Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria is a melding pot of ethnicities. Today, over 250 different peoples - from all over the world - live inside its borders, where the most concentrated regions are those in and around the cities of Lagos and Abuja. The former is, well, the former capital, and the latter is now dubbed the country's chief political commercial and social center, though many debate this assertion continuously with no sight of an end. The decision to move the capital status to Abuja meant major renovations and expansion, but while the process ran with full speed for quite some time, the builders eventually hit a snag: funding was gone. The Nigerian government underestimated the cost to complete the construction of their ideas, and Abuja is left with unfinished projects which are all but completely stalled. Many travelers thus find portions of Abuja quite unattractive, but others, particularly those with interests in economics and social issues (which, apparently, includes quite a large percentage of the world tourist circle), consider it an appealing departure from the ordinary. Abuja is all about the people, as it has been since its inception - this fact goes for all of Nigeria! What one notices when traversing the city's streets is not so much the architecture and densely packed streets and the incessant noise emanating from anywhere and everywhere, but the conversations one strikes up while going about downtown in a bus, the fascinating collage of foods and traditions, and, of course, the markets.Abuja is ready to see your face. All you've left to ask yourself is: Are you ready for Abuja?

When to go

A region quite well understood to be a bed to searing temperatures throughout much of the year, West Africa is lucky to get a bit of respite during the winter season, a time that is ideal for travelers from the northern hemisphere. Europeans will find Nigeria's winter climate to be comfortable, if a tad wet, and because Abuja sits in a portion of the country (center) that is surrounded nearly on all sides by great spikes in elevation, jet streams frequent the city no matter what the time of year may be, making even the hottest days between December and February surprisingly bearable.

Getting there and around

Despite the renaming of the Nigerian capital, Lagos is still the premier site for all international travel. Abuja is gaining ground with its annually increasing air traffic, however service seems scattered, and frequent and reliable travel to and from European cities (particularly capitals) still appears to be in the distant future. If flying to Lagos, a 1-2 hour adjoining connection can be made by air, though if delays will have you waiting a long period, you may wish to share a taxi to the capital. Assuming you've found a way into Abuja, it is recommended that you stay with taxis as your transit mode of choice. They're safe, semi-private (little - if no chance of falling victim to pickpockets), and their drivers are most knowledgeable of the city's traffic patterns.

Attractions

Businessmen and -women, along with politicians are the most visible of Abuja's pedestrians; tourists are there as well, but it's hard to spot them (unless you notice someone who appears lost, in which case such a fellow is likely to be a visitor). Other than governmental buildings, there aren't very many visual treats; therefore tours for your ears and taste buds are the pinnacles of entertainment for travelers. Attend a concert, or wine and dine around the clock to get a scope on the wide range of dishes available throughout Abuja.