Location

• The Igbo occupy land that is diverse and fertile.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  The Igbo people occupy the southeastern portion of Nigeria on the continent of Africa. The lands of this region are comprised of riverbanks, highlands, high plains and deltas. The lands are extremely fertile and the highlands make up the only coal-mining area in West Africa. The discovery of oil has significantly improved the way of life for the Igbo people, with the introduction of electricity and many villages now having access to running water.
  
  

People

• Igbo family units are headed by men.Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  While accurate census information is difficult to obtain, the population of the Igbo people is estimated at 5 to 6 million. The Igbo people practice polygamous as well as monogamous relationships. The polygamous family consists of a man and several wives with their children. The men are expected to only marry as many wives as they are able to support. Extended families are also an important part of the Igbo family unit. Igbo professionals, who practice Christianity, tend to lean toward the nuclear family structure. A patriarchal society, social status is largely based on one's net worth. Unfortunately, women are considered inferior to men and often mistreated.
  
  

Culture

• Farming is the main means of financial support for the Igbo.Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Aside from Nigerian Independence Day, which is celebrated on October 1, many of the national holidays celebrated by the Igbo are Christian holidays. Along with the national holidays, the small towns also host festivals to mark the change in seasons. One such festival celebrates the yam, which is the staple food of the Igbo and often used in ceremonies. Jollof rice is also a popular dish at many Igbo celebrations. Root-crop farming and trading largely support the Igbo economy. Nigeria's 1960 independence from Britain prompted a push for better education across the country and universal primary education in the Igbo region of Nigeria.
  
  

Religion

• The Igbo are deeply religious.Tom Brakefield/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Chukwu is the name the Igbo use for God. Their religion is classified as a polytheistic religion. All Igbo are deeply religious and have a strong connection to their ancestors. They constantly pray and show the dead their appreciation for their contributions during life. To speak badly of an ancestor is a grave offense. Funerals are elaborate, intricate affairs that last over a course of several days. They strongly believe that everything in life is controlled by a higher power. In recent years, the Igbo community has seen an increase in the practice of Christianity. This typically happens when one of their children has gone outside of the community to further their education.