Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event Nigeria has a rich culture. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. We're helping multinational clients adequately prepare to thrive in the African market. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. [37], The Igbo people, commonly and often referred to as Ibo people, are one of the largest ethnic groups to ever exist in Africa; they have a total population of about 20 million people. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. There is also a rich nightlife, complete with live music events, and celebrations around personal milestones such as birthdays and weddings, in Nigerias bustling cities. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. The difference in the way we work, live and interact with each other is as a result of the culture we have come to be a part of. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. Individuals turn to members of the extended family for financial aid and guidance, and the family is expected to provide for the welfare of every member. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. The Hausa group (majority of them are Muslims) prevail in the northern region of Nigeria. [44] With a population of over ten million, the Ijaws are arguably the most populous tribe inhabiting the Niger Delta section and arguably the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria occupying about 10% of Nigeria's population. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. That the Igbos were prospering long before the colonial masters came The Igbo-Ukwu culture's place in Nigerian history also demonstrates that the indigenous inhabitants of Nigeria had a stable way of life and were prospering long before the arrival of the colonial rulers. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. Other Nigerian artists include the Nsukka group, formed at the University of Nigeria at Nsukka in the early 1970s, consisting of Uche Okeke, Chike Aniakor, Obiora Udechukwu, El Anatsui, Tayo Adenaike, Ada Udechukwu, and Olu Oguibe. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. From the farmers in the rural areas to the bankers in the city, work is a central and important part of daily life in Nigeria. Kingdoms and empires of precolonial Nigeria, Controversies surrounding the 2007 presidential election, Nigeria under Umaru Musa YarAdua and Goodluck Jonathan, The 2015 elections and electorate concerns, Recession, fight against corruption, and insecurity, Which Country Is Larger By Population? The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). [55] Oyo and the other kingdoms declined in the late 18th and 19th centuries owing to disputes among minor Yoruba rulers and invasions by the Fon of Dahomey (now Benin) and the Muslim Fulani. Curtis shares a powerful quote from Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, about the importance of the first 100 hires in shaping a company's culture. The Great Wall of Benin was a great structural and architectural piece that was way ahead of time and stood to protect the ancient Benin kingdom. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. However, even with the countrys infrastructural challenges, there are still quality, , and innovative transportation options, such as, Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. Some would argue that the real soundtrack of Nigeria is not Afrobeats, but the din of diesel generators as most Nigerians, even if they are connected to mains . The 41-page PDF document has been authored by one of our Nigeria country specialists and provides readers with much more detail that our free guide above. Yam is the main staple food of the Igbos which is why they celebrate the new yam festival every year when the harvesting of yam starts. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Helon Habila, Sefi Atta , Flora Nwapa, Iquo DianaAbasi Eke,[69] Zaynab Alkali and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,[70] among others, are notable Nigerian authors whose works are read widely within and outside the country.[71]. Working hours in the north often vary from those in the south so that Muslims do not work on their holy day, which is Friday. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. These include Femi Osofisan,[68] whose first published novel, Kolera Kolej, was produced in 1975; Ben Okri, whose first work, The Famished Road, was published in 1991, and Buchi Emecheta, who wrote stories drawn from her personal experiences of gender inequity that promote viewing women through a single prism of the ability to marry and have children. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. The bulk of the Hausa-Fulani population is mainly centered in and around the centres of Sokoto, Kano and Katsina, which are said to be important market centres on the southern area of the trans-Saharan caravan trade routes. These are the three main tribes in Nigeria, followed closely by the Edo people (southwest region), tribes in the Delta region (southernmost region), and the Benue State (Middle Belt region). It has become a common lingua franca as a result. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. You will frequently see colleagues gathering at a restaurant or local watering hole for after-work drinks to discuss the latest news in business, politics, or tabloid gossip. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. They shape and regulate his behavior. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. The import market for this fabric is dominated by the Dutch company Vlisco,[83] which has been selling its Dutch wax print fabric to Nigerians since the late 1800s, when the fabric was sold along the company's oceanic trading route to Indonesia. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. February 22, 2023 The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. Gifts from a man to a woman must be said to come from the mans mother, wife, sister, or other female relative, never from the man himself. Renewing America, Backgrounder Prioritize employee satisfaction. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. For men the loose-fitting shirt goes down to halfway down the thigh. The Kanuri people[12] are located in the northeast part of Nigeria, the Tiv people[13] of north central and the Efik-Ibibio[14] are in the south south. It is used for expressing one's feelings. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. Therefore, culture serves as a social memory for mankind. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, became internationally famous in the 1970s and 1980s and has inspired generations of Western artists, such as Talking Heads and Beyonc. Always wait until invited before using someones first name. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. We live in a multi-faceted country. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerians inner circle of family and close friends.Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. Nollywood movies are beginning to reach audiences in Europe and the United States, with cities such as Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Toronto now hosting Nollywood film festivals. However some of these states were conquered, taken over and re-established by the Fulani people which then led to the formation of a few other kingdoms such as Katagum, Hadejia and Gombe. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. February 13, 2023 Every culture in Nigeria has unique diets, mode of dressing, mode of production, language, greetings, marriage, mode of socialization, political systems that could be annexed for development. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. With an increasingly cosmopolitan elite, Olanrewaju writes, luxury brands are eager to establish firmer footholds there. Although all of these magazines discuss the latest fashion trends, some also choose to take on taboo issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence. Both concepts, each an aspect of a single whole, aspire to protect and preserve the purity, sanctity and sacredness of the land and the people therein.