Quick Facts Population: About 120 million Ethnic Groups: More than 250, 4000 dialects Size: 577,355 sq miles; that is two and a half times the size of California. Number of States: 36 plus Abuja, the Federal Capital territory Major Ethnic Groups: Yoruba, Fulani, Igbo and Nok

Early History Nok People – located in central Nigeria Created early terracotta sculptures that suggested their social structure was influences by the Egyptians Fulani Empire – Northern part of the country Prospered as a trading post between North and West Africa 1903 population and land divided among the Europeans Yoruba Kingdoms – Southwestern Nigeria Their mythology pre-dates any other civilization Igbo People – Southeast Nigeria Oldest Kingdom in Nigeria Lost it’s sovereignty to the British in 1911

Colonial Era Spanish and Portuguese were the first Europeans to start a trade with Nigeria Britain abolished its slave trade in West Africa Squadron – Established by the British in an attempt to abolish International slave trade. Nigeria became a protectorate of the British Empire in the late 19 th century Western education and development of a modern economy proceeded in the South – lead to political consequences and a North/South division that still exists today. After WWII – Nigerian Nationalism and demands for independence were strong.

Post-Independence Nigeria gained it’s independence from Britain on October 1 st, Two parties; Nigerian People’s Congress (NPC) comprised of Northerners and those of the Islamic faith. National council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) Comprised of the Igbo and the Christians Cultural and political differences between Nigeria’s dominant ethnicities was sharp.

Recent History Nigeria joined OPEC as an oil producer in the 1970’s. Economy became completely dependent on oil. Military ruled from began in 1966 Nigeria e-achieved democracy in 1999 Ethnic violence over oil production and inadequate infrastructure still plague Nigeria today.