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Nigeria
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FactsBackground: British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term. note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $206.7 billion (2010 est.); GDP - real growth rate: 6.8% (2010 est.); 5.6% (2009 est.); 6% (2008 est.); GDP - per capita (PPP): $2,400 (2010 est.); $2,300 (2009 est.); $2,200 (2008 est.); note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 31.9%; industry: 32.9%; services: 35.2% (2010 est.); Population below poverty line: 70% (2007 est.); Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2%; highest 10%: 32.4% (2004); Labor force: 48.33 million (2010 est.); Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 70%; industry: 10%; services: 20% (1999 est.); Unemployment rate: 4.9% (2007 est.); ; Budget: revenues: $18.16 billion; expenditures: $29.55 billion (2010 est.); Industries: crude oil, coal, tin, columbite; rubber products, wood; hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel; Industrial production growth rate: 4% (2010 est.); Electricity - production: 21.92 billion kWh (2007 est.); Electricity - consumption: 19.21 billion kWh (2007 est.); Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2008 est.); Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2008 est.); Statistics: CIA World Factbook. PressAnswersAfricaEnugu Guardian, The(Independent), Lagos Nigerian Tribune(Independent), Ibadan Punch, The(Independent), Lagos Sun, The(tabloid), Lagos Vanguard(Liberal, independent), Lagos Nigeria in the NewsDisplaying 1 to 4 of 49 items. Oil Theft Around the GlobeIn Nigeria, Mexico, Iraq, Russia and Indonesia, billions of dollars of oil are being stolen, causing serious problems for governments and corporations. Nigeria: Ending the Threat of Boko HaramThe kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls should be the last straw. Nigeria must decisively end the menace of the insurgency group Boko Haram. Investment in African Renewable Energy Ramps UpInternational efforts are being made to address Africa's energy deficiencies by developing renewable energy sources on a grand scale. Nigeria: Ten Unavoidable IssuesOver the next four years, Nigeria's leaders have an opportunity to address a host of issues that have plagued the country both domestically and in terms of foreign policy. |
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