Nigeria
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.08%
Home to approximately 233 million people, Nigeria is among the ten most populous nations globally. The country extends across 923,768 km², translating to a density of 252 people per km². Its capital is Abuja, and English is the official language, while the Nigerian naira serves as the national currency.
Population
232,679,478
Area
923,768 km²
Density
252/km²
World Rank
#6
General Information
- Capital
- Abuja
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Nigerian naira (₦)
- Calling Code
- +234
- Top-Level Domain
- .ng
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 232,679,478
- Land Area
- 923,768 km²
- Population Density
- 252 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.08%
- Annual Growth
- +4,839,733 people
- Daily Growth
- +13,260 people
- World Population Share
- 2.87%
- Coordinates
- 10.00°, 8.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $1.1k classifies Nigeria as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3.1%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 33.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
54.5 years
GDP per Capita
$1,084
Birth Rate
33.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
11.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
63.0%
Fertility Rate
4.48 births/woman
Infant Mortality
60.1 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.1%
Literacy Rate
70.4%
Internet Users
39.2%
Under 15
41.0%
Over 65
3.0%
Health Spending
4.2% GDP
Gini Index
33.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
95.4M
15-64 years
130.2M
65+ years
7.1M
Urbanization
About 63% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Abuja, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 15258.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
146.5M
63.0%
86.1M
37.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy is 54.5 years, considerably below the world average of 72.8, underscoring urgent public-health challenges. An infant mortality rate of 60.1 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. The literacy rate of 70.4% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Nigeria
Nigeria has 107 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Nigeria is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Nigeria participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 232,679,478 |
| 2030 | 251,729,688 |
| 2035 | 275,691,489 |
| 2040 | 299,772,547 |
| 2045 | 323,949,380 |
| 2050 | 348,221,544 |
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nigeria?
The population of Nigeria is approximately 232.7 million as of 2026, making it #6 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Nigeria?
The capital of Nigeria is Abuja.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria?
The main languages spoken in Nigeria are English.
How big is Nigeria?
Nigeria covers an area of 923,768 km² with a population density of 252 people per km².
Is Nigeria growing or shrinking?
Nigeria is growing at a rate of 2.08% per year, adding approximately 4,839,733 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Nigeria?
The average life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Nigeria?
The GDP per capita of Nigeria is $1,084.