large walled buildings which housed many other smaller huts. The compound could only be entered through the main male character’s hut – a large hut built into the compound’s wall.
With the influx of foreigners, Nigerian cities have grown like many western metropolitan areas. Houses are now built of cement and poles, rather than natural materials like mud and grass.
Interesting facts
The Yoruba
Most of the Yorubas live in south-west Nigeria and they belong to the group of Nigerians in which the culture is still largely intact. They are deeply involved in art and have a long history of poetry, beadwork, metalwork, weaving and mask making. Typical Yoruba artwork is said to honor the ancestors and gods who believe in many deities. Yorubas, just like the Greeks, have over 400 deities, so many artworks and sculptures need to be made.
Read more: Nigeria Coat of Arms: Fast Facts About the Special Symbol
The Igbos
The Igbos occupy the south-eastern part of Nigeria which is divided into the eastern and western regions by the Niger River. Historically, the Igbos are from the Nri community, which dates back to the Stone Age. Igbos are known to be very enterprising and hardworking, a trait that has long existed in the group. They have a colorful and warm cultural vibe and are surrounded by other ethnic groups like Ogoni, Ibibio, Igala, Bini, Warri, Tiv, Ijaw, Yako, etc.
Hausa / Fulani
Among Nigerians, the Hausa/Fulani occupy the northern parts of the country and their population extends beyond Nigeria, including other parts of West Africa, where they form the largest single ethnic group in West Africa, with a population of over 30 million. In Nigeria, Hausas are often equated with the Fulanis. The cultural similarities between Hausa and Fulani allow for significant marriage and integration between the two groups. This has led to the term “Hausa-Fulani” being used as a unit to represent Hausa or Fulani. The most popular cities where Hausa-Fulani live in the north of the country include Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina, Zaria, Jos, Kano, etc.
Religion of the Nigerian people
Christianity and Islam are the two main religions in the country and statistically Islam accounts for about 50% while Christian accounts for 40% while the remaining 10% are practitioners of traditional religions and atheists. Muslims dominate northern Nigeria while Christians dominate the southern parts of the country and periods of peace are marred by occasional violence between Christians and Muslims.
Nigerian sport
Soccer is the national sport of Nigeria and the national team is called the Super Eagles. It’s a sport in which the country is comparatively good and has won the Africa Cup of Nations on multiple occasions.
Reunion: Interesting Facts About the Yoruba People of Nigeria
Nigerian food
There are several foods prepared and cooked in Nigeria and most of them are tailored to the different cultures of different ethnic groups. Their method of preparation varies among different tribes, even when using the same foods. The most common staple foods in Nigeria are rice, beans, yam, millet, cassava, plantains, etc.
dress
Nigerian fashion is highly trending and revolutionary. You will often find the latest designs and redesigns of styles and patterns. Typical attire is colorful especially for women and the traditional attire of most Nigerian men and women is the Buba style, usually sewn as a loose fitting long sleeve shirt or blouse. Other common styles are skirts, pants or trousers, scaff and are mostly made of Ankara material.
independence
Nigeria gained its independence from England on the 1st October 1960 and there are many younger demographics making 19 the median age for Nigerian men and women. There are slightly more males than females in Nigeria at a ratio of 1.04 males per female.
Life expectancy
Due to the insecurity of life, threats from crime, natural disasters and pollution. The average life expectancy in Nigeria is low. Males have 46.16 years and females live 47.76 years. The population of Nigerians is still on the rise due to high birth rates. There are 36.65 newborns for every 1,000 people. This makes the country the 28th highest in the world in terms of birth rate.