Nigeria is located in Western Africa, and its capital is Abuja. It has a population of approximately 232,679,478 and covers an area of about 923,770 km². Its official currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN).
What stands out
People & place
252 /km² across 923,770 km²
Nigeria has a recorded population of 232,679,478 and a reported surface area of 923,770 km².
Economic snapshot
$252.26 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $252.26 billion and GDP per capita at $1,084 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world.
Nigeria borders Benin to the west, Chad to the northeast, Cameroon to the east, and Niger to the north. Its coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The country is crisscrossed by a number of rivers, the most important of which are the Niger and the Benue.
Nigeria boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages. Major ethnic groups include the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Fulani. Traditional music, dance, and art are integral parts of Nigerian life, alongside a growing modern creative industry.
The history of Nigeria is long and complex, with evidence of early human settlement dating back thousands of years. It has been home to various kingdoms and empires, including the Nok culture, the Benin Empire, and the Oyo Empire. Nigeria's modern history is marked by British colonial rule, independence in 1960, and periods of military and civilian governments.
Key facts
Most populous country in Africa.
Largest economy in Africa.
Capital city: Abuja.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Nigeria has a recorded population of approximately 232,679,478 people.
How big is Nigeria?
Nigeria covers an area of about 923,770 km².
What is the population density of Nigeria?
Nigeria has a population density of roughly 252 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Nigeria?
Nigeria has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $252.26 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Nigeria?
Nigeria has a GDP per capita of approximately $1,084.
What currency is used in Nigeria?
Nigeria uses the Nigerian naira (NGN), with the symbol ₦.
Where is Nigeria located?
Nigeria is located in Western Africa, Africa.
What are people from Nigeria called?
People from Nigeria are referred to as Nigerian.
What is the phone calling code for Nigeria?
The international dialing code for Nigeria is +234.
What is the internet domain for Nigeria?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria is .ng.
What time zone is Nigeria in?
Nigeria uses the Africa/Lagos time zone.
What is Nigeria known for?
Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world.
Western Africa