13 Things You Need to Know About Nigeria

Experience the heartbeat of Africa, and discover what makes the country so wonderful.

Tour Nigeria (2017)Tour Nigeria

Welcome to Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populous black nation on Earth. It is home to the second largest film industry on the globe whilst also being the fashion, technological and creative hub in Africa.

Nigerians are known for their vibrant and friendly energy expressed through diverse creative expressions.

Explore the flavours of Nigeria, from its rich heritage to spectacular nature, captivating destinations and a welcoming spirit. Here are 13 things you need to know about Nigeria

A Happy Nation by Tour NigeriaTour Nigeria

#1: A land of over 200 million smiles
Home to over 200 million inhabitants, Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth, and is the sixth most populous country in the world.

Kano Durbar procession by Tour NigeriaTour Nigeria

#2: Unrivalled cultural magnificence
Nigeria is a multinational state, as it is inhabited by over 250 ethnic groupings, of which the three largest are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. These ethnic groups speak over 500 different languages, have diverse cultures, and exhibits unique art. A rich array of cuisines, fashion styles and festivals exist across the different tribes.

Kofar Mata dye pits (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#3: Home to Africa's oldest dye pit
Kofar Mata Dye Pit in Kano was established in 1498 and is Africa's oldest. It continues to preserve the traditional tye and dye production process used in northern Nigeria. Methods and skills used are ancient, and handed down from generation to generation.

Wole Soyinka (2020)Tour Nigeria

#4: Africa's first Nobel Laureate
In 1986 Wole Soyinka was the first black African playwright to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Belenois calypso and Papilio demodocus butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#5. One of the world's largest diversity of butterflies
Nigeria is famous for it's beautiful and diverse butterflies. Nigeria has an exceptional biodiversity and boasts an abundance of fauna and flora. Presently, there are over 1000 documented species of butterflies. New species are still being discovered.

Osun Osogbo sacred grove (2020) by Oluwasegun OgunleyeOriginal Source: Oluwasegun Ogunleye

#6: Two spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Nigeria has two outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa and Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osun.

Benin Bronze Carving by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

#7: Fuelling artistic expressions through art
From the Benin Kingdom to contemporary art, Nigerian artists and artisans are unrivalled. Some known artists who has pioneered Nigerian modern art are Nike Davis-Okundaye, Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae.

Home to over 200 million smiles (2020) by Oluwasegun OgunleyeOriginal Source: Oluwasegun Ogunleye

#8: A unique Nigerian spirit
Nigerians are known to be intelligent hard-working people, and for the “can-do” and “never-say-never” attitude, which is complimented with a friendly and accommodating spirit.

NollywoodTour Nigeria

#9: World's second largest film industry and pioneer of Afrobeats
Nigeria's film industry 'Nollywood' is the second largest film producer in the world. The country also continues to maintain pioneering status with its music which have played major roles in shaping Africa's music scene as well as influence contemporary world music. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido and Tiwa Savage are taking Afrobeats to new levels.

Central Business District by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

#10: The economic heartbeat of Africa
Nigeria boasts of the largest economy in Africa. It is projected to rank among the world's top ten economies by 2050.

Okpoho Oil Rig by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

#11: Largest oil and gas producer in Africa
Nigeria has an abundance of resources including oil and gas. The Country holds the largest natural gas reserves on the continent, and is Africa's largest oil and gas producer.

Nigeria's flagTour Nigeria

#12: A flag symbolizing natural wealth and peace
The Nigerian flag is a vertical bicolour triband of green, white and green. The two green stripes represent Nigeria's natural wealth, while the white band represents peace. It was designed in 1959 by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi and was officially adopted on October 1, 1960.

Nigeria’s Coat of ArmsTour Nigeria

#13: Coat of Arms representing dignity, fertile soil, strength and national flower
Nigeria’s Coat of Arms features two white horses supporting a black shield, with a White “Y” shape running across the middle of the shield. Above the shield is a red eagle sitting on a green and white band placed on the shield. Beneath them are green grass, yellow flowers and a banderole.

The white horses represent dignity, the shield represents Nigeria’s fertile soil, the eagle represents strength, while the green and white bands represent Nigeria’s rich soil. The White ‘Y’ shape on the black shield represents the Niger and the Benue rivers. The yellow flower at the base is Nigeria’s national flower, the Costus Spectabilis, and the banderole is Nigeria's national motto since 1978, ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress’ (formerly ‘Peace, Unity, Freedom’).

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