Nigeria is an oil-rich Cinderella state that never quite made it to the ball. During the 1970s, when oil prices rocketed, Nigeria looked set to become the shining example of a prosperous and democratic West African republic but perversely managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It has had the odd moment of oil-induced triumph but its history is littered with tin-pot dictators, massacres, bloody civil wars, human rights abuses, and horrific famines. It is now a country that is saddled with a soaring crime rate, massive unemployment, overpopulation; and it's still recovering from a military government run on bribery and corruption. With the election in 1999 of former military ruler General Olusegun Obasanjo, there were hopes Nigeria may enter a new period of stability. Sadly, the elections restored democracy in name only.

But the very thing that has made Nigeria so ornery and difficult to unite into a single peaceful republic is also its attraction. There are over 250 different peoples, languages, histories, and religions all rubbing shoulder to shoulder in this hectic, colourful, sometimes cockeyed republic. It is also the place to go if you're into music. Nigeria is constantly pounding to the rhythms of traditional African juju music, Afrobeat and reggae. It's not the most pleasant or relaxing place to visit, but if you're looking for a challenge it's the place to be.

GDP: US$143.5 billion
GDP per head: US$1380
Annual growth: 1.6%
Inflation: 14%
Major industries: Crude oil, natural gas, coal, palm oil, peanuts, cotton
Major trading partners: USA, EU, and Japan