Edo State is one of the 36 states of Nigeria, located in the southern region of the country. As of 2006 National population census, the state was ranked as the 24th populated state with a population of 3, 233, 366 people in Nigeria. The state’s capital and city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country’s rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, Edo State borders Kogi State to the northeast, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast, and Ondo State to the west.
The modern borders of Edo State encompass regions that were formerly the site of various empires and kingdoms. Formed in the 11th century AD, the Benin Empire. The ancient city of Edo, the site of modern-day Benin City, was home to some of the earthworks in the world. In 1897, the British Empire conducted a punitive expedition of the region, destroying most of the ancient city of Edo and incorporating the territory into what would become the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.
Edo State is a diverse state that is predominantly inhabited by the Edoid peoples, including the Edo (or Bini), Esan, Owan and Afemai peoples. The most common Edoid language spoken is the Edo language, which is commonly spoken in Benin City. First introduced to the region by Portuguese missionaries during the 15th century, Christianity is the dominant religion in Edo State with also a sizable number of Muslims though traditional religions are also practiced.
