East-Central State

a state in Nigeria. Area, 29,300 sq km. Population, 7.2 million (1963 census; mainly Ibos). The most densely populated state in Nigeria. Administrative center, the city of Enugu.

The East-Central State is primarily a plain, which in the north forms a transition to a plateau and reaches an elevation of 523 m. The climate is equatorial monsoon. The wet season lasts for eight months and more; precipitation amounts to 1,800 mm annually. The vegetation is basically secondary tropical rain forest. The state’s economy is based on a monoculture system of oil palms, the products of which are one of the main items of export. Yams and manioc are grown chiefly for domestic consumption. Coal is mined, as well as iron ore, zinc, lead, and limestone. There are factories for producing palm oil and soap; and there are also tobacco and textile factories, steel mills, and cement plants. Domestic crafts are widespread, such as pottery and glass production, basket weaving, and rope plaiting. The state’s principal economic centers are Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, and Nkalagu.