14 things to know about Nigerian

Nigeria, the country with the largest population in Africa, stands out for its culture, creativity and economy. More than 200 million people live there. It hosts Nollywood, the planet's second biggest film industry plus serves as a center for Afrobeats music. Bright fashion, active tech centers and long-held customs place Nigeria at the front of African invention but also art.

The land holds many kinds of terrain - dry desert, open grassland, wet swamp, thick forest and the spot where the Niger besides Benue Rivers meet at Lokoja. That junction feeds the wide Niger Delta. Inside Jasahaka Gomti National Park, Chapel Valley rises 2,491 meters.

Over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages exist among the people. The Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo form the largest groups. Bright festivals, clothes as well as classic dishes show this mix. Every group brings its own food - the nation's cooking style stays varied.

Old places keep culture alive. The Kofar Mata dye pits in Kano rank as Africa's oldest. Art grows from the old Benin Kingdom and from famed painters Nike Davis-Okundai next to Ben Enwonwu. Two spots hold UNESCO World Heritage status - Sukur Cultural Landscape besides Osun Sacred Grove.

In 1986, Wole Soyinka won the first Nobel Prize in Literature given to an African. Nigeria also owns world records for butterfly variety or scientists still find new species.

Oil and gas reserves, plenty of minerals also growing world trade push Nigeria to the top of Africa's economy. Forecasts place it among the ten largest economies by 2050. The flag carries green and white for land next to peace. The coat of arms shows two white horses, a red eagle and the national flower, all standing for pride plus natural riches.

Nigerians stay tough welcoming and eager. The nation holds ambition, hope, deep culture but also fine land.