Lagos

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. As only two censuses (in 1972 and 1991) have been taken since independence, estimates of its population vary considerably, but generally range from 10 to 15.5 million people, making it the second largest in Africa (after Cairo). more...

One of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Lagos is located at 6°34′60″N, 3°19′59″E.

Lagos is built on the mainland and the series of islands surrounding Lagos Lagoon. Originally a small village, known as Eko, its position as one of the few natural harbours on the Atlantic coast made it a principal site for European contact. The Portuguese gave the locality its name of "Lakes" (Lagos in Portuguese): a reference to the coastal lagoons.

Lagos is the former capital city of Nigeria as it was replaced by Abuja but the city remains the commercial center of Nigeria. The city officially lost its status as the capital city of Nigeria on 12 December 1991.

Geography

The commercial centre remains Lagos Island, which is connected to the mainland by three large bridges: Eko Bridge, Carter Bridge, and Third Mainland Bridge. Ikoyi and Victoria islands are closely connected to Lagos Island. The main docks are in Apapa directly opposite Lagos Island. Other districts on the mainland include Ebute-Meta, Surulere, Yaba (Lagos) (site of the University of Lagos), Mushin, and Ikeja, site of Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Features

The mainland is home to most of the residential areas and famous music-based nightlife, notably around Yaba and Surulere, as well as the Nigerian National Stadium, the University of Lagos, the Lagos State University and the railway station (with trains to Kano). Attractions in the city include the Lagos National Museum, Tafa Balewa Square known for its war memorials, the Independence House skyscraper (built in 1963), many markets including the Balogun Market and the Brazilian quarter, all on Lagos Island; the Nigerian National Theatre and several beaches. The city also has two airports: the Murtala Mohammed International Airport and the Lagos Domestic Airport. Though largely derelict, Tinubu Square on Lagos Island is a site of historical importance. It was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified Nigeria took place.

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