While I'm Waiting...

Some Vital Statistics for Nigeria

Capital: Abuja (Federal Capital Territory).

Population: Estimated at 130million, with around 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria's population truly makes it Africa's Giant. Approximately 45% of the population is under 15.

Religion: I've seen mixed stats, but I think 45% Islam, 38% Christianity, 17% Traditional.

HDI: The UNDP Human Development Index measures a country's acheivements in terms of life expectancy, educational attainment and adjusted real income. In the 2005 Human Development Report Nigeria is ranked 158 out of 177 countries. The UK is 15th.

Languages: English (official), Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Efik, Kanuri.

Politics: 1999 saw the move from a 16 year military dictatorship to a democratically elected government headed by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Economy: Heavily oil dependent - 80% of govt. revenue, and 90% of foreign exchange earnings. Other major exports are cacao beans and rubber.

Currency: Niara. Current rate 1GBP = 228NGN. I think a beer is around N80, and a meal at a chop house N40-100.

Starting Up, Setting Out? Or not yet...

I'm supposed to be in Nigeria. As yet I'm not, but I'm hoping that now the visa's are sorted, I should be going on Saturday. An extra week in the 'shire may reduce some to tears, but I'm enjoying a nice bit of R&R in the country before journeying to one of the most hectic countries in Africa (or so I've heard). Trying not to think 'now did I pack......?' as my (two, BIG) bags were packed with extreme squishing and stuffing and there is absolutely no room for poking around.

Just testing out the bloggy thing. Not feeling particularly confident, but will give it a go.....