Learn:
View facts for each region of Africa.
Watch:
View photographs from Africa.
Interact:
Take our online quiz to test your knowledge of Africa!
Map:
Flag:
| Background: | Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Despite some irregularities, the April 2003 elections marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's history. |
| Location: | Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon |
| Geographic coordinates: | 10 00 N, 8 00 E |
| Map references: | Africa |
| Area: | total: 923,768 sq km land: 910,768 sq km water: 13,000 sq km |
| Area - comparative: | slightly more than twice the size of California |
| Population: | 128,771,988 (July 2005 est.) |
| Capital: | Abuja |
Source: The CIA World Factbook
© 2012 USA-Africa Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
