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Abuja

General Information about Abuja

Abuja is the capital and one of the largest cities of Nigeria in Africa. Abuja is located in the centre of the country and is a planned city, built mainly in the 1980's, that is defined by the Aso Rock. The centre of Nigeria was chosen as the site for Abuja in the 1970's so that the capital city of the nation would be on neutral ground and signify unity. Abuja has a population of more than 778,500 people.

There are many landmarks, attractions and places of significance in Abuja including the Aso Rock and Zuma Rocks, Minister's Hill, the Nigerian National Mosque, the Presidential Complex, National Assembly, The Supreme Court and the Nigerian National Christian Centre.

Abuja's geography has been shaped by two rock formations, the Aso and the Zuma. The Aso Rock is a 400 metre monolith that was created by natural water erosion and is referred to as the 'Gateway to Abuja' as it is loacted at the head of the city of Abuja. The name Aso means 'victorious' in the now unused Asokoro language. The nearby Zuma Rock as also a great monolith and one of Abuja's prominent sites. The Zuma Rock is depicted on the Nigerian 100 dollar bill.

One of the most outstanding landmarks in Abuja is the Nigerian National Mosque. The moqsue consists of an enormous shiny dome along with minarets that was built in 1981. The President of Nigeria declared the Nigerian National Mosque a national monument which belongs to all Nigerians, however, non-Muslims are declined entry to the mosque and it's library, conference facilities and religious schools.

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