NIGERIA

 The State of Christianity

Nigeria has a substantial Christian population particularly in the south. The middle region is an area of religious contest where Muslims and Christians are struggling for dominance. The north is predominantly Islamic. The population of Christians has been put at between 50% and 60%.

 Political Climate

After several years of military rule, democracy was restored to the nation in 1999. Since then, two other national elections have been held under a multi-party system. The country has survived several political tensions.

 Economic Situation

Once an agrarian economy, the nation now relies heavily on petroleum exports. As a result of the effort of the last civilian administration, a portion of the nation’s debt was waived by its international creditors.

 Religious Tolerance

The nation is secular. Some of the states in the north have adopted the Sharia legal system. Christians are persecuted in many of the core-northern states. There have been many religious riots leading to the burning down of church building, looting and loss of several lives in this area.

Officially however, there is freedom of religion.