Abuja

Abuja
Ovinuchi Prince Ejiohuo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Abuja
Settlement type	Capital city
Pushpin label position	bottom
Coordinates	9.07°N 7.53°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Nigeria
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Federal Capital Territory
Leader title	Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
Leader name	Mohammed Bello
Established title	Founded
Established date	1828
Area total km2	713
Population total	1075894
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	1510
Timezone	West Africa Time
Utc offset	+1

Abuja. Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, located in the Federal Capital Territory, and is home to many international organizations, including the African Development Bank, United Nations, and European Union. The city is situated near the Aso Rock and Zuma Rock formations, and is close to the Kaduna River and Benue River basins. Abuja has a diverse population, with people from various ethnic groups, including the Hausa people, Igbo people, and Yoruba people, and is an important hub for Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Dangote Group.

Geography

Abuja is located in the central part of Nigeria, in the Federal Capital Territory, and is situated near the Aso Rock and Zuma Rock formations. The city is close to the Kaduna River and Benue River basins, and is surrounded by the Jos Plateau and Niger Delta regions. Abuja's geography is characterized by a mix of savanna and tropical landscapes, with a climate that is influenced by the West African monsoon and the Harmattan winds. The city is also home to several parks and gardens, including the National Arboretum and the Jabi Lake.

History

The history of Abuja dates back to the 19th century, when it was a small village inhabited by the Gbagyi people and other ethnic groups. In the early 20th century, the city was chosen as the new capital of Nigeria by the British colonial administration, and was designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and the American architect William Pereira. Abuja was officially declared the capital of Nigeria in 1991, and has since become an important hub for politics, economy, and culture in the country. The city has hosted several international events, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the African Union summit, and is home to many embassies and high commissions, including the United States Embassy in Nigeria, British High Commission in Nigeria, and Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

Economy

The economy of Abuja is driven by the public sector, with many government agencies and parastatals headquartered in the city. The city is also home to many private sector companies, including banks such as First Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank, and telecommunications companies such as MTN Nigeria and Globacom. Abuja is an important hub for trade and commerce in West Africa, and is a major center for the agricultural and mining industries. The city is also home to many markets, including the Wuse Market and the Garki Market, and is a major center for the textile and manufacturing industries, with companies such as Dangote Cement and Nigerian Breweries.

Demographics

The population of Abuja is diverse, with people from various ethnic groups, including the Hausa people, Igbo people, and Yoruba people. The city has a population of over 1 million people, with a population density of over 1,500 people per square kilometer. Abuja is a major center for education in Nigeria, with many universities and institutions of higher learning, including the University of Abuja, Nigerian Turkish Nile University, and Baze University. The city is also home to many hospitals and healthcare facilities, including the National Hospital Abuja and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Abuja is well-developed, with many roads, highways, and bridges connecting the city to other parts of Nigeria. The city is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in West Africa. Abuja is also home to many hotels and tourist facilities, including the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the Sheraton Abuja Hotel. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, with many buses and taxis operating in the city. Abuja is also a major center for sports in Nigeria, with many stadiums and sports facilities, including the Abuja Stadium and the National Stadium (Nigeria).

Government

The government of Abuja is headed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who is appointed by the President of Nigeria. The city is divided into several local government areas, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council and the Bwari Area Council. Abuja is home to many government agencies and parastatals, including the National Assembly (Nigeria), the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Finance (Nigeria). The city is also home to many international organizations, including the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, the African Development Bank, and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria. Category:Cities in Nigeria