Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt is a city located in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, with an area of 924,000 km². It is the administrative center of the Rivers state. Port Harcourt was founded by the British in 1912 on land originally inhabited by the Ijaw people and named for Lewis, Viscount Harcourt, Secretary of State for the Colonies (1910?15).

Related Topics:
Niger Delta - Nigeria - Rivers state - Lewis, Viscount Harcourt - Secretary of State for the Colonies

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The initial purpose of the port was to export coal that arrived in large quantities from the mining town of Enugu to the north via the Bonny River along which the port sits. It has a population of 1,133,400 (as of 2004). Business related to the petroleum industry is conducted here. Port Harcourt is the chief oil-refining city in Nigeria, oil being one of Nigeria's most important commodities. There is also a fishing industry and a fish market.

Related Topics:
Coal - Enugu - Bonny River - As of 2004 - Petroleum - Fishing - Fish market

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Attractions in the city include a museum. The city is also a transport hub with an Port Harcourt International Airport, a railway line to Maiduguri and ferries to Nembe, Bonny Island and Brass Island.

Related Topics:
Museum - Transport hub - Port Harcourt International Airport - Railway line - Maiduguri - Ferries - Nembe - Bonny Island - Brass Island

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The current governor is Dr Peter Odili of the Peoples Democratic Party, who won the election for a second term in 2003.

Related Topics:
Peter Odili - Peoples Democratic Party - 2003

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