Lagos State, Nigeria was created on May 27, 1967. Prior to this date it was the Federal Territory of Lagos. It is located in the southwestern corner of the country and borders Ogun State in the north and east, the Republic of Benin in the west, and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. The metropolitan area of Lagos, one of Africa's largest, is located in the state. The state's population is estimated to be over 13,000,000 but other reports differ, with the Lagos State Master Plan reporting 10,600,000 residents and the 1991 census reporting 5,685,000. The population density is high, as this is one of the smallest states in the republic. Lagos was the Nigerian capital until December 1991, when the capital was relocated to Abuja. Lagos still remains the center of business and industry the country.

Lagos State is divided into multiple local government areas, with Ojo being the largest, followed by Mushin, Oshdi/Isolo, and Mainland/Surulere. The capital of Lagos State is Ikeja, located on the mainland.

The ethnic composition of Lagos State is mixed. The original inhabitants were from the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba, though other subgroups such as the Eguns, Ijebus are also present in some number. As the national capital until 1991, Lagos State attracted large numbers of migrants from across the country, and is now inhabited by a mixture of ethnic groups. While the Yoruba may hold a plurality of the population, there are large enclaves of Hausa, Ibo, and other groups.

Links

• Lagos State Government Official Site (http://www.lagosstate.gov.ng/)