Africa in Miniature
Cameroon is often called “Africa in miniature” — within its borders are nearly every ecosystem found on the continent: Atlantic coast, rainforest, savanna, highland, mountain (Mount Cameroon — West Africa’s highest peak at 4,040 m, an active volcano), and semi-arid Sahel in the far north. Cultural diversity similarly spans more than 250 ethnic groups and over 280 languages.
Cameroon has been ruled by Paul Biya since 1982 — over 43 years — making him Africa’s longest-serving head of state and among the world’s longest-ruling non-royal leaders. Biya spends much of his time in Switzerland and is 92 years old as of 2026.
The country has an unusual linguistic division — about 80% francophone and 20% anglophone, reflecting the post-WWI split of former German Kamerun between France and Britain. An anglophone separatist insurgency (Ambazonia) has controlled parts of the Northwest and Southwest regions since 2017, killing thousands. Boko Haram has also attacked the Far North region.
Cameroon hosts a large part of the Congo Basin rainforest — the world’s second-largest after the Amazon and a major carbon sink.
A Brief History
German Kamerun 1884-1916. Split between France and Britain in WWI. Independence in 1960 (French zone) with British Southern Cameroons joining in 1961 via referendum. Paul Biya president since 1982. Anglophone crisis since 2017.
Geography and Climate
Cameroon covers 475,442 km². Coast, rainforest, mountains (Mount Cameroon, Western Highlands), savanna north. Climate: tropical.
Culture, Language and Religion
French and English are official (about 80% francophone, 20% anglophone). Religion: approximately 70% Christian, 24% Muslim. Over 250 ethnic groups — Beti-Pahuin, Bamiléké, and Fulani are among the largest.
The Economy
Cameroon has a lower-middle-income economy (~$50 billion GDP). Oil, cocoa, coffee, cotton, and timber are major sectors. The country is the 5th-largest African oil producer.
UNESCO Sites
Cameroon has 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Dja Faunal Reserve and Sangha Trinational (shared with Central African Republic and Republic of Congo).
Travel Guide
Entry: E-visa available. Far North and Northwest/Southwest regions should be avoided.
Surprising Facts
- Cameroon is called “Africa in miniature” — nearly every African ecosystem is within its borders.
- Paul Biya has ruled since 1982 — Africa’s longest-serving non-royal head of state.
- Mount Cameroon — an active volcano — is West Africa’s highest peak.
- Cameroon’s “Indomitable Lions” were the first African team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals (Italia 90).
- Lake Nyos — a volcanic crater lake — killed 1,746 people overnight in 1986 when CO₂ erupted from its depths, suffocating entire villages.
- Cameroon has over 280 languages — one of Africa’s most linguistically diverse countries.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.