CAMEROON

Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a unitary republic of central Africa. It borders Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and the Gulf of Guinea. Cameroon, a German colony at the time of World War I, was split among the French and British as war spoils after the defeat of Germany. In 1960, French Cameroun became an independent republic, merging with the southern part of British Cameroons in 1961 to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. It was renamed the United Republic of Cameroon in 1972, and the Republic of Cameroon or République du Cameroun in 1984.

Compared to other African countries, Cameroon enjoys relative political and social stability, which has in turn permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as an extensive petroleum industry. Despite movement toward political reform, however, power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.

Location

West Central Africa. Cameroon is located on the west coast of Africa, which Nigeria to the north-west, Chad to the north-east, central African Republic to the east, and Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to the south.

Geography

Sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano.

Capital

Yaounde

Population

16 000 000

Climate

varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north.

Language

French and English (Both Official); 24 major African language groups.

Monetary Unit

Franc CFA

Largest Cities

Douala, Yaounde, Nkongsamba, Marona, Bafoussam.

Principal rivers

Samaga, Nyong

Places to Visit

Douala, Yaounde, Marona, Bafoussam.

Air Ports

Douala International Air Port 5 km from the city, Yaounde International Air Port.