Nigeria Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Abuja

Area:  923,768 sq km

Climate:  varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Population:  155,215,573 (July 2011 est.)

Languages:  English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages

Government-Economy

Government type: federal republic

Independence Day: 1 October 1960 (from the UK)

Currency: Nairas (NGN)

GDP: $369.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP): $2,400 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in Nigeria

Obtaining a Visa

Apart for a few African countries, a visa is compulsory for all foreigners. So we highly recommend to contact the embassy in your home country or to check visa requirements on its website.

High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the UK: www.nigeriahc.org.uk

Embassy of Nigeria in the USA: www.nigeriaembassyusa.org

Housing

Link for hotels, hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs:

http://www.dominionguesthouse.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.fr/SmartDeals-g293824-Nigeria-Hotel-Deals.html

http://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Travel_and_Tourism/Hotels_and_Guesthouses.html

Health

When traveling to Nigeria, an international vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required. A Cholera vaccination certificate is also required if coming from an infected area. As a precaution against cholera, visitors should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Anti-malaria prophylaxis and TB inoculation are recommended. Visitors should seek the latest medical advice on inoculations at least three weeks prior to departure. Private clinics are found even in the smallest towns. In major cities, private hospitals offer good facilities. As in many countries, costs for medical services or hospital care must be shouldered by the traveller. There are government hospitals throughout the country, but apart from emergencies, the hospitals are more geared to serving the local population. A good comprehensive insurance is strongly advised, and should include evacuation.

Money

Concerning credit cards, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are rarely accepted in Nigeria and, because of the prevalence of credit card fraud, their use is risky.

Transportation

Public transport in Lagos operates in rather chaotic conditions. The city suffers from chronic traffic congestion, which makes it impossible for buses and taxis to operate efficiently; buses and taxis (or 'bush taxis' in the shape of Ford Transit vans) run between the main towns.

Keeping in touch

Internet and e-mail services are available in Internet cafes in Lagos. As for media, Nigeria's media scene is one of the most vibrant in Africa. State-run radio and TV services reach virtually all parts of the country and operate at a federal and regional level. All 36 states run their own radio stations, and most of them operate TV services. Regarding mobile phones, Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.