Table of Contents
Overview
Cameroon is located in Central Africa (often considered part of West-Central Africa), bordering the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean. Often called “Africa in miniature” for its diverse geography, it is bordered by Nigeria to the west, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, and Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon consists of regions including Adamawa, Centre, East, Far North, Littoral, North, Northwest, South, Southwest, and West.
Agriculture
Key crops include cassava, plantains, oil palm fruit, maize, taro, tomatoes, sorghum, sugarcane, bananas, and various vegetables. Crude petroleum and cocoa are the main export products. In 2024, the Organization of Exporting Countries reported Cameroon shipped approximately $1.28 million worth of cocoa beans, making it the second-largest global exporter.
Crime
In 2020, Cameroon’s murder/homicide rate was 4.54 per 100,000 people, marking a 10.24% increase from 2017, according to Macrotrends Insight. In 2025, the Global Organised Crime Index reported the country’s crime index at 6.18, reflecting various issues such as terrorism by Boko Haram in the Far North, which has caused displacement since 2014.
Demographics
Cameroon’s population is projected to reach 30.1 million in 2025, ranking it 52nd globally, with a growth rate of 2.77%. The median age is 19.5 years. The country is ethnically diverse, with the majority being Bamileke-Bamu, followed by Biu-Mandara and Arab-Choa. The Hausa and Kanuri are minorities. The official languages are French and English, along with 24 other African languages. Urbanization is 59.3%, concentrated in Yaoundé and Douala. The sex ratio is approximately 1.01 males to females. The fertility rate is 4.45 children per woman, contributing to population growth amid ongoing poverty and healthcare challenges.
Economy
Cameroon’s economy, the largest in Central Africa, recorded a GDP (PPP) of $143.264 billion in 2024, experiencing a 3.7% growth rate despite its heavy reliance on oil. The country’s per capita income stands at $4,400, and poverty remains a significant issue. Key sectors include agriculture, industry, and services. Unemployment is at 3.7%, but widespread underemployment affects many workers. Cameroon exports crude petroleum primarily to the Netherlands and France, while importing garments from China.
Education
Cameroon allocates 3.2% of its GDP to education. It allocates 13.08% of its national budget to this sector, according to the latest Statbase report. The literacy rate in 2020 was 78.23%, a 5.68% increase from 2018. The gender gap persists, with literacy higher among males than among females. School life expectancy is approximately 13 years, owing to ongoing conflicts that disrupt access and increase dropout rates.
Geography
Cameroon, in West Africa, is characterized by desert plains in the north, mountains in the central regions, and tropical rainforests in the south. Along its western border with Nigeria lie mountains, including Cameroon Mountain, the highest point in West Africa at 13,451 feet (4,100 meters). It is comparable in size to Papua New Guinea. Cameroon’s landmass is 472,710 km2 (182,510 sq mi), with 2,730 km2 (1,050 sq mi) of water. The country is located in Central and West Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria.
Health
Cameroon’s health indicators include a life expectancy of 64.2 years, an infant mortality rate of 44.6 per 1,000 live births, and a maternal mortality rate of 406 per 100,000. The country’s health expenditure is 3.8% of GDP, yet about 15.1% of children are underweight. Access to clean water is 79.6%, while sanitation coverage is 47.8%.
Military
Cameroon’s Armed Forces have around 35,000 to 40,000 active personnel, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie, and the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR). Military service is voluntary for men and women aged 18 to 23, with no conscription. A high school diploma is required, and the service period lasts four years. The military’s annual budget is approximately 1% of Cameroon’s GDP. Its equipment is supplied by China, Israel, Russia, South Africa, the United States, and France.
Miscellaneous
Cameroon, known as “Africa in Miniature,” gained independence from France and the UK in 1960-61. Its national anthem, “O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers,” was adopted in 1957 and has distinct French and English versions. Cameroon is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Dja Faunal Reserve and the Sangha Trinational Forest, which showcase its cultural and natural heritage amid ongoing modernization.
Religion
In 2022, the religious landscape shows that 26.5% of the population identify as Roman Catholics, while 30.6% are Muslims. Protestants make up 22.5%, and other Christians account for 6%. Traditional beliefs, such as animism, are practiced by 1.3%, and 0.7% adhere to other faiths. A small segment, 1.2%, reports no religious affiliation.Geographically, Muslims are concentrated in the north, whereas Christians are primarily found in the south. Relations between these groups can vary, influenced by periods of tension and harmony.
Weather
A humid tropical climate at an altitude of around the Adamaoua. Rainfall here is abundant: around 1,500 mm per year. The temperature is moderate year-round (around 20 °C), and the dry season in Ngaoundéré runs from October to January.