Nigeria. CultureGrams. Federal Republic of. Flag. National Image. Land and Climate. Kids Edition

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Dominick Blankenship
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Kids Edition Federal Republic of 2014 The country was named after Africa s third-largest river the River Niger. has the highest rate of twin births in the world.

1 Kids Edition Federal Republic of 2014 The country was named after Africa s third-largest river the River Niger. has the highest rate of twin births in the world. In some parts of, it is impolite to start a conversation with someone before greeting them. ns are famous for their flowing clothing made from bright fabrics. is one of the world s largest oil exporters. Yoruba parents wink at their children if they want them to leave the room while guests are visiting. Seventy percent of n workers are employed in farming or ranching. In 1986, n writer Wole Soyinka became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. From December to March, wind from the Sahara, known as the harmattan, blows into northern. The dust causes a hazy red cloud that covers the land. Elephants, buffalo, lions, crocodiles, and hippopotamuses can all be found in. Flag The white stripe stands for peace, and the green stripes stand for s rich farmland and forests. National Image The eagle and horses on s coat of arms stand for strength and dignity. The stripes on the black shield symbolize the Niger and Benue rivers running through s fertile soil. Land and Climate Area (sq. mi.): 356,669 Area (sq. km.): 923,768 is a huge country about the same size as Venezuela or the states of California, Nevada, and Utah combined. is divided into three areas by the Niger and Benue rivers, which meet and flow together to the Gulf of Guinea. Where the rivers flow into the Atlantic is called the Delta Region, the source of most of s oil. The northern part of is comprised of the flat, dry grasslands of the Jos Plateau. The central-southern region is covered by tropical rain forests. These jungles have trees so thick that sunlight never reaches the ground. There are also sandy beaches and mangrove swamps along the coast. s weather varies depending on where you are in the country. The climate in the north is dry; the rainy season is from April to October. In the south, the climate is hot 1

and humid year-round. Population Population: 174,507,539 has the largest population in Africa and the eighth largest population in the world. About half of the population lives in cities.

The three largest groups are the Hausa, the Yoruba, and the Ibo (or Igbo). Sometimes different groups don t get along, and often there are conflicts about who should own land and resources.

In order to have one language in common, ns chose English as their national language.

2 and humid year-round. Population Population: 174,507,539 has the largest population in Africa and the eighth largest population in the world. About half of the population lives in cities. With 10 million people, Lagos is the nation s largest urban (city) area and the second largest on the continent (after Cairo, Egypt). ns are divided into more than 250 different ethnic groups. The three largest groups are the Hausa, the Yoruba, and the Ibo (or Igbo). Sometimes different groups don t get along, and often there are conflicts about who should own land and resources. Language Each of s 250 ethnic groups speaks a different language. Can you imagine living in a country where 250 languages are spoken? In order to have one language in common, ns chose English as their national language. Though many educated ns and their children are fluent in English, only half the population in the country can actually speak it. If ns leave home and travel to a different region of the country, they might not be able to speak with the people there. Pidgin English (a combination of basic English and local languages) is a language in which people of different ethnic groups communicate. Can You Say It in Yoruba? Hello E karo (E KAH-raw) Good-bye O dabo (OH DAH-baw) Please Jo (gaw) Thank you O se (OH SHAY) Yes Beni (BEN-ee) No Oti (OH-tee) Religion 2

The people living in the north of are mostly Muslim, and those in the southeast are primarily Christian. In all, about half of ns are Muslim and half are Christian.

3 The people living in the north of are mostly Muslim, and those in the southeast are primarily Christian. In all, about half of ns are Muslim and half are Christian. Around 10 percent of the population follows traditional African religious beliefs. Central to Muslims is their belief in the Qur an (Muslim scripture) as the word of Allah (God) revealed to the prophet Muhammad. They show devotion through the Five Pillars of Islam: professing that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet, praying five times daily while facing Mecca (in Saudi Arabia), giving money to the poor, fasting (going without food or drink) from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage (journey) to Mecca once in a lifetime, if possible. Time Line 500 BC 500 BC The Nok people establish an advanced society on the Jos Plateau AD 1000 AD 1000 The Kingdom of Kanem converts to Islam Portuguese sailors begin trading on the n coast 1500s The British arrive in West Africa; millions of ns are sent to the Americas as part of the slave trade The British abolish slavery 1809 A single Islamic state known as the Sokoto caliphate is founded in the north 1830s Civil wars rage in the south 1861 The area around Lagos becomes a British protectorate

1908 Oil is discovered 1914 The Colony and Protectorate of is created 1922 Kamerun part of a former German

miners 1960 becomes an independent nation 1967 A civil war begins, killing one million people by 1970 1973

one year of military service 1979 Elections establish a civilian (non-military) government 1980 hosts and

government; the government forces more than one million foreigners (mostly Ghanaians) to leave the country,

4 1908 Oil is discovered 1914 The Colony and Protectorate of is created 1922 Kamerun part of a former German colony is made a part of by the League of Nations 1949 Riots break out when colonial police kill 20 striking miners 1960 becomes an independent nation 1967 A civil war begins, killing one million people by The military establishes the National Youth Service Corps to build unity among n youth; the Corps requires one year of military service 1979 Elections establish a civilian (non-military) government 1980 hosts and wins the Africa Cup of Nations soccer competition 1983 A coup (revolt) begins many years of military-ruled government; the government forces more than one million foreigners (mostly Ghanaians) to leave the country, stating they are taking too many n jobs 1991 The capital moves from Lagos to Abuja 1996 wins the Olympic gold medal for soccer 4

1999 Military rule ends and elections are held; Olusegun Obasanjo is elected as president 2000 2000 Under a more democratic government, violent conflicts break out between different religious and

Yar'Adua is elected as the new president, but many observers say the election was not fair 2008 Iran agrees to share nuclear technology with to help it increase its electricity generation; ends a

5 1999 Military rule ends and elections are held; Olusegun Obasanjo is elected as president Under a more democratic government, violent conflicts break out between different religious and ethnic groups as several northern states try to adopt sharia (Islamic) law and are opposed by Christian groups 2003 s first satellite Sat-1 is launched into space by a Russian rocket 2007 Umaru Yar'Adua is elected as the new president, but many observers say the election was not fair 2008 Iran agrees to share nuclear technology with to help it increase its electricity generation; ends a long-standing disagreement by finally handing over the Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon 2010 Vice President Goodluck Jonathan becomes president after President Yar Adua dies 2011 Hundreds are killed in northern riots after President Goodluck Jonathan (a southerner) is formally elected 2013 The government declares a state of emergency, sending thousands of troops to fight Boko Haram rebels; around 1,200 people are killed in the violence PRESENT Ancient Empires People have lived in the area of present-day for thousands of years. One group, known as the Nok, lived between 500 BC and AD 200. They developed an advanced culture and created beautiful statues that can be seen in museums today. As the centuries went by, other large and powerful kingdoms ruled over regions that later became part of modern. The Hausa, who live in the north, converted to Islam in the 13th century and established a feudal system that grew stronger over time. The Fulani built a great empire in the 1800s. In the southwest, the Yoruba established the Kingdom of Oyo and extended its influence as far as modern Togo. The Ibo, located in the southeast, remained relatively isolated. 5

The Slave Trade European sailors first arrived in the 1400s and began trading with the n kingdoms.

kingdoms in the south. The Europeans took these slaves to the Americas to work on large plantations. Many slaves died on the crowded ships as they traveled across the Atlantic Ocean.

Although no European power had yet colonized the area, British influence increased until 1861, when Britain declared the area around Lagos a crown colony.

By 1914, the entire area had become the Colony and Protectorate of. However, ns disliked British rule. They got little in return for the resources the British took.

6 The Slave Trade European sailors first arrived in the 1400s and began trading with the n kingdoms. These kingdoms often fought against one another and sold their prisoners of war to European traders, who originally made contact with the Yoruba and Benin peoples, as well as the Efik and Opobo kingdoms in the south. The Europeans took these slaves to the Americas to work on large plantations. Many slaves died on the crowded ships as they traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. The British joined the trade in the 1600s but outlawed it in Although no European power had yet colonized the area, British influence increased until 1861, when Britain declared the area around Lagos a crown colony. The British Era The British decided in the 1800s that they wanted to control s natural resources, such as palm oil and timber. The British built many roads and railroads to transport these goods. By 1914, the entire area had become the Colony and Protectorate of. However, ns disliked British rule. They got little in return for the resources the British took. ns began pressuring the British to leave and to allow ns to govern themselves. After many decades, became an independent nation in Civil War Independence did not end s problems. In 1967, the Ibo-dominated eastern region of the country formally broke away to form its own independent nation. The Republic of Biafra was established shortly thereafter, and this action ignited a civil war that lasted almost three years and cost the lives of more than one million people. The three main regions of had never gotten along perfectly since the nation s creation, and tensions only increased after gaining independence. Differences in tradition, politics, and religion created a large gap between these peoples. The Biafrans fought hard to maintain their independence, and both sides hired foreign mercenaries (soldiers who fight for money) to help them win. But the n forces had support from the British as well, and the Biafrans finally surrendered in January of Military Rule In the 1970s, experienced an oil boom, but the money was not handled well by the government and over time the state became unstable and too dependent on the oil money. For most of the next 40 years after independence, military leaders ruled. These leaders usually were more interested in increasing their power than in doing what was best for the country. They jailed and punished people who disagreed with them, outlawed political parties, and ran unfair elections. Violence and rioting became commonplace throughout this time period. New Challenges In 1999, held democratic elections for the first time in many years, and ns were able to choose their president and legislature (lawmaking body). Olusegun Obasanjo, a military leader in the 1970s, was elected president, and his People s Democratic Party (PDP) won a majority of seats in Parliament. Unfortunately, old disagreements between various regions, ethnic groups, and religions began to erupt. Thousands were killed in fighting between Christians and Muslims, between Yoruba and Hausa, and between ethnic groups in the Delta Region. Northern, Muslim-dominated regions have started implementing shari ah (Islamic law) in order to force everyone to uphold Islamic values, angering the Christian minority in these areas. Activists in the Delta Region often attack oil refineries and workers to demand a greater portion of oil profits. Other challenges include poor electricity and water supply to 6

households across the country. ns hope that more freedom and democracy (government by the people) will make their country a better place. Games and Sports What is s favorite sport?

When they won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, ns were so happy that they declared a national holiday. ns also play a board game called ayo or mankala. It s similar to checkers.

Children love playing computer games and hide and seek, as well as a native game in which players clap their hands to a set rhythm. While they clap, two players face each other.

7 households across the country. ns hope that more freedom and democracy (government by the people) will make their country a better place. Games and Sports What is s favorite sport? There s no doubt it s soccer. Kids play this sport all across the country. Thousands of people go to soccer games in the huge stadium in Lagos. The national team is called the Super Eagles. When they won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, ns were so happy that they declared a national holiday. ns also play a board game called ayo or mankala. It s similar to checkers. The object is to move pebbles around a board and capture the opponent s pebbles. Children love playing computer games and hide and seek, as well as a native game in which players clap their hands to a set rhythm. While they clap, two players face each other. One player kicks his leg out, while the other tries to guess which leg and kick his own leg out first to win a point. Holidays Religious holidays are important to ns. Muslim holidays are determined according to the lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Western (Gregorian) year by about 11 days. Since dates are set according to the moon s phases, the Gregorian dates for holidays differ from year to year. Muslims have special holidays such as Ramadan, which lasts an entire month. Ramadan ends in a huge three-day feast called Idul Fitr. Christians celebrate Easter, Christmas, and Boxing Day. Boxing Day is a day for visiting. It comes from a British tradition of giving small boxed gifts to service workers the day after Christmas. All ns, regardless of religion, celebrate National Day on 1 October. This was the day that became an independent nation. It is common to decorate buildings with green and white and hold dances and musical performances. School children and teachers celebrate National Children's Day on 27 May every year. They march in parade and hold cultural performances and competitions between schools. Food Have you heard of fufu? It s a food made from yams or cassava (similar to tapioca) that looks and tastes like mashed potatoes. ns eat a lot of it. They roll the fufu up into little balls with their hands. Then they dip the fufu balls into a stew or soup. If you ever eat n food, be careful because these soups and stews are really spicy! Dishes in the south are made with palm oil and lots of vegetables, such as pumpkins, water leaves, and bitter leaves. For those who can afford it, these dishes also contain meat and fish. ns love cooking with plantains (a fruit similar to a banana, but not as sweet). Boiled plantains mixed with beans and palm oil is a common meal. Families try to eat at least the main meal together, although in some traditional families men eat separately from women and children. In many n homes, all the children's meals are served on one plate, and they are encouraged to eat together rather than separately. Older members of the family take their turns eating the meat or fish in a meal before the younger members. 7

8 Schools Adult Literacy: 61.3% Just about every schoolkid in wears a uniform a dress for girls and a shirt and shorts for boys. Most kids finish primary (elementary) school, where they learn basic subjects. In the countryside, some students struggle because teachers speak mostly in English after the third grade. Although they are taught English at school, these kids don t speak English at home, so it s often hard for them to understand the lessons. In response, some primary schools now use the area s dominant native tongue, allowing students to learn basic skills first and learn English later. In the cities, children from upper or middle class families usually speak English at home and in school. In states with shari ah (Islamic law), some schools require boys and girls to attend separately. Families often make great sacrifices to be able to send their children to school. Children often work night jobs to help pay for school. Life as a Kid Families are important to ns. Kids in n villages usually live close to many family members. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are all nearby. Children have to do a lot of work for the family. After walking home from school, brothers, sisters, and cousins work together to help take care of the crops. They also help prepare the meals. Although kids in the cities are able to watch television, kids in the countryside spend their evenings listening to the radio or to family members telling stories. Because there often is not enough water, n kids in the cities and in the countryside are given the task of fetching water for their homes before they go to school in the morning. Other chores kids have include sweeping the floors, taking the trash to the dump, and running errands for any adult family who asks. Government Capital: Abuja Head of State: Pres. Goodluck Jonathan Head of Government: Pres. Goodluck Jonathan is made up of 36 states and one federal capital territory. The states are led by elected governors. Each state writes its own laws and has a large amount of independence from the central government. The leader of s government is the president. The legislature, which makes the laws, is divided into two separate houses. The Senate has 109 members and the House of Representatives has 360 members. Traditional kings and religious leaders, who are not elected, still have a powerful influence on what decisions the government makes. The voting age is 18. 8

Money and Economy Currency: Naira s economy depends a lot on its biggest industry oil. is one of the largest oil-producing countries in the entire world!

Unfortunately, only a few people get rich from the oil. Most ns don t share in this great wealth. Many have no income or do not earn enough to meet their needs.

9 Money and Economy Currency: Naira s economy depends a lot on its biggest industry oil. is one of the largest oil-producing countries in the entire world! Huge drills dig deep inside the earth and pull out millions of barrels of oil each year. sells oil to other nations, bringing in much-needed money. Unfortunately, only a few people get rich from the oil. Most ns don t share in this great wealth. Many have no income or do not earn enough to meet their needs. now has one of the largest film industries in the world, known as Nollywood. Many ns work and live abroad. They send the money they earn back home to their relatives, helping to boost the economy of the country. is also a major producer of peanuts, cotton, cocoa, rice, palm oil, and rubber. n money is called the naira. Getting Around ns travel by different methods depending on where they live. In the crowded city of Lagos, many people drive cars and take buses. With so many vehicles, traffic jams clog the streets all the time. These traffic jams are called go slows. Motorcycles are another common form of public transportation in the cities. Known as Okada, these motorcycles can be hired to take passengers much closer to home than taxis can reach. In countryside villages, most people just get around on foot even when they have to walk a long way. Sometimes they may ride a donkey or bicycle. In the deserts of the far north, ns often use camels to travel or move goods. Only about half the nation s roads are paved and the bush-taxi, a crowded minibus that travels on a set route without a schedule, is a popular mode of transportation. Music and Dance ns love to celebrate. For many different festivals, ns put on colorful costumes and spend hours singing and dancing. Among the greats of n music is Fela Kuti, who pioneered the style Afrobeat, a blend of jazz, funk, and local rhythms, in the 1960s and 70s. Drums are the most important musical instruments, and they come in all shapes and sizes. One type of drum, the dundun, is known as the talking drum because its tones can be understood as words. Modern n music called juju is loud and fast and played with saxophones, trumpets, and guitars. Fuji music has no guitars but uses several drums. Its roots are in the music played for the call to prayer during Ramadan (the Muslim holy month). Highlife music, which originated in Ghana, has become very popular in, especially in the south. The music is played with guitars, drums, and trumpets. Highlife music has a slower rhythm than juju, and the accompanying dancing is both stylish and graceful. 9

10 Learn More Contact the Embassy of the Federal Republic of, 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) ; web site Or contact the Tourism Board, web site ProQuest LLC and Brigham Young University. It is against the law to copy, reprint, store, or transmit any part of this publication in any form by any means without strict written permission from ProQuest. 10 ProQuest 789 East Eisenhower Parkway Ann Arbor, Michigan USA Toll Free: Fax:

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The Hausa of Nigeria

The Hausa of Nigeria The country of Nigeria, located on the western coast of Africa, has a total population of over 100 million people; 20.6 million of which are the Hausa. They are the largest ethnic