Central Africa.

GMT + 1

475,442 sq km (183,569 sq miles).

16 million (2003).

33.7 per sq km (2003).

Yaoundé (constitutional). Population: 649,000 (1987). Douala (economic). Population: 810,000 (1987).

Situated on the west coast of Africa, Cameroon is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Guinea, to the northwest by Nigeria, to the northeast by Chad (with Lake Chad at its northern tip), to the east by the Central African Republic and to the south by Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The far north of the country is a semi-desert broadening into the vast Maroua Plain, with game reserves and mineral deposits. This is bordered to the west by the lush Mandara Mountains. The Benue River rises here and flows westwards into the Niger. The country to the northwest is very beautiful; volcanic peaks covered by bamboo forest rise to over 2000m (6500ft), with waterfalls and villages scattered over the lower slopes. Further to the south and west are savannah uplands, while dense forest covers the east and south. The coastal strip is tropical and cultivated. Cameroon derives its name from the 15th-century Portuguese sailor Fernando Po’s description of the River Wouri: Rio dos Cameroes (‘river of shrimps’).

The president and the 180-seat Assemblée Nationale (National Assembly) hold executive and legislative power respectively. Both are elected for five-year terms. Further revisions to the existing 1972 constitution allow for the introduction of a second National Assembly chamber at a later date.

Republic. Gained independence in 1961. Head of State: President Paul Biya since 1982; won a new seven-year term in 2004. Head of Government: Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni since 2004. Recent history: At the most recent Presidential poll in October 2004, Biya secured another seven-year term in office, winning 70 per cent of the votes. International observers claim that the poll was fair and transparent but opposition parties made allegations of widespread fraud. Cameroon joined the UN Security Council in 2002, as one of three African representatives (with Angola and Guinea) and as a result found itself subject to serious pressure over the Iraq issue during early 2003.
The President and the 180-seat Assemblée Nationale (National Assembly) hold executive and legislative power respectively. Both are elected for five-year terms. Further revisions to the existing 1972 constitution allow for the introduction of a second National Assembly chamber at a later date.

The official languages are French and English. They are given equal importance in the Constitution but French is the more commonly spoken. Spanish is spoken in some urban centres. There are 24 major African language groups. Pidgin English is also spoken.

53 per cent Christian (mainly Roman Catholic), 25 per cent traditional animist beliefs, 22 per cent Muslim.

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. In the north, where the population is largely Muslim, Islamic traditions should be respected. Visitors should never step inside a Muslim prayer circle of rocks. In other rural areas, where traditional beliefs predominate, it is essential to use tact. Photography: Cameras should be used with discretion, particularly in rural areas. Always ask permission before taking a photograph. Do not photograph airports, military establishments, official buildings, or military personnel in uniform.

110/220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are round two-pin; bayonet light-fittings are used.