Cameroon

Description of Cameroon

Cameroon is located in West Africa. It has borders with Nigeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. The country has English and French speaking sections, there are regions dominated by Christians and others dominated by Muslims, and the tallest mountain of West Africa is located here. In addition, there is terrain that includes desert plains, rain forests, mountains, and high plateaus.

History 

The territory that is now Cameroon was settled during the Neolithic period. In 1472 Portuguese sailors made it to the coast. Over the next few hundred years Europeans regularized trade with the peoples of the coast and missionaries from the Christian faith pushed inward. 

During the early part of the 19^th century, Fulani soldiers led by Modibo Adama conducted a jihad against those who were not Muslim. It was at this time the Adamawa Emirate was established. People who fled from the Fulani caused the population to be redistributed. 

In 1884, the territory was claimed by the German Empire. When Germany was defeated during WWI, Kamerun was named as a mandate territory by the League of Nations and was split into the British Cameroons and the French Cameroun in the year 1919. The French integrated the economy of the area with their own economy and improved the overall infrastructure of the area with skilled workers, capital investments, and a continued force labor. 

The British territory was administered through neighboring Nigeria and natives of the area complained that they were neglected. The mandates from the League of Nations were then converted to a trusteeship in the year 1946 and in French Cameroun independence became a pressing issue. The most radical political party was outlawed by France, which prompted guerrilla warfare. In the British colony the question became whether to reunify with the French territory or to join with Nigeria. 

On the first of January in the year 1960, French Cameroun was given its independence from President Ahmadou Ahidjo. On the first of October in 1961, the northern part of the British Cameroons became another area of Nigeria and the southern part of the colony united with what used to be the French colony.

Things to See and Do 

There are many things to see and do while in Cameroon. It is important to note that visitors from the west are at risk when visiting the country as there have been many reported kidnappings in the country of western people. Most of the people that visit Cameroon come from Belgium as this is not typically a destination that Americans will visit. 

If you choose to visit Cameroon, the Dja Faunal Reserve is a part of the UNESCO world heritage list and is worth visiting. You may also want to see the Korup National Park, Mount Cameroon, which is the highest mountain of West Africa, the Limbe Botanic Garden, National Museum of Yaounde, Kribi, and the Benedictine Museum for Mont Febe. These are all located in Yaounde and are designed for tourists. 

Making Purchases 

There are many great local crafts available throughout the country. Unless you are visiting a store or a restaurant, you will have to bargain for everything that you want to buy. You should offer about 20% to 50% of the first price that you are told. 

There are many great restaurants located throughout the city and you should be able to find a cuisine that you will enjoy. If you are on a low budget you may want to try Chez Kali, which is located in Bonapriso. 

When purchasing drinks you will want to make sure to check the best buy date as often times the bottles will be expired. Coca-Cola can be found in most areas and if you are looking for something a bit different one of the TOP sodas is a great choice. There are also plenty of great beers in the area because of the German and French influences.

Some facts about Cameroon

Gallery of Cameroon

Cameroon video guide

More information about Cameroon

Top cities of Cameroon