Coastline
Nigeria has 533 miles (853 km) of coastline.

Terrain
The southern lowlands of Nigeria merge into central hills and plateaus, with mountains in the southeast and plains in north.

Land use
31% of Nigeria is fertile and can be used to grow crops.
Only 3% of the land is used for permanent crops.
23% is taken up by pastures and meadows.
15% of the land is made up of forests.
28% is left over for other uses.

Independence
On October 1st, 1960 Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom.

National holiday
Independence Day, October 11

Languages
English is the official language of Nigeria. There are others that are spoken by the native peoples such as Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, and Fulani.

Population
110 million people (June 1996 estimate)

Age
45% of all Nigerians are between 0-14 years of age.
52% of the population is between 15-64 years old.
The remaining 3% are 65 years and over.

Life expectancy at birth
Male Nigerians are expected to live to be 54.
Female Nigerians are expected to live to be 57.

Total fertility rate
Women have an average of 6 children each.

Ethnic divisions
north: Hausa and Fulani
southwest: Yoruba
Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% of population.

Religions
Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, native beliefs 10%

Literacy
Only 51% of all Nigerians are literate.
62% of males can read and write.
40% of females can read and write.