Nigeria - Religions



Nigeria Religions 1246
Photo by: Gianni

Religious affiliation in Nigeria is strongly related to ethnicity, with rather distinct regional divisions between ethnic groups. The northern states, dominated by the Hausa and Fulani groups, are predominantly Muslim while the southern ethnic groups have a large number of Christians. In the southwest, there is no predominant religion. The Yoruba tribe, which is the majority ethnic group in the southwest, practice Christianity, Muslim, and/or the traditional Yoruba religion, which centers on the belief in one supreme god and several lesser deities.

Overall statistics indicate that about 50% of the population are Muslim, with a majority practicing the Sunni branch of the faith. About 40% are Christian and about 10% practice traditional African religions or no religion at all. Many people

LOCATION: 2°30′ to 14°30′ E; 4°30′ to 14°17′ N. BOUNDARY LENGTHS: Chad, 87 kilometers (55 miles); Cameroon, 1,690 kilometers (1,050 miles); Atlantic coastline, 853 kilometers (530 miles); Benin, 773 kilometers (480 miles); Niger, 1,497 kilometers (930 miles). Broken lines indicate rivers and lakes that are dry for most of the year, only filling with water during infrequent rainy periods. TERRITORIAL SEA LIMIT: 30 miles.
LOCATION: 2°30′ to 14°30′ E ; 4°30′ to 14°17′ N. BOUNDARY LENGTHS: Chad, 87 kilometers (55 miles); Cameroon, 1,690 kilometers (1,050 miles); Atlantic coastline, 853 kilometers (530 miles); Benin, 773 kilometers (480 miles); Niger, 1,497 kilometers (930 miles). Broken lines indicate rivers and lakes that are dry for most of the year, only filling with water during infrequent rainy periods. TERRITORIAL SEA LIMIT: 30 miles.

include elements of traditional beliefs in their own practice of Christianity or Islam. The Christian community is composed of Roman Catholics (the largest denomination), Methodists, Anglicans, Baptists, Presbyterians, and members of Evangelical and Pentecostal groups.

Though the constitution prohibits state and local governments from declaring an official religion, a number of states have recently adopted various forms of the Islamic criminal and civil law known as Shari'ah, a move which many Christians believe to be an adoption of Islam as the de facto religion. The constitution also provides for freedom of religion, however, some states have restricted religious demonstrations, processions, or gatherings as a matter of public security. Business owners and public officials have been known to discriminate against individuals of a faith different than their own in matters of providing services and hiring practices. The same type of discrimination exists between members of different ethnic groups. Certain Christian and Muslim holidays are officially observed.

There is a high degree of tension between Christians and Muslims with a record of violence against both groups. However, conflicts may stem primarily from ethnic and regional differences, since there are a number of reports of violence between different ethnic groups of the same religion.

User Contributions:

1
ken
I think Nigeria should be sincere to the constitution that forbids state's religion or better still, let the Country be devided so that those who don't want to see other religions exist sould be on their own. I think this will to a large extent bring the religious crises into control
Nice article.But do you think that there are more Moslems than Christians in Nigeria.Also what do you think are the major causes of religious unrest in Nigeria.
KEEP ON DOING THE GREAT WORK!!!
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thank you for your time.
I want to know what type of clothing is needed in Nigeria (West Africa) if we have to spend two years there. For example in New Delhi we need both cotton clothing during summer and during winter season we need warm clothing like woolen clothing, Coat pent suit etc is used during winter. So, I want to know about the full season which type of clothing are need keeping in mind the full 12 months. I am talking about men’s clothing.
5
shawn
I think that Nigeria has got all completely right.

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