Read Around the World: Nigeria
The next stop on our world tour of reading is The Federal Republic of Nigeria. Here are some facts about Nigeria (and please feel free to add your own facts in the comments section):
- Nigeria has the largest population in Africa with over 170 million people and approximately 250 ethnic groups. The Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo are the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.
- Archaeological discoveries have shown that Nigeria is one of the oldest locations of human existence.
- The official language is English but more than 500 native languages are also spoken.
- Home to Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry that trails just behind Bollywood
- It is the 12th largest producer of crude oil in the world
- Average life expectancy is 52 years old due to poor healthcare, living conditions, and lack of access to clean water.
- Nigeria has been plagued by sectarian violence, military coups, and corruption as a result of both ethnic and religious tensions.
Book Selected: Half of a Yellow Sun
by Chimamanda Ngozi Acidly
Published in: 2006
Find it/buy it here:Half of a Yellow Sun
Reason Selected: To be honest, the main reason we selected this book is because we both loved it and wanted to share it with you. The book is also a good selection to represent Nigeria for several reasons: 1) It gives readers a background to understanding some of the sectarian violence that has plagued Nigeria for many years; 2) it is filled with descriptions of cultural traditions; and 3) it follows characters from different backgrounds, highlighting the diversity of traditions within Nigeria. But more than anything, this book is a beautiful novel about a country and a people who have struggled with adversity.
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Nicole Del Sesto
The Reader's Room 