Nig
e r R i ve r Delta
Geo 8
Figure Number C01-P27-G08SB
Tech/Maps
Pass 1st pass
Approved
0176590552
Label is 8 pt., tracking 100Lake Chad, in the northeast corner,
is shown as it existed in the 1980s, but it has since shrunk to
less than 1/4 of its previous surface area (see C01-F14)
BENIN
Gulf of Guinea
NIGER
NIGERIA
CHAD
CAMEROON
Kano
Abuja
Kaduna
Lagos
Ibadan
N
150 km0
Geo 8
Figure Number C01-F14-G08SB
Tech/Maps Michael Borop
Pass 3rd pass
Approved
0176590552
Data displayed is from Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics
(2006) due to discrepancies in several states; see
http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/
fewer than 100people per km2
more than 100people per km2
Geo 8
Figure Number C01-F14leg-G08SB
Tech/Maps Michael Borop
Pass 3rd pass
Approved
0176590552
N
CASE STUDY
EXPLORE THE ISSUE 1. With a partner, look at Figure 1.25
and Figure 1.26. Choose one area
in northern Nigeria and one area in
southern Nigeria. Create a t-chart
and compare the environment and
population density of the two areas.
2. Create an inquiry question that
will help the government address
population growth in Nigeria.
POPULATION PATTERNS AND GROWTH IN
NIGERIANigeria is the eighth largest country on
Earth by population. It has one of the fastest
growth rates (2.5 percent) in the world.
By 2050, Nigeria may be the third
largest country by population, with over
440 million people. This is equivalent to
13 times Canada’s current population living
in a space a little smaller than Ontario.
NATURAL FACTORSThe Nigerian landscape ranges from rich
forests in the south to grasslands in the
drier savannah and semi-desert regions in
the north (Figure 1.25). A low-lying coastal
plain rises from the humid southern coast
to the centre of the country. The plain then
descends into drier northern regions.
Nigeria is home to the Niger River delta,
one of the largest deltas in the world. A delta
is a plain of fertile sediment deposits that
forms when a river empties into another
body of water. Mountainous regions sit to
the north and east of the delta, with the
highest elevations just over 2000 m. Nigeria
has a tropical climate with average annual
temperatures between 25 °C to 30 °C.
SETTLEMENT PATTERNSMost Nigerians live in the flat coastal
plains
and the river delta regions in the south.
These regions have abundant water, tropical
rainforest, and access to the sea for fishing
and trade.
Fewer people live in northern Nigeria,
which has a drier environment. Long-term
drought has made life difficult for northern
Nigerians in the Sahel region. Millions have
migrated to the already dense cities in the
south. Figure 1.26 shows the population
density patterns in Nigeria.
ECONOMIC GROWTH FACTORSMany African nations were under the
control
of European countries as colonies for
centuries. Nigeria was no exception. During
the colonial period (1500 to 1950), resources
such as cacao, coffee, palm oil, cotton, wood,
and ground nuts were sent to Europe and
made into more valuable products. This
meant that wealth left the country, while
most Nigerians remained poor.
Recently, oil reserves were found in the
coastal regions, particularly in the Niger River
delta area. Nigeria is now the largest oil
producer in Africa and the twelfth largest oil
producer worldwide. Nigeria’s oil economy
has attracted migrants from all over West
and Central Africa. The wealth from oil,
however, does not benefit most Nigerians
or migrant workers. Low wages are paid
to many workers, while the majority of the
oil wealth goes to large corporations and
the government.
MANAGING A GROWING POPULATIONCurrently, six out of ten Nigerians
are under
25 years of age. With such a large number of
people entering their reproductive years, the
rate of population growth could increase.
The Nigerian government faces a difficult,
but not impossible, task. Nigeria will have
to plan and put in place the structures
and services to help support population
growth. The government is emphasizing
employment skills and education for its
citizens. For example, the government is
offering programs that will train young men
in skilled trades. Another program focuses
on improving the education rate for females,
which is a factor in lowering birth rate
and family size. However, many Nigerians
believe that large families show importance
and prosperity.
FIGURE 1.25 A shaded relief map of Nigeria. Can you identify the
areas that are most suitable for human settlement?
FIGURE 1.26 A choropleth map of Nigeria’s population density
Population Density Patterns in Nigeria
Abuja9.07°N, 7.48°E
NIGERIA
NIGERCHAD
CAMEROON
BENIN
Gulf of Guinea
350 km0
N
c01_f13_go8sb
Crowle Art Group
4th pass
Geography 8 SB
0-17-659055-2
FN
CO
Pass
Approved
Not Approved
Nigeria
40 UNIT 1: Global Settlement: Patterns and Sustainability
CHAPTER 1: Population Patterns and Growth 41NEL NEL
