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.
The Delta was established in 1991 as a result of the division of the Bendel state into Edo and Delta in response to demands of local ethnic minorities, the Urhobos first of all. The Urhobos is the main ethnic group of the Delta, which comprises about a half of the region's population. Along with traditional religions, they profess Christianity and speak the languages of the Niger-Congolese family. Other significant minorities in the Delta state are Isoko, Ijaw, Anioma, and others.
The state is located in the south of the country in the Niger Delta, where the petroleum industry of Nigeria is concentrated. The conflict between the states of the Niger Delta, the ethnic minorities living there, and the central government regarding the control over oil resources and oil revenues has been going on for decades. Often it takes violent forms.