Nigeria

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 * __​Nigeria__ **



**Group Leader** By: Nicloe C.
 * Capital:** Abuja
 * Population:** Around 120 million
 * 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, Hausa, Fulani, Ibo, Igala, Kanuri, Tiv, Ibiobio, Ijaw, Edo, Efik, Urhobo, Edoma, Itsekiri.
 * Located**: in Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon
 * Natural resources found:** petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, natural gas
 * Natural hazards:** periodic droughts
 * Religions:** Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
 * Languages:** English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani

Links for reference: [|introduction] [|location]

History By: Kaylie B.

Who: Great Britain colonized Nigeria When: Britain wanted slave trade, oil, and to establish a trading port Invaded Nigeria to explot raw materials and minerals Britain destroyed the Dutch hold on West African trade Emergant Nationalist Movement The Great Depression and World War II reduced Briatain's investment, imports, and government spending Why: The primary motive was economic How: Great Britain used direct rule to gain control of Nigeria What: Nigeria demanded more participation in the colonial government When: Nigeria gained independence in 1960

Links for Reference: [|British Colonization] [|Nigerian Goverment] [|The Nation] [|Map of Nigeria Industries] [|Map of Nigeria] [|Nigerian Oil Map] [|Countries and their Culture]

Media By: Desiree A.

After Independence- - Politically- Just six years after independence was givin to Nigeria in 1960, rioting broke out and the military was quick to take action and control of the problem. Nigeria then was put through two periods of military rule, with the last one ending in 1999, following the new constitution in which is intact with their federal democratic republic government now. The current leader of Nigeria, from the People's Democratic Party, is Umaru Yar'Adua. Economically; Although Nigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa, it has been negatively affected by changes in world oil prices, corruption, poor central planning. It is one of the world's largest oil producers, but only a small amount of the population benifits from the oil revenues. Socially; Religoiusly, nearly half of Nigerians are Muslims, 40% are Christian, and the remaining 10% practice other beliefs. Throughout Nigeria, religion provides the means for businesses and political circles, as well as educational ones. But it also has been a source of contention, causing violent clashes between Muslims and Christians over the past decade.

Current Living Conditons- Health care in Nigeria is very poor, with the average life expectancy of only 47 years old. Less than 70 percent of the citizens have access to clean sanitation. Lack of access to public hospitals, causing high rates of death in infants and small children. Many diseases such as AIDS and tropical diseases spead quickly among Nigeria and add to the list of health problems among the country.

Links for Reference: [|nigeria oil] [|economic development][|Early British Imperialism][|Nigeria Country Profil][|Universities in Nigeria] [|nigeria-infoplease] [|Cultruegrams]



Citizen Abby C.

Hello, my name is Adeniyi Soko and I live in Nigeria, Africa. As for my background, I am part of the Igbo Tribe. I have a wife and two kids. I am 20 years old living in the 1900s. We live in a compound, a segment of the village group. My occupation is a farmer. My life recently went from my simple to complex after imperialism took over Nigeria.

What i did before Imperialism-

Everyday I get up early, walk all the way to work, and then start farming on the open fields under the blazing sun. I have a long workday usually of eight to ten hours. The soil was not always fertile and only a small range of crops where cultivated, like corn and vegetables. The job was physically draining but it makes me enough money. My wife was a trader like many other women at the markets. Our boy Segun and our girl Adenomi would work around the village performing simpler tasks. So as for our social status we were middle class, living the average life making a decent amount of money to live off of. It all depended on your position of age, wealth, and personal achievements, mainly your “title”. Our Igbo tribe was a very religious group of people who believed in a creator, Chukwu, who created the visible universe. We believe in many supernatural spirits such as Ala (earth-goddess), Igwe (the sky-god), and Imo Miri (the spirit of the river). The belief was that if you served the gods, they would use their gifts to protect us. Religion was regarded with complete seriousness, with our attitudes towards our prayers, sacrifices, and blessings. To Igbo’s kingship was an unfamiliar concept. The basic unit of government and social structure Igbo life was the village group. He was usually the oldest man of the surviving generation. His role was settle family disputes, control channel of communication between one another, and in return received great respect.

How it effected me-

Britain wanted to colonize our country because they wanted to gain control of Nigeria for economical purposes such as combining both countries natural resources. Imperialism affected my life in Nigeria in many ways. Britain introduced industries, pasteurized land, and increased food imports by selling cash crops. Once industries were created, more job opportunities were available, you could develop new skills, and new products were being made to better way of life. The new fertilized land made daily farming tasks easier to accomplish and cash crops boomed, boosting my economic pay. Britain paved roads, then which I started using a vehicle to get to work everyday. Instead of working, my children received an education. Protestant and Catholic Missionaries came in and tried converting our religion and building churches. While Christianity flourished, many people like myself still stuck to Igbo religion. They can buy me new things, but they can’t buy my beliefs or culture. Our system of government was changed to a federal government under strong presidential administration. It became a democracy at independence. So as a result of everything my family and I moved up on the social ladder of Nigeria.

What i hoped to do-

I hope to continue what imperialism has brought to Nigeria because i benefitted from its new bringings in so many ways. I will stay true to the Igbo life but better the ways i live my own.

Links for Reference: Book: Peoples Of West Africa By: The Diagram Group The Imperial Archive

Flag From:[|Nigeria Flag] Map from: [|Nigeria Map] [|Lifestyle image] [|nigerian people] [|nigerian people 2]