One of the 36 states of Nigeria. After gaining independence in 1960, three regions were established in the country, each of which was dominated by one of the three main ethnic groups - Yoruba (West), Igbo (East), Hausa / Fulani (North). This configuration gave rise to conflicts, and to mitigate them, several waves of political and administrative reforms were carried out. As a consequence, each of the three main groups was divided into several states, while in some territories states were created for ethnic minorities.
Adamawa was established in 1991 as a result of the division of the multi-ethnic state of Gongol into Adamawa and Taraba. It is located in the west part of Nigeria on the very border with Cameroon. The detachment of Adamawa had ethnic grounds, the majority of the population here are Fulbe, the part of Fulani ethnic group that is not assimilated by Hausa and has retained its own identity. As a consequence, there are reasons to consider Fulbe as the leading ethnic group in the state.
Linguistically, Fulbe belongs to the Afrasian language family. Islam is a dominant religion among members of the group. About one-third of the Fulbe population has a nomadic way of life. Apart from Fulbe, more than 80 ethnic minorities - batta, chamba, kanun, longuda, etc. - reside on the territory of Adamawa.
The main problems in interethnic relations are linked to the struggle for the use of land resources, that is, the conflicts between nomadic (mostly Fulbe) and agricultural ethnic groups. Also, the terrorist group "Boko Haram" (West African Province of the Islamic State) is active in the province.
