Geography
Nigeria, with an area of approximately 356,669 sq mi (923,768 sq km), is Africa's most populous country, home to over 222 million people as of 2023. The country's landscape is diverse, featuring plateaus, lowlands, and river basins, primarily around the Niger River. Geographically, Nigeria is in Western Africa, sharing borders with Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, and has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea.
Noteworthy geographical landmarks include the Adamawa, Mambilla, Jos, and Obudu Plateaus, along with the Niger and Benue Rivers, and the Niger Delta. The country's highest point is Chappal Waddi, towering at 2,419 m in the Adamawa mountains.
Nigeria's climate varies from equatorial in the south, tropical in the center, to arid in the north. The country's terrain blends southern lowlands with central hills and plateaus, and mountains in the southeast.
Abuja serves as the capital, while Lagos is the largest city and economic hub. The country's significant natural resources include natural gas, petroleum, and various minerals.
Key geographic details
- Land boundaries: 4,477 km
- Coastline: 853 km
- Climate: Varies by region
- Elevation: Chappal Waddi (highest) at 2,419 m; Atlantic Ocean (lowest) at 0 m
- Natural resources: Gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, and more
- Land use: 78% agricultural (2018 estimate)
- Irrigated land: 2,930 sq km (2012)
- Major lakes and rivers: Lake Chad, Niger River
- Population distribution: Densest in the south and southwest
Nigeria's natural hazards include droughts and flooding, and the Niger River's significance is noted by its journey from the northwest to the Gulf of Guinea.