The Heart of Africa
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a Central African nation known for its incredible diversity in geography, culture, and language. Often called “Africa in Miniature”, it embodies nearly all of Africa’s ecological zones — from deserts and rainforests to mountains and savannas — and showcases rich cultural and linguistic variety.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Cameroon’s name originates from the Portuguese word “Rio dos Camarões” (River of Prawns), given by explorers in the 15th century. Its modern state emerged through European colonization and post-independence unification.
Key Historical Timeline:
1472: Portuguese explorers reach the Wouri River.
1884: Becomes a German colony (Kamerun).
1916: Divided between France and Britain after World War I.
1960 (Jan 1): French Cameroon gains independence as the Republic of Cameroon.
1961 (Oct 1): Southern British Cameroon joins, forming a federal republic.
1972: Transition to a unitary state.
1984: Officially renamed the Republic of Cameroon.
Cameroon’s unique bilingual heritage — French and English — symbolizes its fusion of African and European influences.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Cameroon |
| Capital City | Yaoundé |
| Largest City | Douala |
| President | Paul Biya (as of 2025) |
| Prime Minister | Joseph Dion Ngute |
| Government Type | Unitary Presidential Republic |
| Area | ~475,440 sq. km |
| Population | ~29 million (2025 estimate) |
| Currency | Central African CFA Franc (XAF) |
| Time Zone | West Africa Time (UTC+1) |
| Dial Code | +237 |
| Top-Level Domain | .cm |
| National Motto | “Paix – Travail – Patrie” (Peace – Work – Fatherland) |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Paul Biya |
| Prime Minister | Joseph Dion Ngute |
| Government Type | Unitary Presidential Republic |
| Legislature | Bicameral – National Assembly & Senate |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of Cameroon |
| Administrative Capital | Yaoundé |
Cameroon’s governance system emphasizes national unity, bilingualism, and gradual decentralization.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Details |
|---|---|
| Regions | 10 regions |
| Departments | 58 departments |
| Major Cities | Yaoundé, Douala, Garoua, Bamenda, Maroua, Buea |
Regions of Cameroon:
Adamawa
Centre
East
Far North
Littoral
North
North-West
South
South-West
West
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: Central Africa, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, CAR, Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea
Terrain: Coastal plains, mountains, rainforests, savannas, and semi-desert areas
Highest Point: Mount Cameroon (4,095 m) – an active volcano and West Africa’s tallest peak
Climate: Tropical along the coast, semi-arid in the north
Natural Resources: Oil, gas, timber, bauxite, iron ore, and fertile soil
Environmental Focus: Forest conservation, biodiversity, and renewable energy projects
Cameroon’s landscapes range from Atlantic beaches to the Congo Basin rainforests, earning it the title “Africa in Miniature.”
Local Government Structure
Regions → Departments → Subdivisions → Districts → Communes
Regional Councils introduced under decentralization reforms (2019)
Traditional authorities (chiefdoms, sultanates) coexist with elected local governments
Leadership & Governance
Cameroon is one of Africa’s longest-standing presidencies.
Governance challenges include:
Anglophone crisis in the Northwest and Southwest
Centralization vs. decentralization
Anti-corruption and institutional reform
Law Enforcement & Safety
Security forces:
National Gendarmerie
Police
Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) – elite counterterrorism unit
Main concerns:
Boko Haram activity in Far North
Separatist insurgency in Anglophone regions
Emergency services exist in major cities
🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Christianity (~70%), Islam (~20%), Indigenous beliefs (~10%) |
| Official Languages | French and English |
| Local Languages | Over 250 native languages including Ewondo, Duala, and Fulfulde |
| Ethnic Diversity | More than 250 ethnic groups |
Cultural Highlights:
Music & Dance: Makossa, Bikutsi, and Ambass Bey
Cuisine: Ndolé, Achu soup, Eru, and Plantains
Festivals: Ngondo Festival (Douala), National Day (May 20), Mount Cameroon Race
Traditional Dress: Colorful wrappers and embroidered shirts
Cultural Traits: Hospitality, family unity, and respect for elders
Cameroon’s cultural diversity makes it one of Africa’s most ethnically rich nations.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Cocoa, coffee, cotton, bananas, and cassava |
| Oil & Gas | Key export revenue source |
| Forestry | Timber and related industries |
| Manufacturing | Food processing, textiles, cement, aluminum |
| Services | Banking, telecommunications, tourism |
| Trade Partners | France, China, Nigeria, India |
| Economic Vision | “Vision 2035” – Industrialization and inclusive growth |
Cameroon is one of Central Africa’s most diversified economies, with strong agricultural and energy sectors.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Education System | Based on French and British models; free primary education |
| Top Institutions | University of Yaoundé, University of Douala, University of Buea |
| Literacy Rate | ~78% (2025 est.) |
| Healthcare System | Public hospitals, mission clinics, and private facilities |
| Life Expectancy | ~62 years |
| Focus Areas | Maternal care, disease prevention, and youth education |
Cameroon invests in bilingual education and digital innovation for youth development.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airports | Yaoundé Nsimalen Intl, Douala Intl, Garoua Intl |
| Ports | Douala, Kribi (deep-sea port) |
| Railways | Connects Yaoundé–Douala and Ngaoundéré |
| Roads | Expanding highway and cross-border network |
| Energy Projects | Hydropower, solar, and gas expansion |
| Urban Development | Kribi Industrial Port Complex, modern cities plan |
The Kribi Deep-Sea Port positions Cameroon as a major trade gateway for Central Africa.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Mount Cameroon: Africa’s highest volcanic mountain
Waza National Park: Lions, elephants, giraffes, and birdlife
Limbe: Coastal town with black-sand beaches
Bamenda Highlands: Scenic hills and traditional villages
Korup National Park: One of the oldest rainforests in Africa
Yaoundé & Douala: Cultural and commercial hubs
Cameroon offers eco-tourism, wildlife, and adventure travel experiences across its diverse landscapes.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Membership | Since 1960 |
| Regional Membership | African Union, CEMAC, ECCAS, OIC, Francophonie |
| Foreign Policy Focus | Regional stability, trade, and cultural diplomacy |
| Major Partners | France, China, Nigeria, USA |
| Strategic Role | Central African logistics and energy hub |
Cameroon plays a stabilizing role in Central Africa’s peacekeeping and economic integration efforts.
📝 Summary
Cameroon is a vibrant and diverse nation — a miniature of the African continent in one country. From its volcanic mountains to lush rainforests and cultural depth, it stands as a bridge between West and Central Africa, rich in potential and pride.
📢 News & Articles
“Cameroon: Africa in Miniature”
“Mount Cameroon – Gateway to the Sky”
“The Future of Bilingualism and Education in Cameroon”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, highlighting every African nation’s journey of resilience, culture, and progress.
📬 Contact Us
For verified updates or collaboration on Cameroon’s cultural, environmental, or educational research, contact our editorial team.