Nigeria in Focus: Five Starter Facts

Fact 1: Most populous country in Africa
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the 8th most populous country in the world despite its relatively small size compared to other countries in Africa. It has a population of more than 167 million. 

Sources: BBC, Answers Africa

Fact 2: More than 250 ethnic groups
Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups. The three primary and dominant tribes are the Hausa-Fulani,Yoruba and Ibo (also known as Igbo). They make up 29%, 21% and 18% of the total population respectively.

Source: Answers Africa

Fact 3: Islam and Christianity are the major religions
In Nigeria, statistics show that about 50% of the population are Muslim, majority of whom are Sunni. About 40% of the population follow Christianity and 10% practice indigenous faiths or have no religion at all. Muslims and Christians both incorporate some traditional indigenous beliefs in their practices as well. 

The Hausa Fulani tribes settled in the north are mostly Muslims while the groups in the south are predominantly Christian. Among the Yoruba tribe who inhabit the south western part of Nigeria, approximately 50% are Muslims and the other 50% are Christian.
Nigeria doesn't have an official religion however as the Constitution prohibits this. Despite this, many states have adopted the Sharia' law beginning in the year 2000.

Source: Nations Encyclopedia

Fact 4: Home of Nollywood and second largest movie producer in the world
Nigeria is in fact far ahead of Hollywood in the number of movies produced by their movie industry each year. The Nigerian movie industry produces up to 200 movies each week and they have won numerous film awards since 2005. Locally made films are known to fit the cultural agenda and depict the culture and traditions of Nigeria. These films are household names across the nation and have quite an influence on people which is leading to social transformation.

Sources:
Onuzulike, U. (n.d.). Nollywood: The Influence of the Nigerian Movie Industry on African Culture. Human Communication, 231 – 242.

Fact 5: English is the official language
English is the official language of Nigeria, but there are more than 500 distinct indigenous languages. The actual listed languages amount to 527 exactly. Of these 7 are extinct, 70 are in trouble or dying and only about 353 are still being widely used. The mother tongue of more than 40% of the inhabitants in the north is Hausa. Yoruba is spoken in the southwestern urban areas. Ibo and Fulani are other languages that are commonly spoken.

Pidgin English also known as broken English is commonly spoken now in informal settings and to overcome language barriers.

Source: Answers Africa, Ethnologue.com