Nigeria: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Nigeria — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
195,874,740
#7 of 197 countries
Area
923,768 km²
#33 of 248 countries
Density
212.0 / km²
#66 of 245 countries

Nigeria has a population of 195,874,740 spread across 923,768 km², giving it an average density of 212.0 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world. This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.

Most Populous Cities

Kano (city)
4,910,000
44661 / km²
Ibadan
3,649,000
12634 / km²
Abuja
2,690,000
5009 / km²
Port Harcourt
2,120,000
9918 / km²
Kaduna
1,850,000
11237 / km²
Benin City
1,782,000
4021 / km²
Maiduguri
1,110,000
19196 / km²
Ilorin
1,080,000
13258 / km²
Jos
1,040,000
5279 / km²
Sokoto (city)
1,040,000
15688 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
19.4
Life Expectancy
62.2 yrs
Literacy Rate
63.2%
Government
federal presidential republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Nigeria is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 25% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Lower middle income
GDP per Capita
$2,139
Cost of Living
25% of US
Inflation
24.7%
Inequality
35.1
Moderate