Cameroon
Called "Africa in miniature" for packing deserts, rainforests, mountains and beaches into one country, with more than 250 ethnic groups and two official languages.
At a glance
| Capital | Yaoundé |
|---|---|
| Region | Central Africa |
| Area | 475,440 km² (#24 of 54 in Africa) |
| Size vs Kenya | Kenya is about 1× bigger |
| Languages | French and English (official), plus more than 200 local languages |
| Currency | Central African CFA franc (XAF) |
| Independence | 1 January 1960, from France; the British-run Southern Cameroons joined in 1961 |
The capital: Yaoundé
Yaoundé is spread across a series of green hills in the centre-south of the country, which is why it is sometimes called the city of seven hills. It is Cameroon's political capital and second city. Douala, on the coast, is the largest city and main port.
At around 750 metres above sea level, Yaoundé is cooler and greener than Douala, with government ministries, universities and a lively food and music scene.
What to see in Yaoundé
Reunification Monument
A spiral monument built to mark the 1961 union of the French- and English-speaking parts of the country.
Mefou Primate Sanctuary
About an hour outside the city, a sanctuary that cares for rescued gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys.
Benedictine Monastery Museum
On Mont Fébé, a small museum with one of the country's best collections of traditional art and masks.
National Museum
Housed in a former presidential palace, it tells Cameroon's story from early kingdoms to independence.
How big is Cameroon?
Cameroon covers 475,440 km², making it Africa's #24 largest country out of 54. Kenya (580,367 km²) is about 1 times bigger. One place above it is Kenya (580,367 km²) and one place below is Morocco (446,550 km²).
Places to visit in Cameroon
Mount Cameroon
An active volcano and one of the highest peaks in West and Central Africa, climbed from the town of Buea.
Kribi and the Lobé Falls
Beaches on the Atlantic coast, and waterfalls that tumble straight into the sea.
Limbe
A seaside town with black volcanic sand, a botanical garden from 1892 and a wildlife centre.
Waza National Park
Savanna in the far north, known for elephants, giraffes and lions.
Foumban
The historic seat of the Bamum kingdom, with a royal palace museum and a famous arts and crafts tradition.
Did you know?
- Cameroon is nicknamed 'Africa in miniature' for its mix of deserts, rainforests, mountains and beaches.
- In 1990, Cameroon became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the men's football World Cup.
- Roger Milla scored for Cameroon at the 1994 World Cup at the age of 42, a record for the oldest goalscorer at the tournament.
- The Lobé Falls near Kribi are one of the few waterfalls in the world that fall directly into the sea.
Planning a visit
The main dry season in the south runs from about November to February, the best time for travel and for climbing Mount Cameroon. The north is hot and dry from November to May.
Some regions, including parts of the north and the English-speaking North-West and South-West, are affected by insecurity. Check your government's travel advice before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Cameroon?
The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé.
How big is Cameroon compared with Kenya?
Cameroon covers 475,440 km², making it Africa's #24 largest country out of 54. Kenya (580,367 km²) is about 1 times bigger.
Which part of Africa is Cameroon in?
Cameroon is in Central Africa. It borders Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, with a coast on the Gulf of Guinea.
Areas and rankings are standard reference figures, rounded. Travel conditions change, so check your government's current travel advice before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.