Nigeria

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, with an estimated 155 million people, and among its most diverse, with more than 250 distinct ethnic and linguistic groups. Islam and Christianity are nearly equally represented, while African traditional religions are also prevalent. The country has abundant natural resources, including the largest oil and gas reserves in sub-Saharan Africa. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria has reflected deep-seated divisions, pervasive instability, and recurring conflict. The challenges to stability in Nigeria can be seen along political, social, and economic dimensions. There is no question that Nigeria contends with multiple vulnerabilities, and that the specter of failure is often present. Yet the country also embodies important sources of resilience, including institutional innovation, elite bargaining, and civic resources for attenuating conflict. It remains an open question whether Nigeria will realize a more positive trajectory, continue to experience stagnation and violence, or suffer a descent into calamity. The pivotal elements that could determine these alternate paths include elections, leadership, elite strategies, and key economic indicators.