Regions of Nigeria

Northern Nigeria

Picture
Physical Environment
Much of Northern Nigeria is high, flat plains covered by grasses and thorn trees.  There is very little water and almost everything is covered with sand.  This is because the area is repeatedly being hit by harmattans, or strong winds.  Drought is also a major issue.  It has decreased Lake Chad to one-tenth of it's original size since 1963.
Ethnic Groups
The two largest eithnic groups in Northern Nigeria are the Hausa and the Fulani. The Hausa settled about one thousand years ago. One-third of Nigerians speak Hausa, and the Fulani speak Fulfulde, a less common language. The Hausa are a more urban group, and the Fulani are a more rural group. The Fulani settled in the 1200s. People from both groups married and created a connected culture. This culture is called Hausa-Fulani. Both groups are Muslim, while most Nigerians are Chirstian. 
                                                                   Many states chose the shari'a as a base for their legal system.
Culture
Housing and clothing are affected by the hot climate. Most houses have flat roofs, are circular shaped, and made out of mud bricks. Men's clothing are floor-length robes over baggy cotton pants, and wear an Arab-style hat called a fez. Woman's clothing includes robes that cover the entire body. Muslilm woman wear hijabs. Some women also wear cloth headdresses.
Economy

The three main occupations are farming, herding, and trading.  Hausa farmers grow corn and millet.  They grow enough to feed their families, then sell the rest.  The Hausa also make traditional crafts and things tourists may like.  They also make factory made goods to sell to traders and merchants.  Fulani farmers sell products made from milk, and rarely kill cows to eat and sell.