Sokoto State (formed in 1976) is a state in north-western Nigeria. The state is named after its capital Sokoto, a city with a long history and the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Sokoto State is mainly populated by Hausa people. Most Sokoto State residents are Sunni Muslims, with a Shia minority; violence between the two groups is common. Sokoto State is in the dry Sahel, surrounded by sandy savannah and isolated hills.

With an annual average temperature of 28.3 degrees Celsius, Sokoto is, on the whole, a very hot area. However, maximum daytime temperatures are for most of the year generally under 40 degrees and the dryness makes the heat bearable.

The regions lifeline for growing crops is the floodplains of the Sokoto-Rima river system (see Sokoto River), which are covered with rich alluvial soil. For the rest, the general dryness of the region allows for few crops, millet perhaps being the most abundant, complemented by rice, corn, other cereals and beans. Apart from tomatoes few vegetables grow in the region. The low variety of foodstuffs available has resulted in the relatively dull local cuisine.

Situated in the North Western corner of Nigeria, Sokoto State occupies 25,973 square kilometers. Sokoto State shares its borders with Niger Republic to the North, Zamfara State to the East, Kebbi State to the South-East and Benin Republic to the West.