Nigeria is a country in Western Africa, Africa. In 2025 it has about 238 million people (UN estimate), the 6th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1960Population: 6th
Nigeriaナイジェリア
Region
Western Africa, Africa
Population
about 238 million (6th)
Area
923,768 km² (31st)
UN member since
October 7, 1960
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Nigeria in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 238 million, the 6th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1.9 times Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 923,768 km², the 31st largest of the 193. That is about 2.4 times Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 257.
Joining the United Nations
Nigeria joined the United Nations on October 7, 1960.
That was 4 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Think about it
Q1Compare Nigeria’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Nigeria on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Nigeria, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 16 UN member states in Western Africa. The one with the most people is Nigeria.