Cameroon

1884 – German colonial rule: Cameroon becomes a German colony, known as Kamerun

1916 – British and French control: After World War I, Cameroon is divided between Britain and France

1960 – Independence from France (Tuesday, January 1, 1960): French Cameroun gains independence, becoming the Republic of Cameroon

1961 – British Cameroon joins: The former British-administered territory of Southern Cameroons joins the Republic of Cameroon through a plebiscite

1972 – Federal republic abolished: Cameroon becomes a unitary state, abolishing the federal system

1982 – President Ahmadou Ahidjo steps down: Paul Biya becomes president after Ahidjo’s resignation

1990s – Multiparty system introduced: Political reforms are introduced, and a multiparty system is adopted

2008 – Constitutional amendment: The constitution is amended, removing presidential term limits

2016 – Anglophone Crisis: Tensions rise between the Anglophone minority and the government, leading to protests and unrest in the English-speaking regions

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic impact: The pandemic affects Cameroon, but strict measures help contain the virus to some extent

Continent: Africa (Central Africa)
Location: Bordered by Nigeria to the west, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, the Republic of the Congo and Gabon to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest
Capital: Yaoundé
Language: French (official), English (official)
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
Population: ~28 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1)

Borders: Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and the Atlantic Ocean
Landscape: Coastal plains, mountains, tropical forests, savannahs, and the Adamawa Plateau
Major Rivers: Sanaga River, Wouri River, Logone River
Notable Features: Mount Cameroon (highest peak in West Africa), Lake Chad, and the Congo Basin

Ethnic Groups: Bantu (majority), with over 250 ethnic groups including the Beti, Bassa, Douala, and Fulani
Religion: Christianity (about 70%), Islam (about 20%), indigenous religions (about 10%)
Urban Population: ~55% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Cameroon has a diverse mix of ethnicities and languages, with over 200 languages spoken throughout the country.

Famous For: Traditional dance and music, such as Makossa, and its rich cultural heritage
Cuisine: Cassava, plantains, maize, yam, and dishes like Ndolé, a stew made from bitter leaves and peanuts
Arts: Music (Makossa, Bikutsi), dance, and vibrant textile arts
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, and boxing

Economy Type: Mixed economy, with agriculture, oil, and services as major contributors
GDP: Approx. $45 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Oil, agriculture (cocoa, coffee, cotton), timber, and mining
Key Exports: Oil, cocoa, coffee, timber, cotton
Unemployment Rate: ~4.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: The economy is centered around Yaoundé and Douala, with rural areas heavily dependent on agriculture.

Government Type: Unitary presidential republic
Head of State: President Paul Biya (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Joseph Ngute (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (National Assembly and Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 1996, amended in 2008 and 2018

Yaoundé: The capital, known for its markets, museums, and vibrant city life
Douala: The economic capital and port city
Mount Cameroon: The highest mountain in West Africa, popular for hiking
Kribi: Known for its beaches and the nearby Lobé Waterfalls
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Dja Faunal Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot