The "Giant of Africa" is a country to put on your travel map, both for its natural beauty and vibrant economy and for the cultural contrasts you will find there.
FROM BEACHES TO SAVANNAHS
As we have already mentioned, Nigeria is a land of contrasts, and its climate and landscapes prove it. From the sandy beaches to the tropical forests, through the savannah plateaus, the warm and humid climate of the coast contrasting with a desert and arid north - we can't forget how close we are to the Sahara Desert.
One of the places not to be missed is Yankari National Park, with its elephants, gorillas, lions, hippos, and all wildlife in their natural habitat. If you're still not convinced, let us tell you about Wiki Hot Springs, the perfect place for a swim in crystal clear waters surrounded by mandrills.
THE “GIANT OF AFRICA”
With a population of 174 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and one of the richest. Its subsoil contains one of the world's largest oil reserves. About one million square kilometers of "black gold", can you imagine? With a production of more than 1500 million barrels of oil per day, Nigeria is the largest African producer of this fossil mineral.
THE CULTURAL WEALTH OF NIGERIA
But when we talk about the greatness of Nigeria, we are not just referring to its population or its natural resources. Nigeria is able to gather within its borders a mixture of peoples and cultures, histories, and religions that won't leave any visitor indifferent. It is true that we see this "mixture" a bit throughout Africa, but here we breathe a cultural wealth in raw state. There are more than 250 different languages and cultures, predominantly Muslim, but also Christian, especially after the colonization of Nigeria by Europeans in the 19th and 20th centuries.
It was also at this time that the first African sculptures, some of them from Nigeria, arrived in Europe. And what was considered primitive by many served as inspiration for great masters such as Gauguin and Picasso.
When buying a souvenir, opt for a piece of handicraft, whether in leather, bronze, or wood and take a piece of Nigerian culture home with you. Funeral masks, ivory sculptures, and terracotta pieces are some of the examples you can purchase.
