Saki, city in southwestern Nigeria, located in Oyo state. Rice and root crops are the region's main agricultural products. Indigo is also grown in the surrounding area, making Saki an important center for the distribution of dyed products. Cattle raising, shea nut processing, pottery, cotton weaving, and iron manufacturing are other important components of the Saki economy. Saki iron ore manufacturers produce hoes, cutlasses (a type of sword), axes, and knives. Saki is connected by road to Ibadan. The city is part of the Yoruba cultural region and it was a major trade route of the Yoruba in the 1800s. However, Saki has lost some of its importance since the construction of the railroad bypassed the city. Interesting geological sites outside the city include the inselbergs (broad outcroppings of rock) that in the past served as defense outposts to protect the city. Population (1995) 169,700.
