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Full country name: Federal Republic of Nigeria
Area: 924,000 sq km (360,360 sq mi)
Population: 125 million
Capital city: Abuja (pop 378,671)
People: 250 different ethnic groups, including: Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo, Kanuri, Ibibio, Tiv, Ijaw
Language: English and French. The main African languages are Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Edo, Efik
Religion: Muslim (50%), Christian: mostly Roman Catholic (40%), animist (10%)
Government: Parliamentary democracy
President: Olusegun Obasanjo

GDP: US$143.5 billion
GDP per head: US$1380
Annual growth: 1.6%
Inflation: 14%
Major industries: Crude oil, natural gas, coal, palm oil, peanuts, cotton
Major trading partners: USA, EU, and Japan

Events

Of all the festivals in West Africa the most elaborate are the ones held in northern Nigeria - in particular Kano, Zaria and Katsina - for the two most important Islamic holidays: the end of Ramadan (the Islamic period of fasting) and Tabaski (69 days later). The exact dates differ from year to year but is usually sometime in late January or early February and again in late April. The principal event of the celebrations is the Durbar, a colourful parade of ornately dressed Hausa-Fulani horsemen, Emirs dressed in ceremonial robes, bicep-flexing wrestlers and lute players in headdresses.

Occurring shortly after the Sallah celebrations is the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival (sometime in mid to late February) on the banks of the Sokoto River. This internationally acclaimed festival is fishing with a difference and involves barehanded fishing, duck hunting, swimming and other watery competitions. More water-based celebrations take place around August at the Pategi Regatta, halfway between Ibadan and Kaduna, with the highlight of the regatta being the rowing competition.

Traveling Guidelines

Visas: All visitors are required to have a visa except for citizens of countries belonging to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Health risks: A yellow fever vaccination is required, and cerebral malaria precautions need to be taken in Lagos and the southern coast.
Time: GMT/UTC plus one hour
Electricity: 220v, 50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Ideal Time to visit

The best time to visit Nigeria is from December to March when the humidity drops, although the catch is that you may then suffer from the dusty Harmattan winds. If a bit of sand in the face doesn't bother you, go in January when you can attend the Sallah celebrations in northern Nigeria followed by the Argungu Fishing Festival on the banks of the Sokoto River in mid-to-late February.