Nigeria’s Top 10 Ethnically and Religiously Diverse States

Introduction:

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a nation known for its rich cultural tapestry and diversity. This diversity is prominently reflected in the demographic composition of its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In this article, we delve into the unique characteristics of each state, emphasizing the ethnic and religious percentages that contribute to the nation’s vibrant identity.

Top 10 States Showcasing Regional Harmony:

State Demographic Breakdowns:

1. Abia State – God’s Own State:

Abia State exhibits a cultural blend with approximately 85% Igbo, 10% Ibibio, and 5% others. Religiously, it leans towards 90% Christian and 10% Muslim.

2. Adamawa State – Land of Beauty, Sunshine, and Hospitality:

Adamawa State showcases diversity with an estimated 35% Fulani, 30% Bachama, 20% Bata, and 15% others. Religiously, it is balanced at around 50% Muslim and 50% Christian.

3. Akwa Ibom State – Land of Promise:

Akwa Ibom State is predominantly Ibibio, constituting around 90% of the population, with the remaining 10% from diverse backgrounds. Religiously, it is approximately 95% Christian and 5% Muslim.

4. Anambra State – Light of the Nation:

Anambra State is steeped in Igbo heritage, constituting approximately 85% of the population. The remaining 15% comprises diverse ethnic groups. Religiously, it is predominantly Christian, with around 95%, and a minority practicing indigenous beliefs.

5. Bauchi State – Pearl of Tourism:

Bauchi State presents a diverse ethnic landscape with an estimated 40% Fulani, 25% Kanuri, 20% Sayawa, and 15% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, accounting for around 80%, with the remaining 20% following Christianity and indigenous beliefs.

6. Bayelsa State – Glory of All Lands:

Bayelsa State is characterized by a Niger Delta fusion, with the Ijaw ethnic group constituting approximately 70% of the population. Other ethnic groups make up the remaining 30%. Religiously, it is predominantly Christian, with around 90%, and a minority practicing traditional beliefs.

7. Benue State – Food Basket of the Nation:

Benue State’s demographic makeup includes approximately 35% Tiv, 30% Idoma, 20% Igede, and 15% others. The religious composition is around 55% Christian and 45% Muslim.

8. Borno State – Home of Peace:

Borno State boasts a rich cultural tapestry, with an estimated 30% Kanuri, 25% Shuwa Arab, 20% Babur, and 25% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 95%, and a small Christian minority.

9. Cross River State – The People’s Paradise:

Cross River State features diverse communities, with approximately 35% Efik, 30% Ejagham, 20% Bekwarra, and 15% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Christian, with around 90%, and a minority practicing indigenous beliefs.

10. Delta State – The Finger of God:

Delta State is a vibrant ethnic mosaic with an estimated 50% Urhobo, 25% Itsekiri, 15% Ijaw, and 10% others. Religiously, it is approximately 70% Christian and 30% Muslim.

11. Ebonyi State – Salt of the Nation:

Ebonyi State serves as a melting pot with an ethnic distribution of approximately 40% Igbo, 30% Ezza, 20% Ikwo, and 10% others. Religiously, it leans towards 85% Christian and 15% Muslim.

12. Edo State – Heartbeat of the Nation:

Edo State boasts a rich cultural heritage, with an estimated 45% Edo, 30% Esan, 15% Afemai, and 10% others. Religiously, it is approximately 60% Christian and 40% Muslim.

13. Ekiti State – Land of Honor and Integrity:

Ekiti State is primarily Yoruba, constituting approximately 95% of the population, with the remaining 5% from diverse backgrounds. The religious makeup is around 80% Christian and 20% Muslim.

14. Enugu State – Coal City State:

Enugu State has a predominantly Igbo population of around 85%, with the remaining 15% comprising various ethnic groups. The religious breakdown is roughly 80% Christian and 20% Muslim.

15. Gombe State – Jewel in the Savannah:

Gombe State features an ethnic tapestry with an estimated 40% Fulani, 30% Tangale, 20% Waja, and 10% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 80%, and a minority practicing Christianity.

16. Imo State – Eastern Heartland:

Imo State is known for its cultural richness, with an estimated 95% Igbo, and 5% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Christian, with around 95%, and a small Muslim minority.

17. Jigawa State – The New World:

Jigawa State boasts cultural diversity with an estimated 30% Hausa, 25% Fulani, 20% Kanuri, and 25% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 95%, and a small Christian minority.

18. Kaduna State – Centre of Learning:

Kaduna State is a melting pot with an estimated demographic distribution of 40% Hausa, 30% Fulani, 15% Gbagyi, and 15% others. Religiously, it is about 50% Muslim and 50% Christian.

19. Kano State – Centre of Commerce:

Kano State represents a cultural crossroads with an estimated 50% Hausa, 30% Fulani, 15% Kanuri, and 5% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 95%, and a small Christian minority.

20. Katsina State – Home of Hospitality:

Katsina State is a heritage hub with an estimated 50% Hausa, 25% Fulani, 15% Katsinawa, and 10% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 95%, and a small Christian minority.

21. Kebbi State – Land of Equity:

Kebbi State exhibits agrarian diversity with an estimated 30% Fulani, 25% Zarma, 20% Dakarkari, and 25% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 90%, and a small Christian minority.

22. Kogi State – Confluence State:

Kogi State exhibits diversity with an estimated 45% Igala, 25% Ebira, 20% Okun, and 10% others. Religiously, it is about 60% Muslim and 40% Christian.

23. Kwara State – State of Harmony:

Kwara State is a confluence of cultures with an estimated 40% Yoruba, 35% Fulani, 15% Nupe, and 10% others. Religiously, it is approximately 60% Muslim and 40% Christian.

24. Lagos State – Centre of Excellence:

Lagos State boasts a diverse demographic, with an estimated 40% Yoruba, 30% Igbo, 20% Edo, and 10% others. The religious distribution is approximately 50% Christian and 50% Muslim.

25. Nasarawa State – Home of Solid Minerals:

Nasarawa State exemplifies unity in diversity with an estimated 35% Tiv, 25% Alago, 20% Eggon, and 20% others. Religiously, it is about 60% Muslim and 40% Christian.

26. Niger State – The Power State:

Niger State features riverine diversity with an estimated 30% Nupe, 25% Gbagyi, 20% Hausa, and 25% others. Religiously, it is approximately 70% Muslim and 30% Christian.

27. Ogun State – Gateway State:

Ogun State, known as the gateway to Nigeria, has an estimated 40% Yoruba, 35% Egba, 15% Egbado, and 10% others. Religiously, it is approximately 60% Muslim and 40% Christian.

28. Ondo State – Sunshine State:

Ondo State is characterized by an estimated 40% Yoruba, 30% Ikale, 20% Ondo, and 10% others. Religiously, it’s around 60% Christian and 40% Muslim.

29. Osun State – Land of Virtue:

Osun State, considered the cradle of civilization, has an estimated 50% Yoruba, 30% Ijesha, 15% Ife, and 5% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 70%, and a minority practicing traditional beliefs.

30. Oyo State – Pace Setter State:

Oyo State is the Yoruba heartland, with an estimated 45% Yoruba, 30% Ibadan, 15% Oyo, and 10% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 60%, and a significant Christian minority.

31. Plateau State – Home of Peace and Tourism:

Plateau State maintains a delicate balance, with an ethnic makeup of approximately 45% Berom, 30% Hausa, 20% Igbo, and 5% others. Religiously, the composition is around 55% Christian and 45% Muslim.

32. Rivers State – Treasure Base of the Nation:

Rivers State embodies the essence of the Niger Delta, with an estimated 40% Ikwerre, 25% Ogoni, 20% Ijaw, and 15% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Christian, with around 90%, and a minority practicing indigenous beliefs.

33. Sokoto State – Seat of the Caliphate:

Sokoto State, with a rich caliphate legacy, features an estimated 50% Hausa, 30% Fulani, 15% Zabarma, and 5% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 95%, and a small Christian minority.

34. Taraba State – Nature’s Gift to the Nation:

Taraba State boasts ethnolinguistic diversity with an estimated 25% Jukun, 20% Mambilla, 20% Kuteb, and 35% others. Religiously, it is diverse, with a balance between Muslims and Christians.

35. Yobe State – Pride of the Sahel:

Yobe State boasts a unique cultural composition, with an estimated 50% Kanuri, 30% Bade, 15% Bolewa, and 5% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 95%, and a small Christian minority.

36. Zamfara State – Farming is Our Pride:

Zamfara State’s demographic makeup includes approximately 45% Hausa, 30% Fulani, 15% Yoruba, and 10% others. Religiously, it is predominantly Muslim, with around 90%, and 10% adhering to other beliefs.

Abuja (Federal Capital Territory) – Centre of Unity:

As the capital city, Abuja’s demographic landscape is cosmopolitan, with an estimated 40% Yoruba, 30% Hausa, 20% Igbo, and 10% others. Religiously, it is evenly divided at approximately 50% Christian and 50% Muslim.

Conclusion:

This curated list provides a glimpse into the intricate cultural and religious landscape of Nigeria’s states. Each region contributes uniquely to the vibrant mosaic that defines Nigeria’s cultural identity. The blend of ethnicities and religious beliefs within these states reflects the nation’s commitment to unity amid diversity. Nigeria’s Top 10 Ethnically and Religiously Diverse States exemplify the nation’s resilience and rich heritage.