Cameroon is a unitary republic of central and western Africa. It borders Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south.
The country is called “Africa in miniature” for its geological and cultural diversity. Natural features include beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. Mount Cameroon (13,350 ft; 4,069 m), near the coast, is the highest elevation in the country.
Cameroon is one of the wealthiest African countries. It has oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions. More than 80% of the population works on the land and the country produces many agricultural products for export. The principal commercial crops are cocoa, coffee, tobacco, cotton, and bananas.
Cameroon is home to over 200 different ethnic and linguistic groups. The country is well known for its native styles of Nigerian music. The two most popular styles are makossa and bikutsi. Makossa mixes folk music, highlife, soul, and Congo music. Bikutsi originated as war music, but later developed into popular dance music.
Traditional sports in Cameroon include canoe racing, wrestling, and cross-county racing. However, the country is best known in the sporting world for its successful national football (soccer) team.
Cameroon Profile
Capital: Yaoundé
President: Paul Biya
Population: 18,467,692
Religions: Christian 40%, Muslim 20%, indigenous African 40%
Official Language: French and English