Abuja

From Freepedia

Abuja, estimated population 1,078,700, is the capital city of Nigeria in western Africa. When it was decided to move the national capital from Lagos in 1976, a capital territory was chosen for its location near the center of the country. The planned city was located in the center of what is now the Federal Capital Territory. Abuja officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991. Abuja is located at 9°10' North, 7°10' East (9.1667, 7.1667). [1]

Most countries moved their embassies to Abuja and maintain their larger former embassies as consulates in the commercial capital, Lagos.

Abuja's feature is Aso Rock, a 400 metre monolith left by water erosion. The Nigerian Presidential Complex, Nigerian National Assembly, Nigerian Supreme Court and much of the town extend to the south of the rock. "Aso" means victorious in the language of the (now displaced) Asokoro (the people of victory).

Other sights include the Nigerian National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre cathedral. The city also has an airport, while Zuma Rock lies nearby. Much of the city has not yet been built as planned, and many buildings have not yet been completed.