With a population of around 150 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. It is also one of the world’s largest oil producers. British influence and control over Nigeria grew through the 19th century, and in 1914 the area was formally united as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The country gained independence from Britain in 1960. Ethnic tensions led to two military coups in 1966 and a three-year civil war followed. Subsequent years saw continued political instability and 16 years of consecutive military rule, until a new constitution was adopted in 1999, resulting in a peaceful transition to civilian government. The country continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. The government has been facing the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy. Because of long-time political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure and poor macroeconomic management, billions of dollars of wealth generated from oil have apparently benefited a few in the country while offering little to improve the life of the vast majority of the population. More than half of Nigeria’s population still lives in poverty.