Cameroon
Subregion: Middle Africa
Cameroon is a country located in Middle Africa on the west coast. The capital city of Cameroon is Yaounde. The government is a Unitarian dominant-party presidential republic. The official languages of the country are French and English, however there are about 250 tribal languages spoken within the county. The predominant religion is Christianity. Free public healthcare is provided to the population but there are not enough doctors to provide adequate care. Most expats choose private healthcare.
Safety:
Cameroon has a relatively high crime rate, with incidents of theft, robbery, and assault reported in both urban and rural areas. Visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not carrying large amounts of cash, and keeping valuables out of sight. Cameroon is a target for terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, which has carried out attacks in the country's Far North Region. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling to this area and follow the advice of local authorities. Cameroon has experienced political unrest and demonstrations in recent years, particularly in the Anglophone regions of the country. Visitors should avoid large gatherings and monitor local media for updates on the security situation. Cameroon has a high incidence of malaria, yellow fever, and other infectious diseases. Visitors should take appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent and taking antimalarial medication, and ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations. Cameroon has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Africa, with an average of over 1,000 deaths per year. The main causes of road accidents in Cameroon include speeding, reckless driving, and poor vehicle maintenance. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable on Cameroon's roads, as many vehicles do not give them enough space and there are few designated bike lanes or sidewalks. Cameroon's police force has been working to improve road safety by enforcing traffic laws and conducting education campaigns, but more needs to be done to reduce the number of accidents. Many of Cameroon's roads are in poor condition, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and insufficient signage. The country's road network is also limited in some areas, which can make travel difficult and time-consuming. During the rainy season (June to October), many roads become impassable due to flooding and mudslides. Some major highways in Cameroon have been upgraded in recent years, but much of the country's road infrastructure remains in need of repair and maintenance. Hire a driver instead of using taxis. Taxis have been known to be involved in crime and schemes against travelers.
Cultural Customs:
Cameroon is a diverse country in terms of culture and customs. It is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs and traditions. Cameroonians are very respectful of their elders and place a great emphasis on greetings. It is customary to greet people when entering a room or meeting someone for the first time. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting, but some ethnic groups may use other forms of greeting such as bowing or curtsying. Traditional dress is still very popular in Cameroon. Each ethnic group has its own distinct style of dress, but brightly colored fabrics and intricate patterns are common. Men typically wear long robes, while women wear wraps or dresses. Cameroon is known for its rich and diverse cuisine. Common dishes include ndolé (a stew made from bitter leaves), poulet DG (chicken with plantains), and mbongo tchobi (fish stew). Food is often eaten with the hands, and it is customary to share meals with others. Cameroonians are known for their love of dance and music. Traditional music is still popular, and there are many different styles of music across the country. Traditional dance is often performed at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies. Family is highly valued in Cameroonian culture. It is common for extended family members to live together, and there is a strong emphasis on respect for elders. Elders should be greeted first and use formal names. Parents are highly respected and play a major role in the upbringing of their children. When food is served, men and guests eat first then women then children. As in most countries, eating with your right hand is proper. Use of your left hand while eating is considered unclean. Talking while eating is a sign of poor manners. Cameroonians can tend to be formal and expect gifts when you are visiting their homes. Food, cooked and uncooked, is a common gift. You can bring whiskey or wine if the host or family is not Muslim. Cameroon is a diverse country in terms of religion, with Christianity and Islam being the most widely practiced. Many Cameroonians also practice traditional religions. Religious customs such as prayer, fasting, and attending religious ceremonies are important to many Cameroonians.
Geography & Weather:
Cameroon’s geographical area contains beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. There are 4 different zones in Cameroon and the climate is different in each zone. The north has a hot desert-like climate. The central plateau has a cooler climate with a longer rainy season. The southern plateau that is higher elevation has a cloudy and rainy climate. The coastline has a hot and humid climate.
In the city of Maroua, which is in the northern part of the country, the average temperature ranges from 63 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 76 degrees F and April being the hottest month with a median temperature of 90 degrees F. May - September is the rainy season with the wettest month being August averaging 9 inches of rainfall for the month. The sun shines regularly year round even during the rainy season.
Ngaoundéré is located in the center of the country on a plateau about 3600 ft above sea level. The average temperature ranges from 51 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 69 degrees F and March is the hottest month with a median temperature of 77 degrees F. Rainy season is April - October. August is the rainiest month averaging 11 inches. It’s sunny during dry season and during rainy season it’s mostly cloudy.
Yaoundé is located in the southern part of the country on a plateau at about 2300 ft above sea level.The weather averages at 75 degrees all year round. Rainy season is March - November. It’s not very sunny in this area year round.
Douala is a city on the coast. The weather averages at 80 degrees all year round.The rainy season is April - October. This area gets significant rainfall of about 140 inches annually. The sea temperature stays at 82 degrees year round.
Economy:
Cameroon's economy is diversified, with agriculture, oil and gas, and services sectors being the major contributors to the country's GDP. However, despite its diverse economy, Cameroon still faces significant challenges in terms of unemployment. According to the World Bank, the unemployment rate in Cameroon was 4.5% in 2019, but it is expected to have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth unemployment is particularly high, with over 35% of young people aged between 15 and 24 years old being unemployed. This is due to several factors, including a lack of job opportunities, limited access to education and training, and a lack of support for entrepreneurship. The government of Cameroon has implemented several measures to address the issue of unemployment, including the creation of job training programs and the promotion of entrepreneurship. However, more needs to be done to create a favorable environment for businesses to thrive and create more job opportunities. In summary, while Cameroon has a diverse economy, the issue of unemployment remains a challenge, particularly among young people. The government has taken some steps to address this problem, but further efforts are needed to create more job opportunities and support entrepreneurship.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Central African Franc (CFA)
CFA 1.00 = USD .0017
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
26,545,863
Median Age:
18.7
Life Expectancy:
60.32
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
*Applications must be submitted in person by appointment or by mail ONLY*
Cost: Tourist Visa 30 days $93
Long stay visa, up to 6 months $184
Long stay visa, up to 1 year $275
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - No
Naturalization - Cameroonian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person is 21 years old, is of good morality, good health, has no criminal convictions, has assimilated into society and has a secure means of support. Person must have lived in Cameroon for an undisclosed amount of time.
Residency Requirements:
Residency permits cost $430 USD minimum, rate is subject to change.
Residence Visa applications for residency require a recent bank statement with name, address, bank balance and transaction record.
Resources:
Le Commissariat à l'Emi-Immigration, Yaoundé, Cameroon - no website
U.S. Embassy Yaounde
Avenue Rosa Parks
(in the Mbankolo Quartier, adjacent to the Mount Febe Golf Club)
P.O. Box 817
Yaounde, Cameroon
Telephone: +(237) 22220-1500
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(237) 22220-1500
Fax: +(237) 22220-1572