Cameroon

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Paul Biya 2014

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Cameroon (

), officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north; 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's coastline lies on the Bight of Bonny, part of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean.

History

The territory of present-day Cameroon was first settled during the Neolithic era. The Sao civilization arose around Lake Chad around the 6th century AD, and gave way to the Kanem Empire. Portuguese explorers reached the coast in the 15th century and named the area Rio dos Camarões (Shrimp River), which became Cameroon in English. In the 19th century, Fulani soldiers founded the Adamawa Emirate in the north, and various ethnic groups of the west and northwest established powerful chiefdoms and fondoms. Cameroon became a German colony in 1884 known as Kamerun. After World War I, the territory was divided between France and the United Kingdom as League of Nations mandates. Following World War II, the mandates were converted into United Nations Trust Territories. The French-administered part of Cameroon gained independence in 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon. The southern part of British Cameroons federated with it in 1961 to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. The federation was abandoned in 1972.

Geography

Cameroon is often referred to as "Africa in miniature" for its geological and cultural diversity. It features beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. The highest point is Mount Cameroon in the Southwest Region, and the largest cities are Douala, Yaoundé, and Garoua.

Politics

Cameroon is a unitary state with a presidential system. The President of Cameroon is Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. The country has faced internal conflict, particularly in the Anglophone Crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

Economy

Cameroon's economy is based on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services. Major export markets include France, Italy, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The country is part of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).

Demographics

Cameroon is home to over 250 ethnic groups and languages. The official languages are French and English. The largest religious groups are Christianity and Islam, with a significant portion of the population practicing indigenous religions.

Culture

Cameroon is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and festivals. The country has a diverse culinary scene, with dishes such as Ndolé, Achu, and Eru.

Education and Health

Education in Cameroon is divided into primary, secondary, and higher education. The country has several universities, including the University of Yaoundé and the University of Douala. The healthcare system faces challenges, including limited access to medical facilities and a high prevalence of diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Cameroon. The national team, known as the Indomitable Lions, has won the Africa Cup of Nations multiple times and has participated in several FIFA World Cup tournaments. Other popular sports include basketball, boxing, and athletics.

See also

• List of Presidents of Cameroon
• Geography of Cameroon
• Economy of Cameroon
• Culture of Cameroon
• Education in Cameroon
• Healthcare in Cameroon