As of December 2023, Nigeria's population was estimated at around 226.2 million. Between 1965 and 2023, the number of people living in Nigeria increased at an average rate of over two percent. In 2023, the population grew by 2.44 percent compared to the previous year. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. By extension, the African continent records the highest growth rate in the world.
Africa's most populous country
Nigeria was the most populous country in Africa as of 2023. As of 2022, Lagos held the distinction of being Nigeria's biggest urban center, a status it also retained as the largest city across all of sub-Saharan Africa. The city boasted an excess of 15 million residents. Notably, Lagos assumed the pivotal roles of the nation's primary financial hub, cultural epicenter, and educational nucleus. Furthermore, Lagos was one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world.
Nigeria's youthful population
In Nigeria, a significant 50 percent of the populace is under the age of 19. The most prominent age bracket is constituted by those up to four years old: comprising 8.3 percent of men and eight percent of women. Nigeria boasts one of the world's most youthful populations. On a broader scale, both within Africa and internationally, Niger maintains the lowest median age record. Nigeria secures the 18th position in global rankings. Furthermore, the life expectancy in Nigeria is an average of 62 years old. However, this is different between men and women. The main causes of death have been neonatal disorders, malaria, and diarrheal diseases.
Population of Nigeria in selected years between 1950 and 2023
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World Population Review. (December 13, 2023). Population of Nigeria in selected years between 1950 and 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122838/population-of-nigeria/
World Population Review. "Population of Nigeria in selected years between 1950 and 2023." Chart. December 13, 2023. Statista. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122838/population-of-nigeria/
World Population Review. (2023). Population of Nigeria in selected years between 1950 and 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122838/population-of-nigeria/
World Population Review. "Population of Nigeria in Selected Years between 1950 and 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 13 Dec 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122838/population-of-nigeria/
World Population Review, Population of Nigeria in selected years between 1950 and 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122838/population-of-nigeria/ (last visited July 22, 2024)
Population of Nigeria in selected years between 1950 and 2023 [Graph], World Population Review, December 13, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122838/population-of-nigeria/