[2025 Edition] What kind of country is Nigeria? A 3-minute explanation of its population, culture, and traditional crafts
📖Reading time: about 3 minutes | 🛍️View African goods →
When you hear the word "Nigeria," what image comes to mind?
It may not be a country you're familiar with, but let's start by looking at some basic numbers to get a glimpse into this fascinating country.
First, let's look at the "African Giant" in numbers
Population/geographic statistics
Economic Statistics
Source: Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), IMF, etc.
Blessed with oil resources and the largest population in Africa, this country is also known as the "Giant of Africa." While it has a rich culture and beautiful traditions, it also faces various realities.
Cultures woven together by over 250 ethnic groups
Major ethnic composition
| Ethnic name | Population ratio | Main residential area | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hausa | Approximately 30% | northern | There are many Muslims and they are said to be good at business. |
| Yoruba people | Approximately 20% | Southwest | Creators of beauty, where art and culture flourish |
| Igbo people | Approximately 15% | Southeast | Passionate about education and entrepreneurial spirit |
| others | Approximately 35% | Nationwide | Over 250 unique ethnic groups |
Source: Nigeria's National Population Commission, CIA World Factbook
The unique cultures and traditions of each ethnic group have fostered the rich cultural soil of modern Nigeria.
The Yoruba people are the most numerous in Lagos.
The beautiful world of traditional textiles that captivates the world
Ankara
Wax print fabrics, with their striking, colorful and bold geometric patterns, were originally produced in the Netherlands but are now an integral part of the Nigerian woman's identity.
Adire
Source Wikipedia
A traditional Yoruba resist dyeing technique, "Adire" means "to tie and dye." The unique patterns created by artisans' handiwork are truly one-of-a-kind. No two pieces are the same.
Aso oke
Source Wikipedia
A traditional handwoven striped fabric, Aso Oke is worn by Yoruba people around the world on special occasions, including holidays, weddings, funerals, and chieftaincy ceremonies.
🌈 Incorporating African and global colors into your daily life
The vibrant culture of Nigeria's Ankara textiles is also alive and well in Kenya, East Africa. Our shop offers African textile products made by Japanese artists, as well as beautifully shaped and colorful handmade bags from Colombia.
la narrativa
Mochira
Traditional hand-woven bags by indigenous people
Various types available
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Nigeria's reality
Inequality amid economic growth
The multidimensional poverty rate* is 63%, and the income poverty rate is 40%. Despite the country having abundant natural resources, the benefits of these have not yet been distributed to the entire population.
*The multidimensional poverty rate refers to people who are in poverty in at least one-third of the weighted indicators of health, education, and living standards.
Challenges faced by the younger generation
The World Bank estimates that the overall unemployment rate will be around 3.1% in 2023, but the youth unemployment rate is higher, estimated at around 32%. Many young people are unable to find work even after graduating from university.
Water Slum Makoko
Africa's largest floating community
Have you heard of Makoko, the floating village in Lagos Bay? It is the largest floating community in Africa, said to be home to between several hundred thousand and one million people.
The village was established by fishermen who migrated from the Republic of Benin in the 19th century, and today many people live in stilt houses.
In Makoko, there is a floating school, church, and market, and canoes are an important means of transportation. Although basic infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewage is lacking, residents help each other and form a community.
I am deeply moved by the way people support each other and live in an environment that is completely different from the life we take for granted.
The reality of eviction
In 2012, the government carried out forced evictions, leaving many residents displaced. Even now, they face the threat of eviction due to development plans, but the residents persevere and continue to live in the area.
Urban development and residents' rights are challenges facing cities around the world, but the situation of the people of Makoko is particularly complex and heartbreaking.
Our store provides support by selling items made with Ankara at Makoko.
💚 How to support African communities, including Makoko
Our products directly contribute to creating jobs and improving incomes for people living in harsh environments such as Kibera slum in Kenya and Makoko in Nigeria.
🌍 Learn about and support Africa
Nigeria and other African countries have rich cultures and traditional crafts.
One way we can support them is by choosing sustainable products .
fair wages
Guaranteeing fair compensation for creators
Providing educational opportunities
A portion of sales will be donated to the school
environmental protection
Made with sustainable materials
Your purchase is a step towards changing the world
View sustainable products →🛍️ Products that bring African culture and sustainability closer to you
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We have a selection of carefully selected ethical products, from bags and accessories to miscellaneous goods.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
▼ Q: Do you sell Nigerian products?
A: Currently, we do not directly handle Nigerian products, but we do stock reversible bags and slippers made using Nigerian Ankara fabric, as well as a wide variety of handicrafts from Kenya and Colombia, which have cultures as rich as Nigeria. You can experience the traditional cultures of Africa and Central and South America.
▼ Q: What is fair trade?
A: It is a system that guarantees fair wages to producers in developing countries and ensures sustainable trade. Purchasing our products directly contributes to local job creation, educational support, and environmental protection.
▼ Q: Which product do you recommend?
A: For first-time buyers, we recommend the Kangarui double shopper (¥5,500) . It's colorful, easy to use, and allows you to easily incorporate African culture. View product →
▼ Q: Can I try it on?
A: Yes, we offer free trial and shipping . If the size or color doesn't fit, we offer a full refund guarantee, so you can try them on with confidence.
