Do you think that you live in the most populous city of Africa? It`s time to find out the real answer to that! What is the largest city in Africa? Zenithblog.com will give you the answer! Check top 11 amazing facts about the biggest city in Africa!
What is the largest city on the Africa Continent?
You won`t believe it, but the largest city in Africa by area and by population is Lagos. The biggest city is located in Nigeria! The fastest growing city in Africa can has a population of over 21 million people! The land area of this city occupies 999.6 square kilometers! The metropolis area covers 1.178.28 square kilometers.
The first mention of this city is dated to the 15th century. At the time, the Yoruba people called it “Oko”. In the 16th century, the city became a part of the Benin Empire. At this time, it was renamed to “Eko”. The modern name “Lagos” was given to the city by the Portuguese. This name can be translated as “lakes.” When the British Empire seized Nigeria, Lagos was named the capital of the Protectorate. This happened in 1914.
Lagos continued to serve as the Nigerian capital even after independence. On December 12, 1991, Lagos lost its capital status. Nevertheless, it continues to be the economic and financial center of Nigeria. Now, let`s take a look at the top 11 amazing facts about Africa`s largest city!
Largest City in Africa Continent – Top 11 Facts
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11. Tallest buildings in West Africa
If you want to look at a modern African city with a modern urban skyline, then you need to visit Lagos! It`s home to the tallest building in West Africa – NECOM House! It`s a 32-storey and 160 m skyscraper! It was built in 1979. Even today, it serves as a beacon for the Lagos harbor.
10. Nollywood
Have you heard about Hollywood and Bollywood? Well, Nigeria has its own version called Nollywood. This center of the filmmaking industry is located in Lagos. You may not believe it, but it`s the third most valuable film making industry in the world.
9. Fastest Growing City
Can you imagine Lagos 35 years ago? It was not the biggest city at the time as it had only 1.5 million people. But today, it has a population of over 21 million people, and it keeps growing. Only ten years ago, the metropolitan area population was only about 8 million inhabitants, according to the census data.
8. Floating City
Maybe it`s not like Venice, but Makoko definitely has its charm. Makoko is a water city inside Lagos. People have been living there for decades. However, it`s not considered as an attractive tourist centre. Makoko is seen as a slum. The Federal, State and City Government prefer to look away from Makoko.
The Guardian wrote several articles about this location in the city and the situation of the people. Makoko is a floating city with schools, medical centers, and markets. Still, due to Lagos City policies, the future of Makoko is uncertain.
7. Lagos is barely above sea level
It`s highly risky to live in Lagos as even the slightest sea rise can be fatal for the city. The Sea level is continually rising due to a lot of factors! One of the main factors is the greenhouse effect. Still, the government does not pay much attention to the potential threat of Lagos sinking.
6. Commercial Center
Even if the city is not the capital of the country, it`s certainly a commercial center of the country. Lagos is one of the most expensive cities in Africa and the world. Lagos generates about 10% of the country`s GDP. It`s a focal point of major banks, commercial institutions, and financial corporations.
5. It`s the city of millionaires
According to the Global Wealth Intelligence and AfrAsia Bank, there are 9,100 millionaires in the largest city in Africa. Nevertheless, Lagos does not have the largest population of millionaires in Africa. The city comes third in terms of ratings. The second place is given to Cairo with 10,200 millionaires. The gold medal goes to Johannesburg with 23,400 millionaires.
4. Night Life
Lagos is also known as a city with a vibrant night life in Africa. You can take a trip to the most popular clubs in Nigeria here! Just take a look at the most popular clubs and bars in Lagos!
– Escape;
– Velvett;
– Quilox;
– The Bank;
– Thistle Bar;
– Apapa Club.
These clubs and bars can provide you with the best night life experience in Africa`s largest city!
3. The Import Center
Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria by means of import and export trade. About 80% of import products come through the port of Lagos. Also, about 70% of export products go through this port. Therefore, the port of Lagos is on the list of top 10 largest ports in Africa!
2. Home to the second longest bridge in Africa
Third mainland Bridge is of a huge significance to Lagos. It has the official name – Ibrahim Babangida Bridge. The length of this bridge is 10500 meters. The project of the bridge was finished in 1990. It`s only second to Cairo’s 6th October Bridge.
1. The busiest airport in Nigeria
The Lagos Airport is considered to be the busiest airport in Nigeria. This statement is true for local and international flights. The Lagos airport is also one of the busiest airports in Africa.
Africa Continent Biggest City
Lagos is a city for the rich and the poor. It`s a city of dreams and disasters. Every person can find something interesting in the most populous city of Africa. You just need to know where to look!
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