Nigeria is in Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition
This means that Nigeria has a rapidly growing NIR, complete with high birth rates and low death rates. The majority of Nigeria's population is under the age of 15, explaining the immensely large dependency ratio. Nigeria's population has rapidly increased, due to these high birth and fertility rates. In the past, Nigeria's population was much smaller, at only 45.2 million people during the year of Nigeria's independence from Great Britain, 1960. Nigeria's independence sparked the rapid increase in population, now making Nigeria the world's 7th most populated country, with a population of over 186,053,386 people. The government is currently trying to curve this rapid growth, with free distribution of contraceptives, and other forms of birth control. These actions have been taking place for the past 10 years, but regardless of the government's efforts, the population continues to increase in great measures. The rapid increase in population can lead to the depletion of Nigeria's resources, overpopulation, and rapid spread of diseases. Although there are many negatives, Nigeria's entrance into stage two of the demographic transition means they are advancing in medical technologies, the life expectancy of people is increasing, and over all sanitation in the country is improving. The increase in life expectancy of people in Nigeria is a very positive aspect of this transition, as the current life expectancy is very low, only ranging at about 53.4 years.