 Culture and traditions
 Language
English is the official language, but tribal languages are still widely used in conversation and business. The main African languages are Hausa, Yoruba, and Ibo.
Population
Nigeria is the most populous state in Africa. It is said that one out of every four black Africans is a Nigerian scattered throughout the globe. It currently has a population of 120 million and is growing at a rate of 3% per annum.
Ethnicities
There are around 250 different ethnic groups in Nigeria, all of which have their own language, culture and tradition. The largest ones are the mainly Protestant Yoruba in the west, the catholic Ibo in the east, and the predominantly Muslim Hausa-Fulani in the north.
Religion
About half the population is of Islamic belief, 34% are Christian, and the rest follow tribal religions. The growing number of Indians living in Nigeria, however, has also led to an increase in Hinduism.
Arts and Culture
Because of the great diversity of people and culture, Nigeria has distinguished herself over the centuries in the field of arts. Nigerian versatility in art is so great that it is generally felt that all African nations should view Nigeria as the principal trustee of the most durable fruits of black artistic genius.
| | | | 14th century M'bembe | 15th century Owo | | | | | | 10TH century
Igbo-Ukwo |
| |
| 500 - 200 BC
Nok Head Drum
Statue Bowl rope |
Sports
Football is the pride of Nigeria. The African cup has been held in Nigeria in the year 2000, and people all over the country from the wealthy to the street boys sit silently in front of collective television sets watching the Nigerian team play for their country. This is probably the only one area where Nigeria feels a certain solidarity and unity.
As upsetting as it may seem, the Nigerian team, after having won every single game they played during the African Cup, lost against Cameroon in the final by penalties. There was complete silence all around Nigeria, but they took it in stride and simply said as they always do: "Next time".
There has been enormous contribution to the development of football in Nigeria through investment in modern stadium and facilities and organizing competitions through which numerous talents have been discovered. Currently, Nigeria has an array of players in major leagues around the world; a result of her football development program. Also, the country has continued to reap from her investment, through various laurels won by her globally. Nigeria is no doubt, a power to reckon with in world football.
Food
The best known dish is pepper soup: very hot sauce which comes with 3 pieces of meat. It's served with rice or a mound of another grain-based staple such as gari or eba. A common snack food is dodo (pieces of fried plantain). In the major cities, however you will find grilled chicken or Suya (spicy pieces of meat) on the corners of the streets. |
