Country Profile · No. 8

Cameroon

Capital / Admin Capital

YaoundéPopulation: ~30.6MIndependence: 1960 (January 1)

First President

Ahmadou Ahidjo (1960–1982)Current President: Paul Biya (serving since November 1982)

Geography & Borders

Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). Often called "Africa in miniature" due to its diverse landscapes.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (~70%), Islam (~20%), traditional beliefs. Official: French language, English language. Major groups: Bamileke / Bamoun (~38%), Beti / Fang (~18%), Kirdi (~14%), Fulani (~10%).

Economy & GDP

Petroleum production, timber, agriculture (cocoa, coffee, bananas, cotton), aluminum processing.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~150k), 2. Nigeria (~100k), 3. United States (~60k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Maryland (Silver Spring), Texas (Houston), Georgia (Atlanta).

Major Conflicts

Bamileke War / Kamerun uprisings (1955–1971, anti-colonial and post-independence rebellion), Bakassi Peninsula border dispute with Nigeria (1993–2008), Anglophone Crisis (2017–present, ongoing armed conflict in English-speaking regions).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Mount Cameroon (An active volcano and the highest peak in West/Central Africa, towering over the coast), 2. Waza National Park (A premier northern wildlife reserve home to lions, elephants, giraffes, and diverse bird species), 3. Kribi Beaches and Chutes de la Lobé (Stunning coastal waterfalls that plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean).

Quick Facts

Features both French and English as official co-languages reflecting its dual colonial history under France and Britain; renowned for its legendary national football team (The Indomitable Lions).