| The most populous country in Africa and the largest in area
of the West African states, Nigeria was an early twentieth century
colony that became an independent nation in 1960. A country of
great diversity because of the many ethnic, linguistic, and religious
groups that live within its borders, Nigeria is also a country
with a long past. The history of the peoples that constitute the
present state dates back more than 2,000 years. The earliest archaeological
finds were of the Nok, who inhabited the central Jos Plateau between
the Niger and Benue rivers between 300 B.C. and 200 A.D. A number
of states or kingdoms with which contemporary ethnic groups can
be identified existed before 1500. Of these, the three dominant
regional groups were the Hausa in the northern kingdoms of the
savanna, the Yoruba in the west, and the Igbo in the south.
Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution
was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government
was completed. Under the constitution, the executive branch is
headed by a president, who is popularly elected for a four-year
term and is assisted by a cabinet. The bicameral legislature
consists of a 360-seat house of representatives and a 109-seat
senate; all legislators are elected for four-year terms. Parliament
convened for the first time in Abuja in Aug., 1999. For administrative
purposes, the country is divided into 36 states and a federal
capital territory.
This collection of internet sources provides access to selected
sites that provide general descriptive information on the history,
government, economy, and political conditions of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria. Although selective, inclusion of a site
by no means constitutes endorsement by either the African and
Middle Eastern Division or the Area Studies Directorate of the
Library of Congress. Every source listed here was successfully
tested before being added to the list. Users, however, should
be aware that a successful connection may sometimes require several
attempts.
For Library of Congress contact information and additional
research and bibliographic materials on Nigeria consult the Library’s
African
Section Nigeria Country Web page.
Action Health Incorporated (AHI) (http://www.actionhealthinc.org)
‘A non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of adolescent health and development.
Africa.com (http://www.findafrica.com/index.php)
Site provides news and comprehensive country profiles.
African Information Society Initiative (http://home.bellanet.org)
‘Site contains ICT infrastructure data and project information Nigeria and other sub-Saharan Africa countries’.
Background Notes. U.S. Department of State (http://www.state.gov/www/regions/africa/index.html)
‘Background Notes provide information on US relations with African nations, political and economic trends, and travel advisories’.
Consulate General of Nigeria, Atlanta (http://www.nigeria-consulate-atl.org)
Site provides information on visas, passports, investments, and vacations in Nigeria.
Consulate General of Nigeria, New York (http://www.nigeria-consulate-ny.org)
Site provides information on visas, passports, investments, and vacations in Nigeria.
Consultate General of Nigeria, Johannesburg, South Africa (http://www.embassyworld.com)
CountryWatch.com (http://www.countrywatch.com)
Site contains map of Nigeria and general information such as news, currency converter, country, political and economic overview, corporate sector, environmental trends and more.
Flags of the World (http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/ng.html)
Site contains the official flag of Nigeria.
Ifa Link (http://www.cultural-expressions.com/ifa/ifadef.htm)
Site provides an overview of Yoruba religion and Yoruba stories of creation.
Library of Congress Federal Research Division. Country Studies/Area Handbooks. (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/ngtoc.html)
On-line version of print copy editions of books in the Country Studies Series, providing a description of the social, economic, and political systems and institutions of the African countries.
New Africa.com (http://www.newafrica.com)
Site provides general news and a country profile of Nigeria.
NgEX: NigeriaExchange.Cm (http://www.ngex.com)
A general site with news summaries and commentaries, businessdirectories, entertainment news, and other Nigeriana.
Nigeria World (http://nigeriaworld.com)
Site contains general information on Nigeria and online news features.
Nigerian Nation (http://www.nigeriannation.com)
‘Site provides information on the geography, history, culture, government, religion and news in Nigeria’.
Odili.Net (http://odili.net)
Formerly “NigeriaWeb”. A general site with extensive links to general information on Nigeria and online news features.
OneWorld.net (http://bibpurl.oclc.org/web/2124)
Site provides country profile, visitor guide, weather, map, and online news features.
Online Nigeria (http://www.onlinenigeria.com)
Site contains extensive information on Nigeria’s history, government, politics, and regular news features.
World Factbook. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.htmlgeos/ni.html)
Provides a map and general reference information on the geography, people, government, and economy of Nigeria.
Zamfara State (http://www.zamfaraonline.com)
Official government web site.
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