Nigeria has over 500 languages, including two languages that have speakers but no native speakers and nine languages that are considered extinct. English is the official language of Nigeria to facilitate communication between different ethnic groups. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, the largest is the Fulani at 29 percent, the next is the Yoruba at 21 percent, and the third largest ethnic group is the Igbo at 18 percent of the population.
Nigeria is home to many indigenous religions. However, it is predominantly Islamic with 50 percent of the population being Muslim. Muslims in Nigeria live predominantly in the north, while the second largest religious group, Christians, live predominantly in the south. 40 percent of Nigerians are Christian. The remaining 10 percent of people are adherents of one of the indigenous religions.
Extended families are the norm in Nigeria and act as a strong support of Nigerian society. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work together as a single unit. Family relationships are guided by seniority and hierarchical standing. The reputation of the entire family is affected by the behavior of its individual members.
The most common greeting in Nigeria is a handshake with a warm smile. The smile, an indicator of being genuinely happy to see someone, is very important. Men may place their left hand on the shoulder of the person being greeted. Rushing a greeting is considered rude, and it is important to ask about the person's health and family. Nigerian men generally wait for a woman to extend her hand before shaking hands. Devout Muslims will often refrain from shaking the hand of a member of the opposite sex. The use of academic and courtesy titles with a person's family name is generally accepted.
Gift giving is not much different from traditional gift giving elsewhere. When invited to dinner, fruit, nuts or chocolate for the host is traditional. Bringing small gifts for the children is appreciated. Gifts should be given using either the right hand or both hands, never only the left hand. Gifts should be wrapped, and may or may not be opened immediately.
