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Situated in tropical West Africa, the oil rich state of Nigeria is the regional superpower, but despite its abundant natural resources it remains one of the world's poorest countries with a per capita GDP of just US$300 per annum.
The country is made up of over 250 tribes, and this explosive mix together with tensions between the Muslim population and the Christians, who make up the majority in the oil producing south of the country, have contributed to Nigeria's potential being untapped. Decades of civil war, famine, military dictators and rampant corruption have left the country with deep
divisions that will take many years to ease. Despite recent democratic elections (April 2003) there remains a real risk of renewed civil war.
The capital city is Abuja, but the largest economic center and chief port is Lagos, located on the Bight of Benin in southwestern Nigeria. Lagos was formerly the capital but this was moved to Abuja in the heart of the country in 1991, largely in a bid to curb the frenetic migration to Lagos not only from rural Nigeria, but neighboring countries as well. This sprawling overcrowded industrial metropolis is already home to more than 14 million people.
With 500 miles (805km) of coastline Nigeria has all the raw ingredients to make for a top tourist destination, and the new government has pledged to improve infrastructure and attract investment to tap the country's tourism potential. Meanwhile, this varied land of sandy beaches, lagoons, tracts of tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls and fascinating historic sites is being enjoyed by only the most adventurous travelers.
The vast majority of visitors to Nigeria come for business and the regular flights from Europe and North America have remained packed with oil executives looking for their slice of Africa's largest oil producer.
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