History Time: HAPPY 51st INDEPEDENCE DAY NIGERIA

 

Motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress"

Being half Nigerian, it would be wrong for me not to give you some interesting facts about Nigeria in celebration of our 51^st Independence.  

Named after the River Niger, Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic in Africa. The country stands divided into thirty-six states and one Federal Capital Territory. Nigeria is situated in Western Africa and is surrounded by the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east and Niger in the north. Its coastal sides fall on the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, in the south. Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. 

The Flag of Nigeria is represented by the two unique sea-green bands which represents the forests and abundant natural wealth of Nigeria while the white band represents peace.

The Coats of Arms of Nigeria has a black shield with two white stripes that come together, like the letter Y. These represent the two main rivers flowing

through Nigeria. The black shield represents Nigeria's good earth while the two horses represent dignity. The eagle respresnts strentgh, while the green and white bands on the top of the shield represent the rich agricultural land of the inspiring country. The yellow flowers at the base (incorrectly shown as red in the image) are Costus Spectabilis, Nigeria's national flower.

• Full name: The Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Population: 158.2 million (UN, 2010)
• Capital: Abuja
• Largest city: Lagos
• States: Nigeria has 37 States
• Area: 923,768 sq km (356,669 sq miles)
• Major languages: English (official), Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa
• Major religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
• Life expectancy: 49 years (men), 50 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Nigerian naira = 100 kobo
• Main exports: Petroleum, petroleum products, cocoa, rubber
• GNI per capita: US $1,140 (World Bank, 2009)

Random Fact: Nigeria has the highest rate of twin births in the world, compared to any other country.

Unfortunately I am unable to upload a video due to technical reasons but I will upload one soon.