Culture
The most populous country in Africa and the largest in area of the West African states, Nigeria was an early twentieth century colony that became an independent nation in 1960. A country of great diversity because of the many ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups that live within its borders, Nigeria is also a country with a long past.
The history of the peoples that constitute the present state dates back more than 2,000 years. The earliest archaeological finds were of the Nok, who inhabited the central Jos Plateau between the Niger and Benue rivers between 300 B.C. and 200 A.D. A number of states or kingdoms with which contemporary ethnic groups can be identified existed before 1500. Of these,
the three dominant regional groups were the Hausa in the northern kingdoms of the savanna, the Yoruba in the west, and the Igbo in the south.
Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. Under the constitution, the executive branch is headed by a president, who is popularly elected for a four-year term and is assisted by a cabinet. The bicameral legislature consists of a 360-seat house of representatives and a 109-seat senate; all legislators are elected for four-year terms. Parliament convened for the first time in Abuja in Aug., 1999. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 36 states and a federal capital territory.
This collection of internet sources provides access to a sampling of useful web sites that provide information and resources for learning and teaching about the history and cultural traditions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Emphasis is on online resources of Nigerian cultural resource institutions and local groups providing information on Nigeria’s cultural properties and landscapes, material culture, and expressive forms such as language, arts and crafts, music, dance theater, and literary arts. Although selective, inclusion of a site by no means constitutes endorsement by either the African and Middle Eastern Division or the Area Studies Directorate of the Library of Congress. Every source listed here was successfully tested before being added to the list. Users, however, should be aware that a successful connection may sometimes require several attempts.
