Plateau State

Plateau State has an estimated population of approximately 4 million people. The state is relatively sparsely populated outside of the Jos metropolitan area and a few major towns. Population growth has been moderate at roughly 1.0% annually, with significant internal displacement affecting population distribution in recent years due to security challenges in certain LGAs.

The current Executive Governor of Plateau State is Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was elected in the highly contested 2023 governorship election, defeating the incumbent APC administration. Mutfwang is a lawyer by training and previously served as chairman of Mangu Local Government Area. His administration has prioritized peacebuilding, infrastructure reconstruction, and restoring the state's reputation as a tourism destination.

The capital of Plateau State is Jos, located at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters on the Jos Plateau. Jos enjoys one of the coolest climates in Nigeria, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C even during the hottest months. The city was founded as a tin mining settlement in the early 20th century and grew into one of Nigeria's most cosmopolitan and culturally diverse cities. Jos has a metropolitan population estimated at over 900,000.

Plateau State is Nigeria's most ethnically diverse state, with over 40 distinct ethnic groups. The major indigenous groups include the Berom (the largest group, concentrated around Jos), the Afizere and Anaguta (in Jos North), the Irigwe (in Bassa LGA), the Tarok (in Langtang), the Ngas (in Pankshin and Kanke), and the Goemai (in Shendam). There are also significant Hausa-Fulani communities, particularly in Jos North. The state government recognizes 17 indigenous groups with chiefdom status.

Plateau State is known as the "Home of Peace and Tourism" due to its unique combination of a temperate climate, scenic highland landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural diversity. The state is home to the Jos Wildlife Park, the National Museum (which houses the famous Nok terracotta artifacts), the Shere Hills (one of Nigeria's highest points), and numerous waterfalls and rock formations. The cool climate made Jos a popular holiday destination for Nigerians escaping the lowland heat. While security challenges in recent years have affected this reputation, the state government is actively working to restore Plateau's tourism sector.

Plateau State has 17 local government areas (LGAs): Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Kanam, Kanke, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mangu, Mikang, Pankshin, Qua'an Pan, Riyom, Shendam, and Wase. The three Jos LGAs (Jos North, Jos South, Jos East) form the most populous and urbanized part of the state, while LGAs like Wase, Kanam, and Mikang remain predominantly rural. The LGA structure has been a subject of political debate, with calls for the creation of additional administrative units.