Demographics of Nigeria

The demographics of Nigeria has undergone several changes over the past few decades as a result of migration and settlement from the far off countries of Europe and even parts of Asia. Since the ancient times, the land has been inhabited by numerous ethnic tribes such as Yoruba's, Efik, Ibibio and Ijaw.

Long before the coming of the British Empire in Nigeria, different dynasties continued to pre-dominate the political ambiance of the country. As the northern empire composed of Borno and Hausa states comprising of states like Zazzau, Gobir, Kano, Katsina, Birori, Daura, Gwari, Kebbi, Nupe andYelwa. However, the Calabar kingdom is considered to be the oldest of all and was approximately founded in the year 1000 A.D. The Oduduwa Empire was regarded to be the founders of the Yoruba people. It was during the reign of the Benin Empire that the land of Nigeria was rapidly extended to the far off lands as well as an era that marked the development of African art and literature. After the establishment of the British colonial rule in the country, it saw a rise in revolts among the general Nigerian masses against the imperial rule. Finally, on October 1 1960, Nigeria achieved its independence from the clutches of foreign rule.

An analysis of the geographical demography of Nigeria provides with some interesting facts. Nigeria is situated on the western coast of Africa sharing its border with the North Atlantic Ocean, between Benin and Cameroon. It covers an area of 356,668 sq miles. The climatic conditions vary from place to place as in northern Nigeria it has an arid type of climate; towards south its equatorial while in the central part of Nigeria has a tropical weather.

Culturally, the land of Nigeria is characterized by the presence of various ethnic tribal groups which contribute to the distinct identity of the country. With the presence of more than 250 linguistic groups, the cultural diversity of the country is a huge asset which is definitely hard to ignore. The Hausa-Fulani are dominant in the northern part, the Igbo in the southeast, the Yoruba in the southwest and the Benin tribes are prominent in the western part of the country. Different religious accumulations have resided in the land of Nigeria since many years, however Islam religion continues to pre dominate the especially in the northern part of the country. Christianity is widely practiced in the south and south-eastern part of Nigeria. The major ethnic groups also continue to exercise a formidable influence over the demography of the country.

Trend of Population in Nigeria---

The United Nation Organization has estimated that Nigeria is one of the populous countries in the African continent. Here's providing you a statistical analysis of the population growth of Nigeria and its other aspects----

Age Structure:

0-14 years: 45% (female 22,643,026; male 22,850,322)

15-64 years: 52% (female 25,842,286; male 26,978,906)

65 years and above: 3% (female 1,438,392; male 1,479,319)

Population Growth Rate: 3.16%

Birth Rate: 43.26 births per 1,000 populations

Death Rate: 12.01 deaths per 1,000 populations

Net Migration Rate: 0.35 migrant per1, 000 populations

Infant Mortality Rate: 72.6 deaths per1, 000 births

Thus, the demographics of Nigeria offer you a clear analysis of the prevalent living conditions in the country.

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