Cameroon

The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite a slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy headed by President Paul BIYA.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 18,060,382 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Cameroonian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Cameroonian

Official Language(s): English, French

Major Languages Spoken: Bafut, English, French

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Cameroon

Country Name (short form): Cameroon

Country Name (local long form): Republique du Cameroun/Republic of Cameroon

Country Name (local short form): Cameroun/Cameroon

Name of Capital: Yaounde

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Cameroon: Nigeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Land Area: 469440 sq km

Water Area: 6000 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than California

Total Land Boundry: 4,591 km

Coastline: 402 km

National Holiday: Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)

International Phone Code: 237

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF)

Internet Country Code: .cm

US Embassy Location: Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520