The Federal Republic of Nigeria, situated on the Atlantic coast of Africa between Berlin and Cameroon, has an area of 356,667 sq. mi. (923,768 sq. km.) and a population of 128.79 million. Capital: Abuja. The economy is based on petroleum and agriculture. Crude oil, cocoa, tobacco and tin are exported. ,Following the Napoleonic Wars, the British expanded the trade with the interior of Nigeria. British claims to a sphere of influence in that area were recognized by the Berlin Conference of 1895, and in the following year the Royal Niger Company was chartered. Company was chartered. Direct control of the territory was initiated in 1900, and in 1914 the amalgamation of northern and southern Nigeria into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was effected. In 1960, following a number of territorial and constitutional changes, Nigeria was granted independence within the British Commonwealth as a federation of the northern, western and eastern regions. Nigeria altered its political relationship with Great Britain on Oct. 1, 1963, by proclaiming itself a republic. It did, however, elect to remain a member of the Commonwealth. The Supreme Commander of Armed Forces is the Head of the Federal Military Government.,, ,On May 30, 1967, the Eastern Region of the republic ? an area occupied principally by the proud and resourceful Ibo tribe ? seceded from Nigeria and proclaimed itself the independent Republic of Biafra. Civil war erupted and raged for 31 months. Casualties, including civilian, were about two million, the majority succumbing to malnutrition and disease. Biafra surrendered to the federal government on January 15, 1970. After military coups in 1983 and 1985 the government was assumed by an Armed Forces Ruling Council. A transitional civilian council was formed in 1993. Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth in November 1995, but was re-admitted on May 29, 1999.,, Rulers:,,, ,British to 1963,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Shilling = 12 Pence,, ,1 Pound = 20 Shillings to 1973,, ,1 Naira (10 Shillings) = 100 Kobo, 1973-,,