Nigeria Flag, Country Code, Population, Peace Index,
And Travel Tips
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If you’re planning to travel to Nigeria, the first thing you should be aware of is the Nigeria flag. It’s important to respect the flag and avoid any actions that could be seen as disrespectful.
The Nigeria flag is a powerful symbol of national identity and pride. Designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1959, it features three vertical stripes: green, white, and green. The green stripes represent Nigeria’s rich agricultural heritage and natural resources, while the white stripe symbolizes peace and unity, reflecting the nation’s commitment to harmony among its diverse ethnic groups and regions.
The flag holds significant importance as it embodies the spirit of independence, achieved on October 1, 1960, when Nigeria became a sovereign nation. It serves as a unifying emblem for all Nigerians, representing their shared history, culture, and aspirations for the future. The Nigerian flag is a reminder of the country’s journey to freedom and its ongoing pursuit of national development and stability.If you’re planning to explore Nigeria and its rich cultural heritage, make sure to consider the following aspects.
Other key information to consider includes the Global Peace Index, Human Development Index, and Cost of Living Index, which can help you plan a safe and budget-friendly trip. The Global Peace Index (GPI) indicates how safe a country is—lower scores suggest a more peaceful country. You should avoid the last 10-15 countries on the list (those with a GPI > 3.0), as they are considered the most dangerous for travel unless you are very familiar with the local situation.
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures the level of education, healthcare, and poverty in a country. In countries with a low HDI (usually below 0.5), you may need to rely more on the local language, which can increase the risk of misunderstandings or difficulties. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid countries with a lower HDI when traveling abroad.
The Cost of Living Index (CLI) indicates how affordable it is to travel in a particular country. A lower CLI (usually below 50) means it’s easier on your budget.
Essential Details and Travel Tips for Nigeria
Location & Geography | |
---|---|
Continent | Africa |
Region | West Africa |
Borders | Bordered by Niger (north), Chad (northeast), Cameroon (east), Benin (west), and the Atlantic Ocean (south). |
Area (Sq Km) | 923,768 |
Capital | Abuja |
Major Cities | Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt. |
Population and Culture | |
Population (as of 2022) | 218,541,212 |
Major Languages | English (official language); Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo (local languages) |
Major Religion | Predominantly Islam (north) and Christianity (south) |
147 | |
161 | |
Cuisine | Jollof rice, pounded yam, suya, and egusi soup are iconic dishes |
Economy, Travel and Others | |
Country Code | +234 |
Currency and Code | Naira, NGN |
86 | |
Major Travel Destinations | Lagos: Nigeria's largest city, known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches like Tarkwa Bay, and cultural landmarks such as the National Museum Lagos. Abuja: The capital city, home to Aso Rock, the Nigerian National Mosque, and the National Christian Centre. Yankari National Park: Located in Bauchi State, this park is famous for its wildlife, hot springs, and caves. Calabar: Known for the annual Calabar Carnival, the Tinapa Resort, and the Obudu Mountain Resort. Lekki Conservation Centre: A natural reserve in Lagos offering canopy walks and wildlife observation. Olumo Rock: A historic site in Abeokuta, Ogun State, offering insights into Yoruba history and stunning views. |
Climate and Best Time to Visit | Climate: Nigeria has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the rainy season (April to October) and the dry season (November to March). Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to March) is generally the best time to visit, with lower humidity, less rainfall, and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Try to carry water bottles to avoid dehydration. |
Major Airports | Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS): Located in Lagos, this is the busiest airport in Nigeria, handling most international and domestic flights. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV): Located in Abuja, the capital city, it serves as the main gateway to northern Nigeria. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN): Located in Kano, this airport serves northern Nigeria and offers some international flights. Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC): Serving the oil-rich Niger Delta region, this airport is crucial for business travel. |
Major Telecom Providers | MTN Nigeria: The largest telecom provider with extensive coverage nationwide. Globacom (Glo): Known for affordable data plans and good network coverage. Airtel Nigeria: Offers competitive data packages and strong network coverage in urban areas. 9mobile: Formerly known as Etisalat, it offers good coverage and innovative services. |
Emergency Services and Safety | Police: 112 or 199 Ambulance: 112 or 199 Fire Brigade: 112 or 199 |
Major Hospitals | Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); National Hospital Abuja: University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan: Reddington Hospital, Lagos: St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos: |
Travel and Transport Desks | Jumia Travel: Offers online booking for flights, hotels, and airport transfers across Nigeria. Travelstart: An online travel agency providing flight bookings, hotel reservations, and car rentals. Nigeria Railway Corporation: For rail travel within Nigeria; provides information on routes, schedules, and tickets. ABC Transport: Offers intercity bus services with travel desks at major bus terminals. |
Consular Service | U.S. Embassy, Abuja: Tel: +234 9 461 4000 British High Commission, Abuja: Tel: +234 9 462 2200 Canadian High Commission, Abuja: Tel: +234 9 461 2900 German Embassy, Abuja: Tel: +234 9 220 8012 Indian High Commission, Lagos: Tel: +234 1 261 9541 |
Car Rentals | Avis Nigeria: Hertz Nigeria: Sixt Nigeria: Europcar Nigeria: Uber and Bolt: |
Lesser-Known Fact About Nigeria | Nigeria is home to the Sukur Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes Sukur unique is its ancient iron-smelting technology, which predates similar technologies in Europe. Sukur is also notable for its terraced fields, traditional stone architecture, and a well-preserved palace complex. |
Did we help you? What additional information would have helped you? Let us know what was the best and worst part of your tour to Nigeria in the comments section.
Explore Flags of Other Countries and Their Key Facts
FAQs on nigeria flag, Key Facts and Figures
The Nigerian flag consists of two green stripes representing the country’s rich agricultural resources and natural wealth, while the white stripe symbolizes peace and unity. The flag reflects Nigeria’s identity, prosperity, and desire for harmony.
The Nigeria flag was designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a student from Ibadan. He created the design in 1959 as part of a national competition ahead of Nigeria’s independence.
The Nigeria flag was officially adopted on October 1, 1960, the day Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule.
Yes, the Nigeria flag should always be treated with respect. It should never touch the ground or be used as a drapery. When flown with other flags, the Nigeria flag should be at the same height or higher, and it should always be raised first and lowered last.
While there is no specific day dedicated solely to the Nigeria flag, the flag is prominently displayed during national holidays, such as Independence Day (October 1st) and Democracy Day (June 12th).
The Nigeria flag has a proportion of 1:2, meaning the width is twice the height.
Nigeria was named by Flora Shaw, a British journalist who later married Lord Lugard, the first Governor-General of Nigeria. She coined the name “Nigeria” in the late 19th century, derived from the Niger River, which is a significant geographical feature of the country.
Before adopting the current flag in 1960, Nigeria used a flag which was a horizontal tricolor with three equal bands of green, white, and green. It had a Union Jack in the upper left corner, representing Nigeria’s colonial status under British rule.
The current flag, designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, replaced the old flag to symbolize Nigeria’s independence and reflect its national identity.
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country’s overall achievement in three basic aspects of human development: life expectancy, education, and per capita income. The HDI provides a single index value that helps to assess the level of human development across countries and accordingly countries are ranked. Lower the HDI Rank, the country is an indication that the country is doing well in human development parameters.
The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a measure that ranks the peacefulness of countries and regions around the world. It considers factors such as levels of violence, conflict, incarceration rates, and militarization. Lower the Rank of the country, the better.
The Global Cost of Living Index is a measure that compares the cost of living in different countries or cities. It typically considers prices of essential goods and services, including food, housing, healthcare, and transportation. Lower the number indicates cheaper and affordable cost of living.
1 thought on “Nigeria Flag, Country Code, Population, Peace Index and Travel Tips”
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