Overview of Cameroon

Profile

Encompassing a wide range of climate zones from tropical rainforest to savanna, over 250 ethnic groups coexist. It has a history of former French and British territories merging, with French and English as official languages. Known for producing oil, timber, and cocoa, culturally famous as a football powerhouse worldwide.

Official name: Republic of Cameroon
Common name: Cameroon
Numeric code: 120
Alpha-3 code: CMR
Alpha-2 code: CM
Population: approximately 29 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 60 people/km2
Primary languages: French, English
Major religions: Christianity, Islam, Traditional religions
National anthem: Ô Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancêtres
Calling code: +237
Internet TLD: .cm

History

French Cameroon gained independence in 1960, southern British territories joined in 1961, creating present-day Cameroon.

Before independence, it was a German colony but was divided into British and French mandates after World War I. The eastern part gained independence in 1960, and after a 1961 referendum, the former British southern territory joined to adopt a federal system. It transitioned to a unitary state in 1972 and has been called the Republic of Cameroon since 1984. Under the long-term presidency of Paul Biya, it maintains relatively stable national management despite facing anglophone separatist issues.

Geography & climate

Terrain changes longitudinally from southern tropical rainforest through central plateau to northern savanna, called "mini Africa."

Mix of tropical rainforest and savanna climates

Area: Africa / 475442 km²
Capital: Yaoundé
Largest city: Douala
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Chad, Lake Nyos, Lake Mbakaou
Bordering countries: Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Timber, Hydropower, Bauxite, Iron ore, Gold, Diamonds, Fertile agricultural land, Freshwater resources

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (unitary state)

Economy

Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

GDP (nominal): 45 billion dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 117 billion dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, English

Time zone: West Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Beti-Fang, Bamileke, Bamun, Fulbe, Baka Pygmies, Basa, Kanuri, Mandara, Tikar, Kotoko

Life expectancy

60.5 years

Literacy rate

75%

National sports

Football, Basketball, Track and field, Traditional wrestling, Handball, Mountain running