Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a nation located in Central Africa. Bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon spans an area of approximately 475,000 square kilometers. Its capital, Yaoundé, serves as a hub for political, cultural, and economic activity, while Douala and Garoua are commercial centers in the west and north, respectively. The country's rich resources and strategic location have made it a target for colonization, first by Germany and later France. Extensive activity in the agricultural, petroleum, and steel industries, along with a relatively stable political climate, have contributed to Cameroon's improving economy.
Expat destinations in Cameroon
Demographics of Cameroon:
Ethnic groups
Kwa-Kwani: around 18%
Northwest Province: around 13%
Cameroon Grassfields: around 30%
Cameroon High Plateau: around 19%
Equatorial Forest Region: around 8%
Adamawa-Ubangi-Chad Basin: around 12%
Languages
Mo: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Bulu: spoken primarily in the Littoral Region
Eton: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Kaka: spoken primarily in the West Region
Mba': spoken primarily in the Adamawa Province
Moti: spoken primarily in the Southwest Province
Ngie: spoken primarily in the Southwest Province
Ngok: spoken primarily in the West Province
Ngom: spoken primarily in the West Province
Ngwe: spoken primarily in the West Province
Nkam: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Nzak: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Vula: spoken primarily in the North Province
Bissa: spoken primarily in the Adamawa Region
Ducum: spoken primarily in the North Province
Dyeng: spoken primarily in the North Province
Gbaya: spoken primarily in the Central Province and Lobaye
Kako': spoken primarily in the West Region
Karen: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Kauye: spoken primarily in the Adamawa Province
Kutla: spoken primarily in the North Province
Mbumu: spoken primarily in the Adamawa Province
Mezam: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Ngolo: spoken primarily in the South Province
Ngọ: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
French: official
Mfumte: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Musgum: spoken primarily in the Far North Province
Ndongo: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Ngbaka: spoken primarily in the North Province
Ngomba: spoken primarily in the Central Province and Lobaye
Ngongo: spoken primarily in the East Province
Ngumbu: spoken primarily in the Littoral and South provinces
Ngwiko: spoken primarily in the Center region
Nkamsa: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Babanki: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
English: official (in Southern Cameroons)
Mandara: spoken primarily in the East and Adamawa provinces
Mbagbol: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Mundang: spoken primarily in the North Province
Mundani: spoken primarily in the North Province
Ngbundu: spoken primarily in the Equatorial Forest Region
Nguluso: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Bamileke: spoken in the Center region
Fulfulde: spoken primarily in the Far North Region
Gur Maha: spoken primarily in the North Province
Ngombale: spoken primarily in the Central Province and Lobaye
Ngaundere: spoken primarily in the Adamawa Province
Chumburung: spoken primarily in the Adamawa Region
Ngom Gboko: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Chamba Cham: spoken primarily in the Northwest Region
Mundani-Ndu: spoken primarily in the North Province
Mundani-Wum: spoken primarily in the North Province
Ngolo So’o: spoken primarily in the South Province
Ngongo Ndogo: spoken primarily in the East Province
Bulu Cameroon: spoken primarily in the Littoral Region
Mundani-Mamfe: spoken primarily in the North Province
Ngom Cameroon: spoken primarily in the Northwest Province
Mundang-Bonjongo: spoken primarily in the North Province
Cameroonian French: widely spoken
Cameroonian Pidgin English: widely spoken
Religion Overview
Cameroon's religious landscape is predominantly Christian, with approximately 60% of the population identifying as Christian, and smaller percentages identifying as Muslim, traditional African religions, and other religions. The majority of Christians in the country belong to either Protestant or Roman Catholic denominations.
Major Religions
Climate
Cameroon's climate is largely tropical, characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The southern regions, where the rainforests are located, experience heavy rainfall and high levels of humidity, while the northern regions are drier and more arid. The coastal areas, such as Douala and Kribi, experience annual sea breezes that provide relief from the high levels of humidity.
Economy Overview
Cameroon's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs around 75% of the population and contributes approximately 40% of the country's GDP. Major crops in the country include bananas, cacao, coffee, palm oil, and rubber. The petroleum industry is also significant, contributing around 35% of the country's export earnings and providing employment to thousands of people. Other key industries include steel production, timber, handicrafts, and mining.
Key Industries
- Agriculture
- Petroleum
- Steel Production
- Timber
- Handicrafts
- Mining (bauxite, gold, iron ore, and other minerals)
Major Companies
- Societé Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH)
- Bolloré Logistics Cameroon
- Cameroun Development Corporation (CDC)
- CSCEC Cameroon Construction Co. Ltd.
- Imperial Tobacco Cameroon
- La Société Cotonnière du Haut-Nkam (SOCOTUAN-HN)
Culture and Language Overview
Cameroon's diverse population is reflected in its vibrant and diverse culture. Music and dance are integral parts of daily life, with traditional styles such as Makossa, Bikutsi, and Ngemba being particularly popular. Festivals and celebrations, such as Cameroon National Day, Christmas, and Easter, are important cultural events that bring communities together. The country's arts and crafts are also renowned, with traditional crafts including woodcarvings, weaving, and mask making.
Cultural Highlights
- The Festival on One of the Hills of Yaoundé
- Mboko Festival (North Province)
- Festival on the Background of Traditional Life (Northwest Province)
- Ngondo Festival (West Province)
- Limbe Cultural Festival (West Province)
- Festival de la Musique Traditionnelle de Garoua (Far North Province)
Geography and Landmarks Overview
Cameroon's landscape is varied and diverse, with lush rainforests covering much of the southern regions and arid deserts in the north. The country is home to numerous natural landmarks, including Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West and Central Africa, and Waza National Park, which offers visitors a chance to view elephants, lions, and gorillas in their natural habitat.
Notable Landmarks
- Mount Cameroon
- Waza National Park
- Lobéké National Park
- Bamenda Grassfields (Northwest Province)
- Krakum Waterfall (Manyu Division)
- Roung Waterfall (Bamenda Grassfields)
National Holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- April 14: Yuussoo (Presidential Inauguration Day)
- May 20: National Day
- July 19: Anniversary of the Porridge Affair
- August 1: World Friendship Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: Boxing Day (Cameroon National Union Day)
- December 31: New Year's Eve
Political Stability
Despite a troubled past, Cameroon's political stability has largely remained intact in recent years. The country has experienced protests and unrest in some areas, particularly in the Anglophone regions, but the government has taken steps to address these issues. Cameroon's President, Paul Biya, has been in power since 1982 and was re-elected in an election held in 2018, though some have criticized the process as being unfair.
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