Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! On this day, October 1st of 1960, Nigeria gained independence from the British. Let’s take a peek inside the vibrant culture, diversity and influence of this West African country.

With over 100 languages spoken, rich gas and petroleum deposits and an influential music presence, Nigeria has gained an international reputation as one of the most known West African countries. In 2019, the population was about 200,780,000, according to Brittanica.

(A market in Nigeria)

The major tribes of this country include the Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani and Igbo. Other tribes include the Edo, Abua, Adim, Bunu, Chamo, Kanuri and more.

(Edo cultural attire)

From 1967 to 1970, the Biafran war ravaged the country, killing more than two million people. Most of the fatalities occurred due to starvation.

(Biafrans holding up a sign)

The national dish of this country is Jollof rice. Other dishes of the country include Moin Moin or bean cake, Ogbono soup, Banga soup, Efo-riro soup, Afang soup, Nkwobi or spiced meat, Dodo or fried plantain, Eba or mashed gari and more.

(Jollof rice with Dodo)

The current president, Muhammadu Buhari, has been in office since 2015. The country’s capital is Abuja.

 (President Muhammadu Buhari)

 

The film industry of Nigeria, also known as Nollywood, is the second largest film industry worldwide. Nigerian Afrobeats music has made a huge imprint on the world, and notable artists like Wizkid have further globalized this African sound.

 (Wizkid)