Nigeria

All demographic indicators on this page are based on UN mid 2025 estimates unless stated otherwise.

Nigeria population (live estimate)

Real-time estimate based on UN demographic growth models.

237,527,000

Annual growth: 2.055%.

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Official population estimates

World population
237,527,000
Median age
18.1
Population growth rate (%)
2.055 ▲ Population is growing

This map shows first-level administrative regions (ADM1).

Key Facts

  • Capital: Abuja
  • Official language: English
  • Region: Western Africa
  • Continent: Africa
Languages
Languages and linguistic groups
Religions
Religious composition
Cities
Major cities and urban areas
Administrative divisions
States
Population
Population structure and dynamics

Languages

A brief overview of the linguistic situation in the country.

Official language
English
Minority language
6
Working / administrative language
1

Nigeria is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with over 500 Indigenous languages. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are the three major regional languages. English is the official language and functions as a neutral medium in administration, education, and national politics.

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Religions

A brief overview of the religious composition of the country.

Dominant religion
Islam
Largest share
56.1%
Number of religions
7

Nigeria’s huge population is distributed among highly distinct ethnolinguistic zones. Lagos, Abuja, and Kano are major multilingual hubs. Migration, urbanization, and interethnic interaction create dynamic language mixing in urban areas.

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Cities

A brief overview of the major cities and urban structure of the country.

Largest city
Lagos
Number of cities
457

The cities shown here represent major urban centres with populations over 50,000, as defined by the UN Degree of Urbanisation (DEGURBA) methodology. Smaller towns and rural settlements are not included.

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