Maiduguri, Capital city in Borno State, Nigeria.
Maiduguri is a city in northeastern Nigeria, sitting at roughly 320 meters above sea level and serving as the capital of Borno State. Streets lead to markets where traders offer fabrics, handicrafts, and agricultural produce, while residential neighborhoods spread around the center.
The city was founded in 1909 and grew into a trading hub connecting routes between Nigeria and neighboring countries in central Africa. Over the course of the 20th century, it expanded into a regional center for commerce and administration.
The Kanuri population shapes urban life through celebrations and music that can be experienced in public squares and residential neighborhoods. In the markets, visitors see traditional clothing and hear the Kanuri language, spoken in daily life alongside Hausa and English.
An international airport connects the city to other parts of Nigeria, while major roads lead in different directions. Local markets open in the early morning hours and are most active during the day, before heat eases in the late afternoon.
The city sits at the edge of the Sahel region, where dry landscape and occasional rainfall shape the surrounding environment. Many buildings use local construction materials adapted to the climate.
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