The Federal Republic of Nigeria is situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. Nigeria is the most populous state in Africa with 108 million inhabitants; its capital is Abuja. Nigeria was once a British colony; after its independence in 1966 the country was under military rule until the election in 1999 of President Obasanjo and the introduction of civilian rule. Three tribal communities (Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo) dominate Nigeria. Nigeria has vast oil reserves, but its obvious economic potential has been somewhat stifled in recent years by corruption and bureaucracy.