Interesting Cameroon Facts

Cameroon is a country located in Central Africa on the coastline of the Bight of Biafra which forms part of the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a coastal country on the continent of Africa where it spans across about 475,440 sq km (183,568 square miles) of land. The estimated population of Cameroon is over 33,534,500 inhabitants.

Check out interesting Cameroon facts and information about this Central African country with our fact file for kids. Identify important facts about the size, location, climate conditions, population, language, fauna, wildlife, people, religion, geography, famous landmarks, history and culture of Cameroon.

Learn key information about Africa with our interesting country facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Cameroon in? What is the culture of Cameroon like? What type of animals live in Cameroon? What is the main religion of Cameroon? What are the bordering countries of Cameroon? What is Cameroon famous for?

Cameroon Fact File: Continent: Africa *** Country Name(s): Republic of Cameroon, République du Cameroun *** Location: Central Africa *** Bordering Countries: Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo Gabon and Equatorial Guinea *** Capital City: Yaoundé *** Size: 475,440 sq km 183,568 square miles) *** Estimated Population: over 33,534,500 *** Main Religion(s): Christian *** Currency: CFA franc (XAF) *** Language(s): English and French *** Country Code for Cameroon: +237 *** Largest Cities / Towns: Yaoundé, Douala, Garoua, Kousséri, Bamenda, Maroua, Bafoussam, Mokolo, Ngaoundéré and Bertoua *** Geography of Cameroon: *** Famous Landmarks of Cameroon: Foumban Royal Palace & Museum, Reunification Monument, Dika Akwa Palace, Fon's Palace, Kribi Lighthouse, Londji Bimbia (historical slave port), Le Monument aux Morts, Statue of Charles Atangana, Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Cathedrale de la Paix, Kumbo Cathedral, Edea Cathedral, Central Mosque, Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres, Foumban Mosque, New Bell Mosque, and Lamido Grand Mosque

Interesting Cameroon Facts for Kids

Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Where is Cameroon located?
Cameroon forms part of the continent of Africa. It is positioned in Central Africa, on the coastline of the Bight of Biafra which forms part of the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean and its border countries are Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Cameroon population and size
Cameroon is a coastal country in Africa. It is estimated that the area size of this Central African country is 475,440 sq km (183,568 square miles). It is believed that the country has a population of around 33,534,500 with Cameroon’s most populated city being Douala followed by the capital of Yaoundé.

Interesting Facts for Kids 3: The capital of Cameroon
The capital city of Cameroon is Yaoundé which is situated in the centre of the country. Yaoundé is the second most populated city in Cameroon and has an approximated population of 1,299,300 people. The region is known for its points of interest including a variation of religious sites; cathedrals, churches and mosques, museums and Sport Palace. There are a range of notable landmarks in the capital city of Yaoundé including the Statue of Charles Atangana, Reunification Monument, Central Mosque, Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires, Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apétres, Cameroon Art Museum, Blackitude Museum, Cameroon National Museum, Afhemi Museum, Sport Palace, and Palais des Congrés. Yaoundé has many important industries which are core to the economy of the Cameroon. Urban agriculture is significant to this city which is said to have more than one million chickens and thousands of pigs.

Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Cameroon major cities
There are a number of major cities in Cameroon, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Yaoundé, and Douala, Garoua, Kousséri, Bamenda, Maroua, Bafoussam, Mokolo, Ngaoundéré and Bertoua. Although not the capital of Cameroon, Douala is the largest and most populated city in the country. The city's economic wealth, high living standards and successful businesses attract expatriates from across the world including the United States, Europe and Asia.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Cameroon flag facts
The national flag of Cameroon is designed using beautiful, bright Pan-African colors and first introduced on May 20, 1975. The flag comprises of three vertical bands, equal in size, which appear in the order of green, red, yellow from left to right. A yellow, five pointed star, known as the star of unity, is central to the flag's design where it is situated on top of the red band. The Cameroonian flag has symbolic meaning which is portrayed by the Pan-African colors of red, yellow / gold and green. These bright colors originate from the flag of Ethiopia which has inspired the design of numerous African flags. The colors are representative of the geography and culture of Cameroon. The color yellow represents the savannahs and happiness, red expresses unity, and green symbolizes both the country's forest areas as well as hope.

Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Language of Cameroon
The main languages of Cameroon include English and French. The official language spoken by the majority of the population is French, however, Cameroon has a second official language which is English. A number of other African and local languages are also spoken in this country including Cameroonian Pidgin English and Franc Anglais.

Interesting Facts for Kids 7: What is the main religion of Cameroon?
The main religion of Cameroon is Christian. It's thought that more than 60 percent of Cameroon's population practice Christianity formed majorly by Roman Catholics and Protestants. Muslim communities make up around 20 percent of the population whilst the remainder are either non-religious or belong to other faiths.

Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Cameroon food facts
The cuisine in Cameroon can be described as exotic and rich. Given the location of Cameroon, this country has one of the widest cuisines in Africa. Popular Cameroonian dishes include cocoyam, yam, cassava, potato, banana, rice, peanuts, eggplant, okra, tomato, hot pepper, beans and maize. Dishes may be accompanied by fish and meats, often bush meat. The names of some of the most traditional Cameroonian foods include sangah, ndolé (spicy stew), koki, achu and brochettes (meat skewers).

Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Cameroon climate facts
The climate of Cameroon ranges between coastal and inland areas, and is also affected by elevation. The climate can be described as tropical on the coast, and semiarid and hot towards the north of the country. the weather conditions in the capital city of Yaoundé are tropical wet and dry. Although this city is close to the equator, it experiences lower temperatures than expected due to the altitude. The average daily temperature remains consistent throughout the year and ranges from around 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. The average annual precipitation in Yaoundé is approximately 154cm with rain falling over an extended period from February to November. The driest months typically occur from July to August.

Interesting Facts for Kids 10: What animals live in Cameroon?
Cameroon is home to hundreds of animal species including more than 400 types of mammals, almost 700 species of birds, around 250 reptiles and 200 types of amphibians. Animals are protected in zoos, national parks, forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries located across Cameroon. An array of animals can be found living in this part of Africa including apes, monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills, baboons, giraffes, cheetahs, antelopes, elephants, hippopotami, rhinoceros, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, bats, rodents, eagles and giant hawks. One of the most endangered animal species is a type of great ape known as the Cross River gorilla. The coastal areas are home to some of the greatest sea creatures that inhabit this part of the Atlantic including whales, dolphins, and marine turtles such as the Atlantic green, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback species.

Interesting Facts for Kids 11: Cameroon geography facts
The geography of Cameroon is diverse and ranges from coastal areas, beaches and deserts, to mountains, plateau, plains, rainforests and savannas. The highest point can be found in the southwestern area of the country at nearly 4,100m high on Mount Cameroon.

Interesting Facts for Kids 12: Cameroon plants and fauna facts
The climate and vegetation of Cameroon is very diverse due its geography and elevation. A whole range of plant life occurs across this country's rich savanna grasslands, forests, rainforests, desert, beaches, mountains and plateau. Trees, grasses, mosses, lichens, mountain bamboo and shrubs can be found growing across this country, and huge trees such as mahogany, ebony, obeche, dibetu, and sapelli dominate the rainforests.

Interesting Facts for Kids 13: Cameroon famous landmarks
There are numerous impressive landmarks, monuments and buildings in Cameroon including the Foumban Royal Palace & Museum, Reunification Monument, Dika Akwa Palace, Fon's Palace, Kribi Lighthouse, Londji Bimbia (historical slave port), Le Monument aux Morts, Statue of Charles Atangana, Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Cathedrale de la Paix, Kumbo Cathedral, Edea Cathedral, Central Mosque, Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres, Foumban Mosque, New Bell Mosque, and Lamido Grand Mosque.

Interesting Facts for Kids 14: Cameroon economy facts
Most of the Cameroon's major exports are dealt with in the city of Douala which is home to the largest port in Central Africa. Douala is the most populated city in Cameroon and although it is not the capital of this country, it is core to its economy. The country's major exports include oil, coffee, cocoa, fruits, timber and metals. Douala has important transport links including an international airport. Many expatriates can be found living in the expensive city of Douala which has a strong infrastructure and high standard of living. The capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé, is the second largest and one of the important cities in the country. Its industries are core to the economy and focus around the distribution of dairy products, coffee, cocoa, copra, sugarcane, beer, tobacco, glass, clay and rubber. This city has a major seaport and generally offers a higher standard of living than many other regions of the Cameroon. Although the economy of Cameroon is developing well and its political and social stability is high, many Cameroonian people are living in poverty as subsistence farmers.

Interesting Facts for Kids 15: Cameroon tourism facts
The tourism industry in Cameroon is steadily improving and the country welcomes visitors to enjoy its stunning landscape and wildlife. The main tourist hotels are located in the country's two largest cities of Douala and Yaoundé, and in the main coastal resorts of Limbe and Kribi which offer excellent beaches. There are many things for tourists to see and do in Cameroon but visitors are advised to check first before venturing away from the main tourist routes. Safety can be an issue in some areas of the Cameroon so tourists should remain vigilant.

Interesting Facts for Kids 16: What is Cameroon famous for?
Cameroon is famous for for its attractive scenery, unique geographical features, natural landmarks and stunning wildlife. Cameroon produces cocoa, coffee, bananas and many other products for major export.

Interesting Facts for Kids 17: Cameroon culture facts
Cameroon has a rich and diverse culture centered around cuisine, sport, art, crafts, literature, music and dance. This country boasts many athletes, some of whom have competed in the Summer and Winter Olympic tournaments. People from the Cameroon enjoy different types of sports including football, canoe racing and wrestling. The Cameroon national football team is one of the most successful teams in Africa. Football is also popular among Cameroonian women and the female football team is known as the 'indomitable lionesses'. Arts and crafts are produced locally by Cameroonian people and hold cultural significance. Sculptures, woodcarvings, basket weavings, pots and ceramics are made for commercial, religious and decorative purposes. Traditional music, drumming, dances and cuisine often dominate festivals, celebrations and ceremonies across the Cameroon.

Interesting Facts for Kids 18: Cameroon history facts
The history of Cameroon, as we are able to trace it, began around the 6th century BC with early inhabitants that resided by the Chari River south of Lake Chad. These early human beings including the Sao civilization who lived in this area of Middle Africa for hundreds of years, right up until around the 16th century when Islam impacted the identity of the Sao culture. The Baka people were also among some of the Cameroon's earliest inhabitants. They lived among the rainforests in the southeastern part of the country. European explorers began to settle, beginning with the Portuguese who arrived in the 15th century, naming the region Rio dos Camarés meaning Shrimp River. By 1884, the area had become a German colony known as Kamerun. Following WWI, the region was divided between France and the United Kingdom (League of Nations).

Interesting Facts for Kids 19: Cameroonian Independence War (1955-1960)
Independence was outlawed during the 1950s by France, and sparked the outbreak of the Cameroonian Independence War (guerre cachee) in 1955. The fight for independence was long and bloody, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. Cameroon gained independence in 1960 but conflicts continued. This part of Africa has since gained political and social stability, and the economy continues to strengthen. In 1972, its name was changed to the United Republic of Cameroon and in 1984 to the Republic of Cameroon.

Interesting Facts for Kids 20: Africa in Miniature
Cameroon has earned the nickname 'Africa in miniature' due to the diversity of its geography which incorporates many types of landforms including coastal regions, deserts, plateau, mountains, plains, savannas and rainforests.

Interesting Cameroon Facts for Kids

Interesting Cameroon Facts - History - Cameroon Culture Facts - Food - Interesting Facts - Climate – Cameroon Facts And Information - Map - Geography - Cameroon Africa Facts - Country Code - Location - Facts on Cameroon For Kids - Basic Cameroon Country Facts - Flag - Interesting Facts - Population of Cameroon - Cool Facts - Language - Capital of Cameroon - Cities - Size of Cameroon - Religion - Fun Facts about Cameroon - Currency – Time in Cameroon - Interesting Facts