Ondo State, Administrative division in southwestern Nigeria
Ondo State is an administrative division in southwestern Nigeria that stretches from mangrove swamps near the Bight of Benin through tropical rainforests to wooded savannas in the northern hill regions. The terrain shifts between dense green forests in the center and more open areas in the north, where the ground becomes hillier.
The region was formed in 1976 from the former Ondo province of the Western State and retained Akure as its capital. Parts of the territory were later carved out to create new states, shaping the current boundaries.
Residents speak different dialects of Yoruba that vary by region and community. In the southeastern coastal areas, fishermen and traders traditionally work on rivers and lagoons.
Roads connect the larger towns and communities, with main routes running through the central areas. Travelers should expect varying road conditions, especially during the rainy season.
The region is the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria and supplies a major share of the national harvest. Underground deposits of bitumen and other raw materials remain largely untapped so far.
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