What is the smallest state in Nigeria?
Have you ever thought that the smallest state in Nigeria according to land mass can be the state with the biggest population in the whole country? If not, then it is absolutely needed to read the article so as to get convinced that this is real.
First of all, it is quite important to know that there are 36 states in Nigeria – all of various shapes and with different population density.
Nigerian states map will help us to orientate oneself in the majority of Nigerian states. All the Nigerian states have something special to attract and surprise you. So, have a look and study them.
Lagos or smallest state
Now let’s turn to the exact topic of the article – the smallest state in Nigeria.
What is it? – will you ask. Definitely you should pay attention to Lagos state.
Lagos state is situated in the southern part of Nigeria. It is the smallest state in Nigeria, but what about smallest state population?
You will be surprised but it is quite overcrowded with people due to the fact that it has the second largest state in Nigeria according to population criteria (after Kano State).
In addition to this it can boost its highly developed economic sphere.
Now it’s time to get acquainted with its history of foundation and formation.
Foundation of Lagos: main aspects
This state was created in 1967 when according to the reform of administrative division Nigeria was divided into 12 states. Then it was time for Lagos to become one of the separate state.
Before this occasion the ruling of the state was conducted by federal government in which composition was Lagos Ministry. Lagos State began to perform its functions in 1968, Lagos comprised two missions – the capital city of the state an also the capital of federal state.
In 1976 it was time when the capital of Lagos state was moved to Ikeja, and then in 1991 to Abuja. Despite this Lagos still remains one of the busiest financial and business centres of the state.
Administrative-territorial division of Lagos state
Lagos is one of the Nigerian states which consists of 5 administrative units and 20 territories of local administrative governing.
Etymology of the name of state and city
In 15th century it had the name which sounded as Eko – on the language of Edo people it meant "military camp" where there was state of Benin soldiers. Yoruba people continue to use this name till now. From the last third of the XV century till present times it has the name Lagos.
In 1472 Portuguese Explorer Rui de Sequeira visited one of the districts of the city and after that called the district - Lago de Curamo, whence was taken the modern name Lagos "lake lagoon". According to another explanation, the name comes from the Latin name Lacobriga. Sounds interesting, don’t you think?
What can be even more exciting than Lagos main sights and places of interest?
First of all, you need to know that if we speak about the Lagos city you can reach it landing in Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Smallest state in Nigeria most essential museums and memorable places
• Archeological museum
• Independence Palace which is much greater than you may imagine it to be – it occupies more than 25 floors.
• Oba's Palace
• National Arts Theatre
• Nigerian National Museum
• Old colonial town
• Sand beaches, as: Bar Beach, Lekki Beach
• Third Mainland Bridge with the length 11,8 km
Lagos Square
King’s Square can be described as one of the most breathtaking Lagos sights. Here you are able to get pleasure from a walk and you can drop into cozy restaurants and cafes which are trying to satisfy you with a number of extravagant dishes. In the evening it is especially beautiful, it is famous for the colored fountains which attract everybody’s attention dazzling with their beauty.
The main attractions in Lagos are markets - with a huge area, located mostly outdoors. Here, everything is mixed in a most peculiar way, with all, both sellers and buyers, you can hear deafening squawking and arguing, terrible distress that occurs simultaneously on all sides, somehow miraculously making their way cars and cabs. These markets come not only from Nigeria but from surrounding countries, as Lagos is one of the biggest ports in Africa. Here you can buy everything, and sometimes at a very reasonable price, especially if you know how to bargain.
Of course, in Lagos there are also some two-storey supermarkets, mainly located in the fashionable area of Victoria island, the business center of the city, with blocks of offices of glass and concrete, and respectable restaurants and casinos, but still the main bustling is around the markets.
Very interesting is its Sunday Church service. On the weekends almost all the population attends Church. Moreover, services are quite fun, singing and orchestra playing national motives, almost every service is transformed into a small folk festival. Very attractive!