Cameroon
Africa · Middle Africa
Overview
Cameroon lies at the crossing point of Central and West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. The country encompasses nearly every landscape type found in Africa, from rainforest to savanna to arid Sahelian terrain in the north, a diversity that has earned it the nickname "Africa in miniature." After World War I, Cameroon was divided between France and Britain as mandate territories, and this dual colonial history remains visible today: the official languages are French and English, with French the first language of most of the population. The country's name derives from the Portuguese "Rio dos Camarões" (shrimp river), given by Portuguese explorers to the Wouri River for the shrimp population found there.
Yaoundé, the political capital, is built across seven hills, giving rise to its nickname "Rome of Africa," while Douala, the economic center and largest port city, drives the country's commercial life. Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West Africa at about 4,040 meters, is an active volcano, and climbing it is a popular multi-day trekking route. Waza National Park, in the northern savanna region, shelters elephants, giraffes, and lions, and ranks among the country's most significant wildlife areas. The Dja Faunal Reserve, almost entirely surrounded by rainforest, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 and is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants.
Korup National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, is home to thousands of plant species, some found nowhere else on Earth. Coffee grown on the slopes of Mount Cameroon benefits from the region's volcanic soil, and visits to plantations around the mountain offer insight into local production. Local cuisine varies significantly by region, with ndolé, a dish made from bitter leafy greens, groundnuts, and fish or meat, as a signature dish, often accompanied by fufu, a thick side dish made from cornmeal or cassava.
Map
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Browse all UNESCO sites →Dja Faunal Reserve
This is one of the largest and best-protected rainforests in Africa, with 90% of its area left undisturbed. Almost completely surrounded by the Dja River, which forms a natural boundary, the reserve is especially noted for its biodiversity and a wide variety of primates. It contains 107 mammal species, five of which are threatened.
Sangha Trinational
Situated in the north-western Congo Basin, where Cameroon, Central African Republic and Congo meet, the site encompasses three contiguous national parks totalling around 750,000 ha. Much of the site is unaffected by human activity and features a wide range of humid tropical forest ecosystems with rich flora and fauna, including Nile crocodiles and goliath tigerfish, a large predator. Forest clearings support herbaceous species and Sangha is home to considerable populations of forest elephants, critically endangered western lowland gorilla, and endangered chimpanzee. The site’s environment has preserved the continuation of ecological and evolutionary processes on a huge scale and great biodiversity, including many endangered animal species.
Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains
Located in the Far North Region of Cameroon, the property includes sixteen archaeological sites across seven villages. Known as Diy-Gid-Biy (meaning “Ruin of the Chief’s Residence” in the Mafa language), these dry-stone architectural structures were likely built between the 12th and 17th centuries. While their original builders remain unknown, the area has been inhabited by the Mafa people since the 15th century. The surrounding landscape features agricultural terraces, homes, tombs, places of worship, and artisan activities, reflecting a long-standing cultural and spiritual connection between the people and their environment.
Data: UNESCO WHC · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Cameroon?
The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé.
What is the area of Cameroon?
The area of Cameroon is 475,442 km².
What is the population of Cameroon?
The population of Cameroon is 29,123,744.
What is the currency of Cameroon?
The currency of Cameroon is Central African CFA franc (XAF).
What is the official language of Cameroon?
The official language of Cameroon: English, French.
What side of the road does Cameroon drive on?
Cameroon: Right-hand traffic.
Is Cameroon a member of the United Nations?
Yes, Cameroon is a member of the United Nations.