Top 10 Fun Interesting Facts About Nigeria

The flag of Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world with over 213 million people, is made up of vertical bands of green, white, and green. It represents natural wealth and peace. When people hear the name Nigeria, they immediately picture a large, noisy city.

The beauty of this nation and the tenacity of its people do not justify these first impressions. We have compiled ten fascinating facts about Nigeria to help you better understand this nation. Hopefully, this will pique your curiosity to learn more and possibly even travel to Nigeria to see for yourself what it has to offer the world.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria

• English is the official language of Nigeria.
• More than 250 ethnic groups are found in Nigeria
• Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city but not its capital
• Nigeria is the largest producer of oil and gas in Africa
• You can only find an Anambra Waxbill bird in Southern Nigeria
• Nigeria is one of the world’s largest diversity of butterflies
• A Nigerian was the first African to receive a Novel Prize for Literature
• Nigeria is home to Africa’s oldest dye pit
• Nollywood is bigger than Hollywood
• It is customary here to not look into someone’s eyes

1. English is the official language of Nigeria.

In Nigeria, over 500 indigenous languages are spoken. Nigeria uses English as its official language.

However, in addition to Nigerian, Hausa, and Bura sign languages, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulfulde, Ibibio, Kanuri, and Tiv are widely spoken among people living in rural areas and having lower levels of education. Nigeria has 500 other indigenous languages in addition to these, which distinguishes its ethnic groups.

2. Nigeria is the most ethnically diverse country in Africa.

It is home to over 250 different ethnic groups. This nation is very diverse in terms of religion, language, culture, and ethnicity.

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The Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo are the most populous of these groups. As the country's dominant ethnic groups compete for political supremacy, this diversity of ethnicities has contributed to civil strife.

3. Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria, but it is not the country's capital.

Lagos which is on e of the most developed cities in Africa, was the country's former capital, and it has a population of over 14 million people. The financial center and economic hub of Lagos State and Nigeria contribute to its population growth. Abuja took over Lagos as Nigeria's capital in December 1991.

4. Nigeria is Africa's largest oil and gas producer.

In the 1970s, it made the most money from oil, making it Africa's wealthiest nation.

The nation has a detached save of flammable gas, oil, and oil, and they produce a normal of 2.5 million barrels of unrefined petroleum every day.

By 2050, it is anticipated that Nigeria's economy will be among the world's top 10 thanks to these products.

5. You can only find an Anambra Waxbill bird in Southern Nigeria

Anambra waxbills are a species of estrildid finch that can only be found in the southern part of Nigeria.

This bird has a length of about 12 centimeters and can gather up to 20 birds or more.

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This bird is typically found in long grasses along water bodies like lagoon sandbanks, marshes, swamps, and rivers, with only about five sightings reported in Nigeria. These birds typically consume seed heads of grass.

6. Nigeria is one of the world’s largest diversity of butterflies

Nigeria's biodiversity contributes to the abundance of its flora and fauna, making it one of the world's most diverse countries for butterflies. In Nigeria, butterflies are a wonderful insect to see.

There are over 1,000 documented butterfly species in the country at the present time, and the number will continue to rise as new species are discovered.

7. Nigeria is home to Africa’s oldest dye pit

The Kofar Mata Dye Pits in Kano, Nigeria, the oldest and last dye pit in Africa, were established in 1498 and are located in Nigeria.

The indigo-dyed cotton fabric was produced by approximately 270 dye pits in this location during its heyday. The method of dyeing used at the Kofar Mata dye pit has been around for centuries and has been passed down through the generations.

Precision and patience are required for the various patterns made with this indigo fabric.

The influx of cheaper foreign fabric into the Nigerian market has reduced the dyeing industry. To assist with saving this perishing color practice, take a stab at purchasing their textures when you visit Nigeria.

8. A Nigerian was the first African to receive a Novel Prize for Literature

Wole Soyinka, also known as Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka, was born in Nigeria and is a playwright and political activist. In 1986, he became the first African to win the Novel Prize for Literature.

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A Dance of the Forests, The Lion and the Jewel, The Road, King Baabu, The Beatification of Area Boy, A Shuttle in the Crypt, Samarkand and Other Markets I Have Known, and Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth are among Wole Soyinka's most well-known works.

9. Nollywood is bigger than Hollywood

Nollywood, or the Nigerian film industry, is larger than Hollywood. Nollywood, or the Nigerian film industry, produces 10,000 films annually, or 200 movies per week. Because of its large-scale filmmaking, it is behind Bollywood in India. Omo Ghetto: One of Nollywood's highest-grossing films is one you should watch. The Saga, Chief Daddy, Sugar Rush, and King of Boys, as well as The Wedding Party 1 and 2.

10. It is customary here to not look into someone’s eyes

For Westerners, not looking directly into someone's eyes is an act of respect and personal interest. Here, it is customary not to do so. However, if you happen to be in Nigeria or another part of Africa, keep in mind that it is against their custom to look directly into the eyes of another person. When a younger person is confronted by a much older person or his superior, they consider this to be an aggressive posture.

Nigeria is a unique location. It is beautiful because of its people, culture, food, natural resources, and arts. Make sure to use RemitBee's currency exchange services if you want to visit this country or any other country. We give the best cash rates that will assist you with boosting your cash.