Cross River State is a state in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

It is the only state in Nigeria, whose Governor (Ben Ayade) and Deputy Governor (Ivara Esu) are professors.

Cross River State is the leading tourism state in the country. Especially the capital, Calabar. Visitors from different parts of Nigeria come to the city in large numbers all year round.

Cross River State boasts of being the venue for the largest carnival in Africa. - The Calabar Festival.

The Efik language is widely spoken in Cross River State, and as far as Arochukwu in bordering Abia State.

It is the 19th largest state in terms of size and 28th in terms of population in Nigeria.

It is bounded to the East by Cameroun Republic, to the South by Akwa-Ibom and the Atlantic Ocean, to the West by Abia and Ebonyi States and to the North by Benue State.