Anambra State
Anambra is a state in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone.
- Capital
- Awka
- Population
- 6.4M
- Total area
- 4,792 km²
- LGAs
- 21
- House Reps (total)
- 11
- IGR (2024)
- ₦42.7B
- Capital
- Awka
- Population
- 6.4M
- 2023 estimate
- Land area
- 4,792 km²
- LGAs
- 21
- Senate seats
- 3
- IGR (2024)
- ₦42.7B
- internally generated revenue
Sub-national administrative units
Local government areas (21)
21 constitutional tier-3 units
Geopolitical synthesis
Anambra in the federation
Anambra is a state in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone.
Bordering territories & maritime boundaries
- Land bordersAbia, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Rivers
Quick facts
- Date created
- 1976
- Known as
- Light of the Nation
- Population
- ~6,400,000
- Climate classification
- Tropical Wet & Dry / Savanna
- LGAs
- 21
- Distance to Abuja
- 319 km
Languages, stories and places to explore
Languages spoken
Major cities
Awka · Onitsha · Nnewi
What to explore · learn
Anambra's nickname nods to its historic role in Nigeria's commercial and intellectual life, particularly through Onitsha and Nnewi's trading economies.
Anambra is the site of the Igbo-Ukwu archaeological finds — sophisticated bronze artefacts dated to the 9th century, among the earliest evidence of advanced metalworking in West Africa.
Nnewi has grown into one of Nigeria's leading indigenous auto-parts manufacturing hubs, nicknamed 'the Japan of Africa' by some commentators.
The Obi of Onitsha's annual emergence from seclusion, held in October and drawing large crowds. Onitsha's festival cycle also includes Umatu (first maize), Owuwa Ji (new yam) and Ifejioku (January).
Oct · annualOnitshaUmuoji's four-day masquerade festival opens the rainy season in March.
Mar · annualUmuojiIjele is Africa's largest masquerade, inscribed by UNESCO in 2009 and mainly found in Anambra.
The Eze Nri holds ritual kingship at Nri, associated with the Nri Kingdom.
Nri
Cultural groups & homelands
Nnewi, Aguata and Orumba
7 LGAsIgbo communities of southern Anambra State, home of Nnewi's industrial cluster.
Nri-Awka heartland
7 LGAsThe Nri and Awka heartland of Anambra State, associated with the ritual Nri Kingdom and Awka's metalworking tradition.
Anambra River basin
4 LGAsRiver-basin communities of northern Anambra State, including Aguleri and Umueri; Anambra West has strong Igala links.
Major celebrations
- Oct · annualOnitsha
- Mar · annualUmuoji
Cultural institutions
The Eze Nri holds ritual kingship at Nri, associated with the Nri Kingdom.
Nri
Metro areas
Onitsha Metropolis
Anambra State's commercial powerhouse on the Niger River, home to reputedly West Africa's largest market.