Ibibio has an amazing artistic culture, most known for creating intricate wooden masks and carvings. The lands in which the Ijaw inhabit are extremely oil-rich. This is bittersweet for the Ijaw people, as oil exploration has subjected their land to ecological vulnerability. The Hausa came around 1000 years ago and started trading centers and kingdoms. The Zaar or ‘Sayawa’ as they are called by their Hausa-Fulani neighbours are found in two Local Govt Areas of Bauchi State namely; Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro. Being the largest ethnic group in Nigeria, Hausa have always been some of the main players in Nigerian politics since Nigeria was granted independence from Britain in 1960. Although Nigeria is rich in her diverse ethnicity, many of these groups mentioned above live segregated from others. The National Question in Nigeria is probably one of the most complicated in the world - with over 120 languages spoken, three main ethnic groups, none of which constitutes a majority of the population, and the religious divide between Christians in the south and Muslims in the north. Along with the Hausa, Fulani people have also been a dominant presence in the sphere of Nigerian politics since independence in 1960. In the course of this article, we would be looking at the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. Ijaw isoko Udi Abakiliki Aworis Egun Tiv Jukun are all tribes grouped under the aforementioned ethnic groups. Ijaw traditional system is headed by a "Pere" (King) who rules over a clan or village. The Ijaws are fearless and bold! Since independence, Nigeria has been plagued by civil conflict between ethnic groups and the two main religious groups, Muslims and Christians. The geography ranges from southern coastal swamps to tropical forests, woodlands, grasslands, and semi-desert in the north. Table 1.7: Views on whether respondents are members of ethnic groups in Nigeria or not. Ethnic groups in Nigeria.Nigeria is truly a fascinating country with 36 States and a Federal capital territory. Some of the Igbo states include; Anambra, Ebonyi, Abia, Rivers, Delta, Imo and Benue. The middle belt of Nigeria is well known for its diversity, with many of these remaining groups living in this part of the country. Hausa-Fulani Culture is spread on the West and North of the country. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer and among the biggest in the world but most of its people subsist on less than $2 a day. Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, and over 500 additional indigenous languages. That said, as there are dozens (if not hundreds) of peoples who live in Nigeria, it would most likely be impossible to talk about all of them in detail. The clothes of Igbo women is very similar to those of the Edo women, as the main attraction of their outfits is the abundance of coral. The Ibibio, mostly found in southeastern Nigeria, have a rich oral history passed down through generations. That said, if we have not talked about one of the ethnic groups in Nigeria that is close to your heart, feel free to share your knowledge in the comments. That said, as there are dozens (if not hundreds) of peoples who live in Nigeria, it would most likely be impossible to talk about all of them in detail. They comprise the 4th largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Nigeria is a very rich cultural center. READ ALSO: Edo traditional wedding attire. The Yoruba numbered more than 20 million at the turn of the 21st century. Nigeria: Indigenous Ethnic Groups. For that reason, we have decided to focus only on the major ethnic groups in Nigeria and their traditional wears. These were the first people identified as an indigenous ethnic group. Men often wear long wrappers with long shirts that reach the middle of the thigh, along with beads and caps, and they carry walking sticks. Each village spoke in its own dialect of the Igbo language but they have became more and more scarce as the Igbo people have started speaking … They have long been opposed to Sharia law in Nigeria, with most Igbo identifying as Christian. Individuals who are not members of a dominant group but who have lived and worked for several decades in the territory of the group are still considered to be aliens. Nigeria is a fascinating country; in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, there are over 500 ethnic groups and over 500 languages spoken! As for the way they dress, Urhobo/Isoko men usually wear white lace shirts (or sometimes other pastel shades), Georgian wrappers and black cowboy hats, and they carry walking sticks. The most authentic Igbo dressing styles you will love. Enjoy the beauty of traditional Hausa dressing for ladies. The ethnic groups or nationalities are spread across the country and represented in all the levels of government. Yoruba, one of the three largest ethnic groups of Nigeria, concentrated in the southwestern part of that country. The majority of the Kanuri ethnic groups is found in Nigeria, with the rest being found in Chad, Niger and a small number in Cameroon. The Zaar (Sayawa) speakers are the second largest ethnic group in Bauchi State. Although the Kanuri culture is rich with tradition, Boko Haram are using their lands as a base for operations, and innocent Kanuri people have been subjected to violence and Sharia law. For the purposes of this article, ‘ethnic group’ refers to the social identity built on the mythomoteur of language, history, cultural practices, myths, symbols and (in the case of Nigeria also) geographic location (Armstrong 1982). Ethnic groups. The Hausa culture is homogenized, meaning, throughout Nigeria, the Hausa culture is extremely similar. Nigeria is a country located on the west coast of Africa. This was a two and a half year battle in which Igbo people were subjected to brutal conditions, many starving to death during this time. Ibibio people in the region also inquired (with the British Crown) to become their own sovereign nation within Nigeria (pre-independence). Let’s talk about ethnic groups in Nigeria and their mode of dressing. Once again, we are talking about another major Nigerian tribe, but it is still important to note what the Igbo people traditionally wear. Nigeria reportedly has about 200 tribes and over 350 ethnic groups. In the Niger Delta region, where ethnic groups include Ijaw, Igbo, Ogoni, Efik, Ibibio, and Uhrobo among others, Christians form a substantial majority; a small but growing minority of the population is Muslim. When they moved to the place they currently reside in, they realised that the zebras, whose skin they used to make clothes, was not native to their new home. These clothes usually have elaborate embroidery around the neck. Yoruba women wear Iro and Buba (wrapper and a top), along with a Gele (head wrap) on their heads and Ipele (sash) over the shoulder. That said, as there are dozens (if not hundreds) of peoples who live in Nigeria, it would most likely be impossible to talk about all of them in detail. The Kanuri people are found in northeastern Nigeria. Ethnic Groups: Nigeria has 250 ethnic groups. Goodluck Jonathon, the Prime Minister of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 identifies as an Ijaw, and his election to the highest office in Nigeria was a proud moment for Ijaw people. Nigeria is extremely diverse, with hundreds of ethnic groups and even more languages governed through a federal system of 36 separate states, each with their own ethnic and religious composition. The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa–Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the west, and Igbo in the … Ethnic Groups In Nigeria & Their States (List) 1) Igbo. Yoruba men usually wear a Sokoto and a Buba or an Agbada, along with Fila (traditional cap). In Nigeria, Igbos are one of the three major tribes. Igbo society, unlike the Hausa and Yoruba, is non-hierarchical and not reliant on a centralized society. List of Ethnic Groups in Nigeria And Their Foods. The Ijaw have historically had tensions with the rest of the Nigerian population. The country features 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, which is known as Abuja.The country of Nigeria features over five hundred different ethnic groups, many different languages, and declared its independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960. Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups, with varying languages and customs, creating a country of rich ethnic diversity. Most ethnic groups in Nigeria have formed illegal vigilante or militia groups, protecting their interests from other groups within the country. This group seeks to express many of the Kanuri grievances towards the Nigerian government. The population of the country is leading on the continent as the Nigerian people make up approximately one-eighth of all the inhabitants of the continent. The Tiv people all trace their ancestry back to an ancient individual also named Tiv, who had two sons. The Igbo ethnic group is the most popular ethnic group in the South-Eastern and South Southern parts of Nigeria. If we are talking about a special event, such as a wedding, the women can also be seen carrying horse tails. The Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are the major tribes in Nigeria. In fact, our diversity is one of our major strength as a nation. These groups include Ebira, Edo, Gwari, Jukun, and Igala, to name a few. Boko Haram, an Islamist insurgent group in the North of Nigeria, are mostly of Kanuri descent. Fulani and Hausa together make up approximately 29% of the population of Nigeria. Hausa are also recognized for practicing Islam as their main religion. The Ijaws live close to the river and thus, all their myths and legends are water based. The Igbo people of Nigeria make up approximately 18% of the population. There are over 520 languages spoken, and over 371 ethnic groups that are fully represented. 2) Yoruba. Edo men wear flowing attire made with voile, Ankara, lace, Guinea or Jacquard, along with trousers or white wrappers and loose shirts. READ ALSO: Names of Efik traditional attire. That way, you will be able to learn more about at least some of the people rather than too little about too many. Ethnic groups of Nigeria . This is largely due to intermarriage and Fulani living among the Hausa population. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com, Largest Ethnic Groups And Nationalities In The United States, 10 Countries Where Women Far Outnumber Men, The Most Famous Serial Killers In America And Their Twisted Crimes. With estimates of their population reaching 67 million, Hausa make up approximately 25% of the Nigerian population. The Muslim religion became the factor that united two similar (but still a bit different) cultures into one Hausa-Fulani Culture. Fulani adopted Islam early, and a large section of the Fulani people are recognized as excellent Islamic clerics. Nigeria is a very ethnically diverse state with over 250 ethnic groups and over 500 languages. Igbo men wear Isiagu (a shirt with large lion heads, crowns or other symbols) or a long shirt, wide-legged pants or wrappers, as well as caps (for example a leopard had called Okpu Agwu or a fez) and corals. Kanuri people are predominately Sunni Muslims. The Ijaw live in the Niger River Delta area of Nigeria and constitute around 10% of the population of the country. The first outfit consists of a short top and wrapper with some traditional accessories for the arms and legs, while the second is a gown accompanied by large golden hair accessories. They settled thousands of years ago and lived in different villages and each were ruled by council of elders. Ethnic Group~ The Igbo (ee-bo) are the largest ethnic group in Eastern Nigeria. The remaining ethnic groups in Nigeria make up 12% of the Nigerian population. The last tribe we want to mention is the Tiv people, whose traditional clothes are among the most fascinating we have ever seen. The Kanuri ethnic group is the fifth largest in Niger, accounting for 4.6% of the population. Other Ethnic Groups in Nigeria. If you are just as interested as we are in customary wears of various peoples in Nigeria, then you will definitely enjoy this article. Due to the over 200 ethnic groups that formed Nigeria, there is division of the nation along tribal lines. Tribalism is one of the causes of ethnic conflict in Nigeria. Usually, the Ipele and Gele are made out of matching fabrics; some of the time, the wrapper also matches, while the top can be a completely different colour. In 1967, Igbo fought with the Nigerian government to achieve independence. These people are the predominant tribe in Delta State, particularly in its central and south regions. The beads are meant to symbolise freedom and royalty. In Russia, there are over 185 ethnic groups and more than 100 languages spoken with Russian being the official state language. According to traditional history, Iduh, the father of the Idoma had several children who each... Idoma Traditional Attires and Colours. Both men and women can be seen wearing striped black and white clothing by the name of Anger. Are you a member of any of the ethnic groups in Nigeria? Hausa are known for raising cattle and other stock, growing crops and trading. Over the past few years thousands of people have been killed in ethnic clashes. Violence among ethnic groups, farmers, and herdsmen sometimes acquires religious overtones. Check out beautiful Idoma traditional wears. Our government will protect all religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria, whether majority or minority, in line with our responsibility under the constitution. This is one of the only sources of income for the group. Nigeria, country located on the western coast of Africa. Some Tiv people identify as Christians, even less as Muslim. Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a coast on the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria is found in West Africa and borders Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.Nigeria is a fascinating country; in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, there are over 500 ethnic groups and over 500 … Here we have another big group of tribes who share similarities in their traditional attire. (World Geography - Nigeria: History) While dates differ in research, around 100 AD, the southern region of Nigeria was populated with the Ife, Oyo, and Benin tribes. How Many Serial Killers Are Active In The UK Now? The Hausa-Fulani ethnic groups count for 30 percent of the population, the Yorubas about 20 per cent and the Igbos about 18 percent. These people have lived in this part of Nigeria for several hundred years. Re: Map Of Ethnic Groups In Nigeria As It Revolves From 1901- 2015 by justtoodark: 7:00pm … Tribes & Ethnic Groups In Nigeria And Their Foods. Today, Ibibio predominantly identify themselves as Christian. Since this war, Igbo have been reintegrated into Nigerian society; a lot Igbo still feel marginalized by the status quo in Nigeria. There are an estimated 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria. Read more about Ethnic groups in Nigeria Background/ Brief History The Sayawa are said […] Much smaller, scattered groups live in Benin and northern Togo. The clothes usually consist of a blouse and skirt or a dress. Ethnic group~ The two largest and most popular ethnic groups in Northern Nigeria are the Hausa and Fulani. The different ethnic groups soon became connected because there were lots of marriages between them. Source: Field Survey, Dec., 2012. olygamy in the marriage in the culture is allowed as well as divorce. They look drinking as well! Hundreds of languages are spoken in the country, including Yoruba, Igbo, Fula, Hausa, Edo, Ibibio, Tiv, and English. Men are expected to set aside money that will be used to ensure they have a properly elaborate funeral. The militant Islamist movement Boko Haram is active in northern Nigeria. This ethnic group upholds many cultural traditions, including music and culture festivals, traditional Yoruba art, and conventional architecture. According to estimations from 2018, Nigeria's major ethnic groups are Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), and Fulani. A … Ladies can be seen wearing two wrappers made out of the same material as the men’s, along with a head tie and a blouse. Neighboring countries include Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Nigeria is the seventh-largest country in the world. As for women, they traditionally wear zani (wrappers) that are made out of colourful cloth called atampa, along with matching blouses, head ties and shawls. From the colonial times till date, leaders use ethnic biases to win election and divide the country. These Cross River State traditional outfits will take your breath away. The diversity of the people who make up the country is what makes Nigeria rich in culture. The traditional colours of the Idomas are red and black stripes. 2. In everyday life, they can wear embroidered blouses and wrappers and sport some face marks and traditional jewellery. 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[fn] Nigeria’s 36 states are grouped into six geopolitical zones on the basis of geographical proximity, ethnic ties and cultural affinity, as well as shared political and administrative history. Country of Nigeria.