Kano (city)

Kano (city), city in northern Nigeria, capital of Kano State. Kano is a walled city, and most of its houses are built of clay. The principal industries include the production of peanuts and the manufacture of morocco leather goods, metalware, and cotton. In addition, there is a large trade in the farm produce and livestock of the surrounding area. Kano State Institute for Higher Education is here.

The Kano region was one of the original Hausa states, dating from ad 900. Islam was adopted probably between the 12th and 14th centuries. The area was taken by the Fulani in the 19th century and held by them until 1903, when it was seized by the British. The city today has a substantial Christian minority. Tensions between Islamic Hausa and Christian Yoruba communities in the city were exacerbated in 2000 when Shari’ah law was introduced throughout the state. In October 2001, violence broke out between the two religious factions in the wake of street protests against the US military strikes on Afghanistan, resulting in dozens of deaths. Population 657,300 (1995 estimate).