World Happiness Report for Nigeria 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Nigeria: 102
- Happiness Score Nigeria:4.881
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Nigeria. NG.
Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a federal presidential republic political structure. The country is known for its diverse cultural heritage, including over 250 ethnic groups and languages. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a significant presence in the oil and gas industry.
- Nigeria is home to Nollywood, the second-largest film industry in the world.
- The country’s diverse wildlife includes species such as the African elephant, lion, and hippopotamus.
- Nigeria has the highest population of any African country, with over 200 million people.
Nigeria – A Comprehensive Overview
History and Background
Early History: The area now known as Nigeria has been inhabited for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations including the Nok culture and the Kanem-Bornu Empire. The Yoruba kingdoms, such as Oyo and Ife, flourished in the southwestern region, while the Hausa states thrived in the north.
Kingdoms and Empires: The Kanem-Bornu Empire, centered in present-day northeastern Nigeria, was a powerful regional force from the 9th to the 19th century. The Sokoto Caliphate, founded in 1804, dominated much of northern Nigeria until the late 19th century.
Colonial Period: In the late 19th century, the British began colonizing the area, establishing the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. The colonial period saw the exploitation of natural resources and the suppression of local cultures.
Independence and Modern Era: Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. The country has faced numerous challenges, including a civil war from 1967 to 1970, military coups, and ethnic tensions. However, it has also experienced periods of democratic governance and economic growth, particularly due to its vast oil reserves.
Current Political Situation: Nigeria is a federal republic with a presidential system of government. The current president is Muhammadu Buhari, who was re-elected in 2019. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria faces issues such as corruption, insecurity, and economic inequality.
International Relations: Nigeria plays a significant role in regional and international organizations, including the African Union and the United Nations. It has been involved in peacekeeping missions and has sought to promote regional stability, particularly in West Africa.
Human Development and Economy: Nigeria is a major oil producer and has a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. However, poverty and inequality remain significant challenges, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line. The country has made progress in education and healthcare but still faces infrastructure and human development deficits.
Cultural Highlights: Nigeria is a culturally diverse nation with over 250 ethnic groups and languages. It is known for its vibrant arts, music, and literature, as well as its rich culinary traditions. Nigeria has also made significant contributions to the global entertainment industry, particularly in music and film.
Challenges and Opportunities: Nigeria faces challenges such as corruption, insecurity, poverty, and environmental degradation. However, it also has significant opportunities, including a growing youth population, vast natural resources, and potential for economic diversification and sustainable development.
Travel Tips for Nigeria
Best Times to Visit: The dry season, from November to March, is generally the most comfortable time to visit Nigeria, as temperatures are milder and rainfall is minimal.
Cultural Etiquette: Nigerians value respect and courtesy. Dress modestly, especially in religious settings, and avoid public displays of affection. Greet elders and those in authority with respect.
Safety Precautions: Exercise caution and avoid crowded areas, especially during periods of civil unrest. Seek advice from local authorities and your embassy or consulate regarding areas to avoid.
Must-See Landmarks: Visit the Zuma Rock in Abuja, the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Culinary Experiences: Try local delicacies such as jollof rice, suya (grilled meat skewers), and pounded yam with egusi soup.
Living in Nigeria
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Nigeria can be relatively low, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. However, prices for imported goods and housing in urban centers like Lagos can be high.
Housing: Expats often opt for gated communities or secure apartment complexes, while locals may live in traditional compounds or modern housing developments.
Main facts
Location
Nigeria is located in West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea. It is situated between Benin and Cameroon, with Niger and Chad to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The country lies within the tropics, traversed by the Niger River and its tributaries.
Map References
Nigeria is a country in West Africa, situated on the Gulf of Guinea.
Area – Comparative
With an area of 923,768 square kilometers (356,669 square miles), Nigeria is slightly more than twice the size of California.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Nigeria shares land borders with the following countries:
Coastline
Nigeria has a coastline of 853 km along the Gulf of Guinea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Maritime Claims
Nigeria claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
Nigeria has a tropical climate with varying rainfall patterns. The southern parts of the country experience heavy rainfall, while the northern regions are drier. Temperatures are generally high throughout the year, ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
Terrain
The terrain of Nigeria is diverse, ranging from low-lying coastal areas to plateaus and mountains in the north. The country features the Niger Delta, a vast river delta, and the Jos Plateau, an elevated region in the central part of the country.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi (2,419 meters or 7,936 feet) located in the Adamawa Plateau, while the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean (0 meters).
Natural Resources
Nigeria’s major natural resources include:
- Petroleum
- Natural gas
- Tin
- Iron ore
- Coal
- Limestone
- Niobium
- Lead
- Zinc
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Nigeria include:
- Niger River (shared with several countries)
- Benue River (a major tributary of the Niger River)
- Lake Chad (shared with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger)
Natural Hazards
The main natural hazards in Nigeria include:
- Periodic droughts
- Flooding
- Soil erosion
- Desertification
- Coastal erosion
Geography – Notes
Nigeria is home to diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, and mangrove swamps. The country’s oil and natural gas reserves are concentrated in the Niger Delta region, which has experienced environmental degradation due to oil spills and gas flaring. The country also faces challenges related to rapid urbanization and population growth.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 7.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 120,369. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 77.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 9.0819998.675277.
- Capital: The capital of Nigeria is Abuja
- Major Cities:
- Lagos – Population: 14.8 million
- Kano – Population: 3.6 million
- Ibadan – Population: 3.1 million
- Kaduna – Population: 1.6 million
- Port Harcourt – Population: 1.4 million
- Population: 200,963,599
- Area(Km2): 923768
- Population Density( P/Km²):226. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:234
- Official Language(s):Nigeria is Yoruba (21%), Igbo (18%), Hausa (32%).
- Currency: NGN
Main Economic Indicators
Nigeria has a diversified economy driven by both the oil and non-oil sectors. It has the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of around $448 billion (2021 est.). However, the country faces challenges like high unemployment, income inequality, and overdependence on oil exports. Notable policies include economic diversification efforts and infrastructure development.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15.6% (2021 est.), 13.2% (2020 est.)
Source: World Economic Outlook Database, International Monetary Fund
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B (Stable)
Moody’s: B2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 21.9%
Industry: 18.8%
Services: 59.3%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams, rubber, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, timber, fish
Industrial Products: Crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber products, wood, hides and skins, textiles, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel, small commercial ship construction and repair
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 64.3 million (2021 est.)
Ranking: 9th in the world
Current Account Balance
Current Account Balance: $6.5 billion (2021 est.), -$14.6 billion (2020 est.)
Ranking: 29th in the world
Exports and Imports
Exports: $53.8 billion (2021 est.)
Key Export Partners: India, Spain, France, Netherlands, United States
Main Exports: Petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, cocoa, rubber
Imports: $42.5 billion (2021 est.)
Key Import Partners: China, Netherlands, United States, India, Belgium
Main Imports: Machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and live animals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $40.5 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 21.4 tonnes (2021 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$448,120,428,859. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 1.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 34.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.46. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.54. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 8.10%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Nigerian(s)
Adjective: Nigerian
Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups and their approximate percentages:
- Hausa – 30%
- Yoruba – 15.5%
- Igbo (Ibo) – 15.2%
- Fulani – 6%
- Tiv – 2.4%
- Kanuri/Beriberi – 2.1%
- Ibibio – 1.8%
- Ijaw – 10%
- Others – 17%
Religions
Main religious affiliations and their approximate percentages:
- Muslim – 53.5%
- Christian – 45.9%
- Other/None – 0.6%
Age Structure
Distribution of the population across different age groups:
- 0-14 years – 42.79%
- 15-64 years – 54.58%
- 65 years and over – 2.63%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 83.4
Youth Dependency Ratio: 78.4
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 5
Median Age
Median Age: 18.4 years
Median Age (Male): 18.1 years
Median Age (Female): 18.7 years
Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity Rate: 8.9% of the adult population
- Alcohol Consumption: 13.1 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
- Tobacco Use: 5.6% of the adult population
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 54.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 62.02%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:37.91. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:13. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 5.39. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 63.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 102,806,948. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):72.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Nigeria’s military consists of the following main branches: Army, Navy, Air Force. Special units include the Brigade of Guards and Brigade of Guards Amphibious Battalion. The Nigeria Police Force is responsible for maintaining internal security, assisted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a paramilitary force.
Military Expenditures
Military spending as a percentage of GDP:
- 2020: 0.6%
- 2019: 0.5%
- 2018: 0.5%
- 2017: 0.4%
- 2016: 0.4%
Nigeria ranked 87th globally in military expenditure in 2020.
Personnel Strengths
Total active-duty military personnel: 223,000
- Army: 135,000
- Navy: 10,000
- Air Force: 10,000
Additional security services include the Nigeria Police Force (370,000) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (60,000).
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Main military hardware in use includes:
- Tanks: T-72, Vickers MBT
- Armored Vehicles: Panhard AML, EE-9 Cascavel, Otokar Cobra
- Artillery: D-30, M109A2 howitzers
- Aircraft: F-7N, Alpha Jet, L-39ZA
- Helicopters: Mi-24/35, AW109
Future acquisitions include JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters from Pakistan and T-14 Armata tanks from Russia.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Voluntary military service is open to Nigerians between 18-22 years old. No mandatory military service is currently in place.
Military Deployments
Current overseas deployments include:
- United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) – Around 900 troops
- United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) – Around 300 troops
Nigeria also contributes forces to the Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region.
Strategic Military Notes
Nigeria’s defense strategy focuses on combating internal threats from terrorist groups like Boko Haram and securing its territorial integrity, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The military plays a key role in regional security efforts and peacekeeping missions under the African Union and United Nations frameworks. Nigeria is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) military alliance.
- Armed Forces Size: 143000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.38
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 52.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.