n.
City (pop., 1991.: 310,839), southeastern Nigeria.
Lying along the Calabar River above its confluence with the Cross River , it was settled in the 17th century by the Efik and became an important trading centre for Europeans arriving on the African coast. After accepting British protection in 1884, it served as capital of a British protectorate until British administrative headquarters were moved to Lagos in 1906. With its natural harbour, it remains an important port.