Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central and West Africa. It is often called “Africa in miniature” because it has all of the major climates and vegetation types of the continent: mountains, deserts, rainforests, savannas, and a coastline. The country is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo.

Area & Population:
Cameroon covers an area of approximately 475,000 sq. km (184,000 sq. mi). As of 2025, its population is estimated to be over 30 million people.

Capital & Major Cities:
The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé. However, Douala is the largest city, main seaport, and the primary industrial and commercial center. Other major cities include Garoua, Maroua, Bafoussam, and Bamenda.

Language:
Cameroon has two official languages: French and English. French is more widely spoken, but English is prominent in the former British Cameroon region. Numerous local languages and dialects are also spoken across the country.

Currency:
The currency used in Cameroon is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF), which is pegged to the Euro.

Religion:
Cameroon has a diverse religious landscape, with significant populations of Christians (both Roman Catholic and Protestant), Muslims, and followers of traditional African religions.

Attractions & Natural Wonders:
Cameroon boasts a wide array of natural attractions and national parks:

• Mount Cameroon: The highest peak in West Africa, offering challenging hikes and volcanic landscapes.
• Waza National Park: A renowned wildlife reserve in the north, home to elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
• Dja Faunal Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiverse rainforests and a variety of wildlife, including forest elephants and chimpanzees.
• Korup National Park: One of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, offering opportunities for canopy walks and hiking.
• Kribi: A popular coastal resort town with beautiful beaches and marinas, often called the “best seaside resort in Central Africa.”
• Limbe: A coastal town at the foot of Mount Cameroon, known for its black volcanic beaches, botanical garden, and zoo.
• Lake Chad & Lake Nyos: Important natural features, though Lake Chad has significantly shrunk over the years.
• Atlantika Mountains and Rhumsiki: Offer unique, “lunar” landscapes in the northern part of the country.

Architecture:
Cameroonian architecture showcases a blend of traditional and colonial influences. Notably, there’s a rich heritage of Catholic Christian worship buildings, encompassing contemporary designs, terracotta brick explorations, and Gothic and Byzantine architectural influences. Examples include:

• Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul (Douala)
• Cathédrale Notre Dame du Rosaire (Mbalmayo)
• Kumbo Cathedral
• Foumban Royal Palace: An iconic landmark in the west, part of the history of the Bamum sultanate.
• King Bell Palace & King Akwa Palace (Douala): Remnants of colonial-era structures.

Roads:
Road conditions in Cameroon can vary significantly. While major routes connecting cities might be paved, many rural roads can be unpaved and challenging, especially during the rainy season. Real-time traffic information is available through services like ViaMichelin for major cities like Yaoundé.

Hotels & Restaurants:
Major cities like Yaoundé and Douala offer a range of accommodation options, from international chains to local hotels and guesthouses. Some popular hotels include:

• Hilton Yaounde
• Best Western Plus Soaho Douala Airport
• ibis Douala
• Hôtel Restaurant Gites Kribi
• ONOMO Hotel Douala
• Krystal Palace Douala (luxury)
• Tagidor Garden Resort And Spa (luxury, Bangou)
• Amelia Aparthotel (luxury, Buea)

Cameroon’s culinary scene is vibrant. Restaurants can be found in urban areas, offering local and international dishes.

Cuisine:
Cameroonian cuisine is known for its variety and rich flavors, often combining local ingredients with traditional practices. Staples include:

• Ndolé: A signature dish made with bitter leaves, groundnuts, and often served with meat or fish.
• Poulet DG (Director General’s Chicken): A flavorful chicken dish often prepared with plantains and vegetables.
• Achu Soup: A traditional soup, particularly popular in the western regions.
• Fufu corn and njama njama: A common combination of corn fufu (a dough-like staple) and garden huckleberry leaves.
• Soya (Brochettes): Barbecued kebabs made from chicken, beef, or goat, often sold as street food.
• Sangah: A mixture of maize, cassava leaf, and palm nut juice.
• Eru, Mbongo Tchobi, and Kondré: Regional specialties highlighting the diversity of local ingredients.
• Puff puff and Chin chin: Popular street food snacks.