One thing that many people can never guess about me is that I lived in Nigeria. I was born in Belgium, moved with my father’s job to Nigeria just after, and stayed there until coming back to Belgium to start school.
Because of my years in Nigeria — the beginning of what has already been a wild and crazy life — I have always had an interest in the country. In case you are interested too, here are 10 fun facts about Nigeria:
1. Nigeria’s official name is the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. Nigeria’s flag is three vertical strips of green white and green. The green stands for farming and agriculture, and the white represents peace.
3. Nigeria has the largest population of any country in Africa. Approximately 1 out of every 4 Africans is a Nigerian.
4. Archaeological evidence shows that humans existed in Nigeria as early as 9000 BC.
5. The areas around Calabar, a small city in Nigeria, contain the world’s largest diversity of butterflies.
6. Nigeria has a thriving film production area nicknamed “Nollywood,” considered the 3rd largest film industry in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood.
7. Nigeria is the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world and the 8th largest petroleum exporter. Nigeria has the 10th largest proven reserves of petroleum, in the world.
8. The drill monkey — a specific species of monkey — is only found in the wild in Southeast Nigeria and neighboring Cameroon.
9. Nigeria has the highest rate of twin births in the world, compared to any other country.
10. Nigeria is the 3rd largest market in the world for Guinness, believe it or not, and one of the few places outside Ireland where Guinness is brewed.
