What we know about Cameroon

Interesting Facts…

  • Location:
    Cameroon is situated in Central Africa, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo.
  • Official Languages:
    The country has two official languages, English and French, reflecting its colonial history.
  • Population and Cultural Diversity:
    Home to over 25 million people, Cameroon is known for its cultural richness, with 250+ ethnic groups and a vast array of languages spoken.
  • Mount Cameroon:
    Located in the Southwest region, it is the highest mountain in West Africa at 4,040 meters (13,250 feet).
  • Unique Wildlife:
    Cameroon hosts diverse wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and several species of antelope.
  • Economy:
    A significant producer of coffee, cocoa, and oil, Cameroon has a diversified economy that spans agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services.
  • Climate:
    Cameroon has a tropical climate with two seasons—rainy (April to October) and dry (November to March).
  • National Sport:
    Football (soccer) is incredibly popular, with the national team participating in seven FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Challenges in Cameroon…

  • Climate Change & Environmental Degradation:
    Issues like deforestation and desertification are threatening biodiversity. Cameroon has lost nearly half its forest cover in recent decades.
    (Source: World Wildlife Fund)
  • Limited Access to Clean Water and Sanitation:
    Around 64% of the population has access to improved water sources, impacting health and contributing to the spread of water-borne diseases.
    (Source: UNICEF)
  • Poverty:
    With 37% of the population living below the poverty line, rural areas especially rely on subsistence farming.
    (Source: World Bank)
  • Healthcare Access:
    Many rural residents must travel long distances for medical care, and there is a shortage of healthcare workers and supplies.
    (Source: Human Rights Watch)
  • Gender Inequality:
    Discrimination limits women’s access to education, healthcare, and employment. Cameroon ranks 150th on the UN’s Gender Inequality Index.
    (Source: UNDP Gender Inequality Index)
  • Maternal and Child Mortality:
    Cameroon has a high maternal mortality rate of 596 deaths per 100,000 live births, largely due to poor healthcare access.
    (Source: UNICEF)
  • Infrastructure and Electricity:
    Approximately 50% of the population has access to electricity, with frequent outages in many areas.
    (Source: ESI Africa)
  • Limited ICT Access:
    Internet penetration is relatively low, with 48% mobile penetration and 6.2% fixed broadband access as of 2020. Only 14.5% of households have internet access.
    (Source: ITU)
  • Education Challenges:
    The literacy rate is 77%, and school dropout rates are high, particularly among girls and children in rural areas.
    (Source: UNICEF)
  • Food Insecurity and Malnutrition:
    More than 1 in 3 children under 5 are stunted due to malnutrition, especially in rural regions.
    (Source: World Food Programme)
  • Political Instability:
    Ongoing conflict, especially in English-speaking areas, has displaced many and disrupted essential services.
    (Source: Human Rights Watch)