Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria facts for kids
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is a special area in the middle of Nigeria. It's like a federal district, similar to how Washington D.C. is in the United States. The main city here is Abuja, which is also the capital city of all of Nigeria. The FCT was created to be a neutral and central place for Nigeria's capital.
Quick facts for kids
Federal Capital Territory
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Federal territory
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| Nickname(s):
Centre of Unity
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Location of Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria
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| Country |  Nigeria |
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| Date created | 3 February 1976 | |
| Capital | Abuja | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 7,315 km2 (2,824 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2006 Census)
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| • Total | 1,406,239 | |
| • Estimate
(2011 estimate)
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2,238,800 | |
| • Density | 192.240/km2 (497.90/sq mi) | |
| GDP | ||
| Time zone | UTC+01 (WAT) | |
| ISO 3166 code | NG-FC | |
| HDI (2018) | 0.640 medium · 8th of 37 |
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| Website | fct.gov.ng | |
| Preliminary results | ||
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Contents
What is the Federal Capital Territory?
The Federal Capital Territory, or FCT, is a special area in Nigeria. It was created to be the home of the country's capital city, Abuja. This territory is not like a regular state. It is managed directly by the federal government.
When was the FCT created?
The FCT was officially created on February 3, 1976. Before this, the capital of Nigeria was Lagos. The government decided to move the capital to a more central location. This new location would be fair to all parts of the country.
How big is the FCT?
The FCT covers an area of about 7,315 square kilometers. This makes it a good size for a capital territory. It is located right in the heart of Nigeria.
Who lives in the FCT?
According to the 2006 Census, about 1.4 million people lived in the FCT. By 2011, this number grew to an estimated 2.2 million people. Many people move to the FCT for work and opportunities.
What is the population density?
The population density shows how many people live in each square kilometer. In the FCT, the density is calculated automatically based on the total population and area. This means many people live close together, especially in Abuja.
How is the FCT governed?
The Federal Capital Territory is managed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This is a special government body. It is led by a Minister. The Minister is appointed by the President of Nigeria.
Who is the Minister of the FCT?
The Minister of the FCT is a very important person. They are in charge of running the territory. As of recent records, Mohammed Musa Bello was the Minister. They make sure the FCT runs smoothly.
What is the FCT known for?
The FCT is often called the "Centre of Unity." This nickname shows its role in bringing different parts of Nigeria together. It is a place where people from all over the country live and work.
What is the Human Development Index of the FCT?
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures how well people are doing in terms of health, education, and living standards. In 2018, the FCT had an HDI of 0.640. This placed it as the 8th highest out of 37 states and territories in Nigeria. This is considered a medium level of development.
