Nigeria

British influence and control over what would become Nigeria grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history.

Population (1): 138,283,240

Religions (1): Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

HIV/AIDS 2003 estimates (1):
Adult prevalence rate: 5.4%
People living with HIV/AIDS: 3.6 million
HIV/AIDS deaths: 310,000

Life expectancy in years (2): 44

Annual per capita GNI U.S. dollars (3): $640.00

Total number of orphans (4): 8,600,000

Education:
Children completing primary school (5): Male – 71%; Female – 75%
Children enrolled in secondary school (6): Male – 37%; Female – 31%

Number of physicians per 100,000 people (7): 28

(1) CIA – The World Factbook
(2) (5) (6) Source: State of the World Population 2007
(3) Source: World Bank World Development Indicator Database, 1 July 2007, 2006 estimates
(4) Sources: UNICEF Africa’s OVCs affected by AIDS 2005
(7) WHO Human Resources for Health

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ROS serving in Jos, Nigeria

Dianne and Lee Johnson
Tom Maggio
Melanie Martin
Julie and David Pederson
Gretchen and Dave Peterson

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