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Bauchi State

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Bauchi is a large state in northeastern Nigeria. It sits near several other states like Jigawa, Yobe, and Gombe. It also borders Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, and Kano. The state is named after its capital city, Bauchi. It is a very big place. In fact, it is the fifth largest state in Nigeria. It is also the fifth most populous state. In 2022, more than 8,308,800 people lived there.

The land in Bauchi changes depending on where you stand. In the south, you will find the West Sudanian savanna. This area is greener and has more rain. As you move north, the land becomes the Sahelian savanna. This area is much drier and looks like a semi-desert. You might see stands of thorny shrubs here. In the southwest, the land is mountainous. This is part of the Jos Plateau.

Sumu wildlife park002
Sumu wildlife park002

Bauchi has a long and interesting history. A long time ago, a hunter named Baushe lived there. He settled in the region before the first ruler of the Bauchi emirate arrived. In the early 1800s, the Fulani jihad formed the Bauchi Emirate. Later, a British expedition arrived in the area. They made Bauchi a province. Eventually, the area became part of independent Nigeria in 1960. The state we know today was officially formed on February 3, 1976.

Many different groups of people call Bauchi home. There are 55 tribal groups living in the state. Some groups include the Bolewa, Fulani, and Kanuri. People from different groups often interact through marriage and trade. Most people in Bauchi are Muslim. About 15% of the people are Christian. There are also small groups who follow traditional ways. Many people work in farming. They grow crops like cotton, millet, and yams. They also raise livestock.

Water buck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) -Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State (1)
Water buck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) -Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State (1)

Nature is a big part of life in Bauchi. Yankari National Park is a famous place in the south. It is a large wildlife park. You can see many animals there. These include waterbuck, African buffalo, and hippopotamus. It is also home to some of the last West African lions and leopards. Visitors can also visit the Wikki Warm Springs. The state has many rivers too. The Gongola and Jama'are rivers flow through the land. These rivers help provide water for the people and the animals.

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File:Water buck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) -Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State (1).jpg
Water buck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)...
File:Sumu wildlife park002.jpg
Sumu wildlife park002.jpg
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