Nigeria

The population of Nigeria is approximately 242M (2024).

The capital of Nigeria is Abuja.

Nigeria's GDP per capita is $1.2K (2024).

Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.64 years (2024).

Nigeria covers 923,768 km² (356,669 sq mi).

Nigeria is densely populated, with 262 people per km² — above the global average of 60.

Nigeria's population is growing rapidly at 2.1% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Nigeria falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $1.2K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Nigeria's intentional homicide rate is 15.7 per 100,000 people, above the global average.

The official language of Nigeria is English.

Nigeria uses the Nigerian naira (₦) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Nigeria are January, February, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Recent demographic estimates indicate that Nigeria has a population of approximately 242 million people. This massive population makes Nigeria the most populous country in Africa, ranking 1 of 54 regionally and 6 of 215 on a global scale. The country continues to see a high annual population growth rate of approximately 2.08%.

Current data ranks Nigeria 4 of 54 in Africa and 54 of 212 globally by total GDP. While the nation maintains a significant economic presence on the continent, its GDP per capita of 1,174 USD reflects a lower position globally, ranking 189 of 212 among all nations surveyed in the latest reports.

Recent educational assessments show that the adult literacy rate in Nigeria is 70.41%. This figure places the country at 138 of 170 in global literacy rankings. Efforts to improve education continue as the nation manages a large and rapidly growing population with a high fertility rate of 4.382 births per woman.

Digital adoption in Nigeria is growing, with internet users making up 41.21% of the population. This level of connectivity ranks Nigeria 172 of 212 globally. While mobile technology is widespread, infrastructure development remains a key factor in increasing the proportion of the population with regular access to high-speed online services.

Nigeria is becoming increasingly urbanized, with the urban population now accounting for 62.98% of the total population. This shift is driven by migration to major cities like Lagos and Abuja in search of better economic opportunities. The current population density is estimated at 266.2 people per km² (689.4 people per sq mi).

The unemployment rate in Nigeria is currently estimated at 3.064%. This figure ranks the nation 143 of 186 globally when ordered from lowest to highest unemployment. The labor market is diverse, though many citizens remain employed in informal sectors or agriculture, which are essential to the broader national economy.

Nigeria holds the global rank of 6 of 215 countries in terms of total population. Regionally, it is ranked 1 of 54 countries in Africa and 1 of 16 in Western Africa. This ranking confirms its position as the largest population center on the African continent and a major global demographic player.

Nigeria has a high annual population growth rate of approximately 2.1% according to the latest official 2024 data. This growth is driven by a crude birth rate of 32.5 births per 1,000 people, which significantly exceeds the crude death rate. This steady increase results in a net population gain of over 13,000 people every day.

The estimated 2026 population density for Nigeria is 266.2 people per km² (689.5 per sq mi). This is an increase from the official 2023 density of 250.2 people per km² (648.0 per sq mi). Globally, Nigeria is ranked 52 of 215 countries for density, and it holds the 7th position within the African continent.

The current fertility rate in Nigeria is 4.38 births per woman according to official 2024 data. This rate is one of the highest in the world, ranking Nigeria 15 of 215 countries globally. High fertility remains a primary driver of the country's rapid population growth and its large youth and working-age demographic.

Approximately 63.0% of Nigeria's population lives in urban areas according to latest official data. This urban population percentage ranks Nigeria 113 of 215 countries globally. The shift toward cities is driven by economic opportunities in major hubs like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, leading to the continued expansion of Nigeria's metropolitan regions.