The Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It borders Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west. Its southern coast is on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, where the capital, Abuja, is located. Lagos, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, is the largest city in Nigeria and the continent of Africa.
Nigeria was home of great empires, Kanem-Bornu Empire from the seventh century, the Hausa Kingdom of the 10th century, the Kingdom of Nri of the Igbo people, The Yoruba kingdoms of Ife and Oyo and the Nok civilization.
In West Africa, the oldest bronzes made using the lost-wax process were from Igbo-Ukwu, a city under Nri influence.The Yoruba kingdoms of Ife and Oyo in southwestern Nigeria became prominent in the 12th and 14th centuries, respectively. The oldest signs of human settlement at Ife’s current site date back to the 9th century, and its material culture includes terracotta and bronze figures.
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh-most populous country in the world, with an estimated population of 206 million. Its economy is the largest in Africa, the 26th-largest in the world by nominal GDP, and 25th-largest by PPP. Nigeria is often referred to as the “Giant of Africa”, owing to its large population and economy and is considered to be an emerging market by the World Bank. It is a regional power in Africa, a middle power in international affairs, and is an emerging global power. It is also a member of the informal MINT group of countries, and is one of the Next Eleven economies.