Nasarawa State

Nasarawa is a state located in the North Central region of Nigeria. It serves as a vital part of the nation's geography and culture. The state is bordered by several other Nigerian states. To the north lies Kaduna State. To the east, it meets Taraba and Plateau states. The southern border is defined largely by the Benue River, which separates Nasarawa from Benue and Kogi states. To the west, it sits next to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The geography of Nasarawa is characterized by the tropical Guinean forest–savanna mosaic ecoregion. This means the landscape features a mix of forest and open grasslands. In the far northeast, the land includes a small portion of the Jos Plateau. The River Benue is a major feature, forming much of the southern boundary. The state is the fifteenth largest in Nigeria by land area. However, it is the second least populous state in the country. As of 2016, the population was estimated at approximately 2.5 million people.

The climate in Nasarawa follows a tropical wet and dry pattern, also known as a savanna climate. It remains hot throughout the entire year. The average yearly temperature is 29.39 °C (84.9 °F). The state experiences two distinct seasons. The wet season is often overcast and feels oppressive. The dry season is humid and partially cloudy. The hottest month is March, with an average high of 95 °F. The hottest period lasts about 2.5 months, from late January to mid-April. Conversely, a cool season lasts about 3.7 months from June to October.

Nasarawa has a complex political and social history. Before the colonial era, the area consisted of many small village-based states and larger empires. In the early 1800s, the Fulani jihad annexed the region. This brought the area under the control of the Sokoto Caliphate. During this time, Keffi, Lafia, and Nassarawa became vassal states. In the 1890s and 1900s, British expeditions occupied the territory. This incorporated the land into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate. Later, the area became part of British Nigeria in 1914. The modern state of Nasarawa was officially created on 1 October 1996. It was formed from the western portion of Plateau State by the Sani Abacha government.

The state is home to great ethnic and religious diversity. There are at least 25 different ethnic groups living in Nasarawa. These include the Eggon, Gwandara, Mada, Alago, Tiv, and Bassa. The Koro and Yeskwa live in the far northwest, while the Kofyar are in the northeast. The Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups live throughout the entire state. Religion is also diverse, with large numbers of Muslims and Christians. Followers of Traditional or Native Religions have decreased over time due to conversions.

Economics in Nasarawa are driven by agriculture and natural resources. Farming is the main industry for the state. Farmers grow crops such as sesame, soybeans, groundnut, millet, maize, and yam. The state also relies on livestock herding, including cattle, goats, and sheep. Beyond farming, the earth holds many valuable minerals. Artisanal miners extract resources like salt, baryte, bauxite, and coal. Other minerals include iron-ore, columbite, and sapphire.

The service industry is also important, especially in urban areas like the Karu Urban Area.

Education and tourism provide further layers to the state's importance. Nasarawa hosts many institutions of tertiary education. These include the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa and the Federal University of Lafia.

For visitors, the state offers unique natural landmarks. The Farin Ruwa Falls in Wamba is one of the highest waterfalls in Africa. In Keana, the Salt Village produces naturally iodized salt from a nearby lake. Hikers often visit the Eggon hills or Maloney Hill for the views. These sites connect the people of Nasarawa to their natural environment and ancestral heritage.