Introduction
Nigeria
is Africa's most populous country with a population of some over 130
million people drawn from more than 250 ethnic groups. The three major
tribes are Hausa-Fulani (north), Yoruba (west) and Ibo (east). About 30
percent of Nigerians live in towns, making the country one of the most
urbanized in continental Africa.
Nigeria is endowed with a favourable climate, fertile soils and an
abundance of mineral resources petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore and
coal. Petroleurn a high quality sulphur-free variety accounts for at
least 90 percent of the country's foreign exchange earnings. Nigeria is
Africa's number-one producer and exporter of petroleum, a mineral that
has made it one of black Africa's richest country.
Despite its immense wealth, Nigeria has been bogged down in continual
power strife since its independence. Ethnic diversity and animosity,
and civilian-military incompatibility have so far engendered a civil
war and seven military coups.
National Movements and New States in Africa