Characteristics Of Cameroon

The Republic of Cameroon is on the west coast of Africa. Cameroon has the Republic of the Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Congo to the south, Chad and the Central African Republic to the east, and Nigeria to the west. The climate is hot and humid in the south and west, with average temperatures of 26°C (80°F). Annual rainfall in Yaoundé averages 4,030 mm (159 ins). The north is drier, with more extreme temperatures. The official languages are French and English; many local languages are also spoken, including Fang, Bamileke and Duala. Approximately 53% of Cameroonians profess Christianity, 25% adhere to traditional religious beliefs, and about 22%, mostly in the north, are Muslims. The national flag (proportions 2 by 3) has three equal vertical stripes, of green, red and yellow, with a five-pointed gold star in the centre of the red stripe. The capital is Yaoundé. (Ardener 125-130)

Demographics and resources

Cameroon has an ethnically diverse, rapidly growing and increasingly urbanised population. Electrical energy supply is fitful. Hydropower is the main source of electricity, but thermal power stations also contribute. Many households that can afford private generators own them. Infrastructure is generally dilapidated and inadequate to meet needs. However, large ongoing investment in seaport and telecommunications infrastructure has improved these sectors. (Asuagbor 120-121)

Population

The population of Cameroon was enumerated at 10,493,655 at the census of April 1987, and was estimated to have risen to 19,958,000 in mid-2010, giving an average density of 42.0 inhabitants per sq km. Population growth has been rapid (an average rate of 2.2% per year in 2000-08) and the composition and distribution of the population are extremely diverse. In the southern forest regions Bantu peoples predominate, although there are also pygmy groups in some of the more remote areas. North of the Bantu tribes live many semi-Bantu peoples including the ubiquitous Bamiléké. Further north the diversity increases, with Sudanese Negroes, Hamitic Fulani (or Foulbe) and Arab Choa. (Bandolo 14-20)

Economy

Cameroon's economic growth followed a steadily increasing trajectory in 2005-07, generating hope that the country had stabilized on a sustainable path of development. The rate of real growth in gross domestic product (GDP) increased from 2.0% in 2005, to 3.2% in 2006 and to 3.6% in 2007, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (Bayart 20-30)

The primary sector accounted for 21.2% of GDP in 2007. The secondary sector accounted for 32.4%, with oil extraction alone accounting for 10.5% of GDP. The services sector accounted for 46.4% of GDP in 2007. In addition to forestry products, Cameroon is a leading exporter of agricultural commodities, such as cocoa. It also has significant mineral resources, including oil, bauxite, iron ore and cobalt. The current account has traditionally been in deficit, largely reflecting a persistent shortfall in the trade in services. In 2006-07 it posted surpluses, however, on the back of high oil prices. After experiencing a slowdown in 2005, the economy picked up in 2006-07, when GDP is estimated to have grown by an annual average of ...