Africa · Middle Africa

Cameroon

Republic of Cameroon

Flag of Cameroon
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Yaoundé
👥 Population
29,442,327
📐 Area
475,442 km²
💱 Currency
Central African CFA franc (Fr)
🗣️ Languages
English, French
📞 Calling Code
+237
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Middle Africa

About Cameroon

Cameroon is famously known as "Africa in Miniature" — and the nickname is entirely justified. Within this single country you will find Atlantic beaches, equatorial rainforests, volcanic mountains, vast savannas, and the edge of the Sahara Desert all compressed into one remarkable territory. It is a country where a few days of travel can transport you from lush jungle where lowland gorillas roam to arid semi-desert landscapes dotted with the fortress-like compounds of northern sultanates.

Yaoundé, the political capital set in rolling green hills, offers a contrasting experience to the more dynamic commercial port city of Douala. The Littoral region around Douala is a gateway to extraordinary nature: Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West and Central Africa, rises dramatically from the coast to 4,095 meters and can be climbed as a multi-day trek through shifting ecological zones. The Bamiléké highlands in the west are a cultural heartland of traditional chieftaincies, tikar bronze castings, and one of the most visually distinctive architectural landscapes in Africa.

In the far north, the Mandara Mountains and Waza National Park offer a wildlife and cultural experience unlike anything in the south. And cutting through everything is the Cameroonian spirit — warm, entrepreneurial, and sporting (the Indomitable Lions national football team is a source of enormous pride). Despite infrastructure challenges and some security concerns in specific regions, Cameroon rewards intrepid travelers with an Africa of extraordinary variety.

History & Background

Cameroon's territory has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the Sao civilization flourishing around Lake Chad from roughly the 5th through the 15th centuries. The Portuguese arrived on the coast in the 1470s and named the Wouri River "Rio dos Camarões" (River of Prawns) — the origin of the country's modern name. The powerful Fulani jihad of the early 19th century transformed the north politically and religiously, establishing sultanates that still hold ceremonial authority today.

Germany established a protectorate over Kamerun in 1884, building roads, railways, and plantations across the territory. After Germany's World War I defeat, the territory was divided between Britain and France under League of Nations mandates. French Cameroun gained independence on January 1, 1960, and the following year a plebiscite saw the southern part of British Cameroons vote to join the new republic, while the northern section voted to join Nigeria. The English–French linguistic fault line has intensified in recent years, with Anglophone regions in the northwest and southwest experiencing a secessionist conflict known as the Anglophone Crisis since 2016, which requires careful consideration when planning travel.

Culture & People

Cameroon's cultural mosaic is among Africa's most complex: the country harbors over 250 ethnic groups speaking nearly 300 languages. This diversity is organized into broad linguistic and cultural zones — the Beti and Bassa peoples of the south, the Bamiléké highlanders of the west, the Muslim Fulani and Arab Choa of the north, and the Baka forest-dwelling communities of the east. English and French are co-official languages, a legacy of the country's dual British and French colonial history that still shapes its politics and identity today.

The Bamiléké people of the western highlands are particularly celebrated for their rich chieftaincy traditions, elaborate funerary ceremonies, and the iconic dancing masks with long beaded garments that appear at royal festivals. Cameroon's music scene is world-class: Makossa rhythms from Douala have influenced African popular music globally, and bikutsi from the Beti south adds a compelling polyrhythmic counterpoint. The country's storytelling, oral poetry, and griots tradition weave together a cultural narrative that connects modern Cameroonians to ancient lineages while embracing a forward-looking creativity that thrives in its cities and festivals.

Food & Cuisine

Cameroonian cuisine is hearty and vegetable-rich, with a deep reliance on cassava, plantain, cocoyam, and maize as starchy bases. Ndolé — a bitterleaf stew cooked with groundnuts and sometimes meat or smoked fish — is the national dish and a deeply satisfying flavor experience. Eru soup, made from forest leaves and waterleaf cooked with smoked fish or beef and palm oil, is a western Cameroonian specialty that has become beloved across the country. Soya — spiced beef skewers grilled over charcoal at roadside stands — is the quintessential street food of Yaoundé and Douala.

Plantain is ubiquitous: boiled, fried, roasted, or pounded into miondo (a fermented cassava version) it appears at virtually every meal. Pepper soup made with goat or fish is a celebratory dish found at occasions from weddings to funerals. Fresh fish from the Atlantic coast and from Cameroon's lakes and rivers are exceptional — grilled tilapia and mackerel are sold at coastal markets with the catch barely an hour old. Palm wine, tapped fresh from palm trees, is the traditional social drink of the south, while Castel and '33' Export beer are the nation's beloved commercial brews.

Top Attractions

  • Mount Cameroon — West Africa's highest peak (4,095m), an active volcano offering challenging multi-day treks through rainforest, moorland, and volcanic lava fields.
  • Waza National Park — Northern Cameroon's premier wildlife destination with lions, elephants, giraffes, and exceptional birdwatching in the dry season.
  • Bamiléké Chieftaincy Villages — The western highlands are dotted with traditional palaces, masked festivals, and artisan workshops producing world-class bronze and textile art.
  • Limbe Botanical Garden — A lush colonial-era garden on the Atlantic coast adjoining a wildlife center caring for rescued chimpanzees and gorillas.
  • Mandara Mountains — Dramatic volcanic peaks in the far north, home to the Mandara people whose hilltop villages and terraced agriculture create a spectacular landscape.
  • Dja Faunal Reserve — A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest covering over 5,000 square kilometers, one of Africa's largest undisturbed rainforests and home to western lowland gorillas.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Check current travel advisories before visiting — the Anglophone northwest and southwest regions, parts of the far north near Lake Chad, and areas near the CAR border carry elevated security risks.
  • The CFA franc is the local currency; ATMs are available in Yaoundé and Douala but very limited elsewhere — carry adequate cash for rural travel.
  • Both French and English are official, but French dominates — basic French is extremely helpful outside the Anglophone regions.
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry and will be checked at the airport.
  • Road travel between cities can be very slow; intercity buses are available but journeys take much longer than map distances suggest due to road conditions.
  • Photography requires a permit for public spaces in some areas — always ask permission before photographing people or markets.

Visa Overview

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Cameroon, obtained in advance from a Cameroonian embassy or consulate. Visa on arrival is not generally available, so plan ahead. Requirements typically include a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a completed application form, a passport photo, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and the visa fee. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers. Citizens of certain CEMAC countries and some other African nations benefit from visa-free or simplified entry arrangements. Always verify current requirements with the relevant Cameroonian mission.

Getting Around

Douala and Yaoundé are Cameroon's main international airports, connected by a highway that takes approximately three hours. Within cities, shared taxis (taxi-clando) are inexpensive; for intercity travel, bus companies like Général Express and Binam operate comfortable services on main routes. Road quality deteriorates significantly outside major corridors, particularly in the western highlands and north. Hiring a private vehicle with a driver is recommended for exploring Mount Cameroon, the Bamiléké region, and northern parks. The country's limited rail network connects Yaoundé to Ngaoundéré in the north.

Safety Notes

Cameroon has several areas of active security concern: the Far North region near Lake Chad, the northwest and southwest Anglophone regions experiencing armed conflict, and areas bordering the Central African Republic. Travelers should avoid these zones entirely. In Yaoundé and Douala, petty crime and street robbery are present — avoid displaying valuables, use reputable transport, and exercise caution at night. Road accidents are common due to poor roads and driving conditions. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is essential; malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Cameroon.

Central African CFA franc (XAF) Fr
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.020578
AAVE 0.000019
ADA 0.009566
AED 0.006540
AFN 0.116556
AGIX 0.031297
AKT 0.003464
ALGO 0.021632
ALL 0.141298
AMD 0.646426
AMP 4.642234
ANG 0.003190
AOA 1.635473
APE 0.013848
APT 0.003183
AR 0.000958
ARB 0.020360
ARS 2.666023
ATOM 0.001193
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002505
AVAX 0.000263
AWG 0.003188
AXS 0.001976
AZM 15.136571
AZN 0.003027
BAKE 2.560106
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.028480
BBD 0.003562
BCH 0.000008
BDT 0.216685
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000670
BIF 5.296727
BMD 0.001781
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002264
BOB 0.020454
BRL 0.009222
BSD 0.001781
BSV 0.000111
BSW 4.913826
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.030087
BTG 0.004058
BTN 0.170284
BTT 6,545.602639
BUSD 0.001780
BWP 0.023953
BYN 0.005384
BYR 34.898812
BZD 0.003577
CAD 0.002458
CAKE 0.001105
CDF 4.082357
CELO 0.028456
CFX 0.040659
CHF 0.001422
CHZ 0.139308
CLP 1.641164
CNH 0.011977
CNY 0.011977
COMP 0.000097
COP 5.436450
CRC 0.801742
CRO 0.035739
CRV 0.006825
CSPR 0.666775
CUC 0.001781
CUP 0.047185
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001101
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.036846
DAI 0.001781
DASH 0.000056
DCR 0.000151
DEM 0.002982
DFI 1.789675
DJF 0.316293
DKK 0.011397
DOGE 0.023720
DOP 0.104004
DOT 0.002250
DYDX 0.016189
DZD 0.236339
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000627
EGP 0.090201
ENJ 0.070377
EOS 0.026983
ERN 0.026712
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.289411
ETC 0.000270
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001535
FEI 0.001779
FIL 0.002645
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003918
FKP 0.001309
FLOW 0.061593
FLR 0.276969
FRAX 0.001796
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.008580
GALA 1.235874
GBP 0.001309
GEL 0.004640
GGP 0.001309
GHC 197.052674
GHS 0.019705
GIP 0.001309
GMD 0.131966
GMX 0.000262
GNF 15.627885
GNO 0.000015
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.127274
GT 0.000256
GTQ 0.013555
GUSD 0.001784
GYD 0.370419
HBAR 0.025127
HKD 0.013965
HNL 0.047609
HNT 0.010274
HOT 5.273416
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.015681
HTG 0.231617
HUF 0.554781
ICP 0.000768
IDR 31.701971
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005304
IMP 0.001309
IMX 0.017022
INJ 0.000383
INR 0.170284
IQD 2.319410
IRR 2,447.546247
ISK 0.216799
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001309
JMD 0.279754
JOD 0.001263
JPY 0.282003
KAS 0.066784
KAVA 0.043265
KCS 0.000244
KDA 0.379256
KES 0.230512
KGS 0.155900
KHR 7.172034
KLAY 0.072450
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.016828
KPW 1.602497
KRW 2.481754
KSM 0.000578
KWD 0.000549
KYD 0.001479
KZT 0.821441
LAK 39.924454
LBP 159.175388
LDO 0.005256
LEO 0.000192
LINK 0.000170
LKR 0.585965
LRC 0.223846
LRD 0.322437
LSL 0.028672
LTC 0.000038
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.040276
LUNC 35.248472
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011269
MAD 0.016481
MANA 0.026563
MBX 0.086115
MDL 0.030527
MGA 7.627547
MGF 38.137737
MINA 0.041672
MKD 0.094022
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.738741
MNT 6.406336
MOP 0.014384
MRO 0.709266
MRU 0.070927
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.083645
MVR 0.027529
MWK 3.073781
MXN 0.030181
MXV 0.003445
MYR 0.007199
MZM 113.641542
MZN 0.113642
NAD 0.028672
NEAR 0.001021
NEO 0.000978
NEXO 0.002385
NFT 6,323.142085
NGN 2.398225
NIO 0.065342
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.016611
NPR 0.272582
NZD 0.002996
OKB 0.000017
OMR 0.000685
ONE 2.468312
OP 0.020050
ORDI 0.000484
PAB 0.001781
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005967
PEPE 614.756252
PGK 0.007995
PHP 0.109732
PI 0.019816
PKR 0.492301
PLN 0.006584
POL 0.021816
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.655707
QAR 0.006482
QNT 0.000030
QTUM 0.002467
ROL 79.980558
RON 0.007998
RPL 0.001145
RSD 0.178895
RUB 0.149572
RUNE 0.004175
RVN 0.683124
RWF 2.611330
SAND 0.043114
SAR 0.006678
SBD 0.014247
SCR 0.025832
SDD 106.877867
SDG 1.068779
SEK 0.016806
SGD 0.002264
SHIB 375.842148
SHP 0.001309
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.040803
SLL 40.802814
SNX 0.008688
SOL 0.000021
SOS 1.009954
SPL 0.000297
SRD 0.067325
SRG 67.324613
SSP 10.095378
STD 37.593669
STN 0.037594
STX 0.013652
SUI 0.002523
SVC 0.015582
SYP 23.150732
SZL 0.028672
THB 0.058471
THETA 0.011848
TJS 0.016334
TMM 31.157763
TMT 0.006232
TND 0.005161
TOP 0.004242
TRL 85,398.139569
TRX 0.005331
TRY 0.085398
TTD 0.012038
TUSD 0.001783
TVD 0.002505
TWD 0.056696
TWT 0.004453
TZS 4.713368
UAH 0.079536
UGX 6.616672
UNI 0.000486
USD 0.001781
USDC 0.001780
USDD 0.001782
USDP 0.001783
USDT 0.001781
UYU 0.071251
UZS 20.916263
VAL 2.951825
VEB 138,239,338.271621
VED 1.379297
VEF 137,929.716153
VES 1.379297
VET 0.366884
VND 46.519434
VUV 0.210634
WAVES 0.009030
WEMIX 0.009202
WOO 0.161444
WST 0.004796
XAG 0.000027
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004821
XCG 0.003190
XCH 0.001257
XDC 0.064019
XDR 0.001300
XEC 253.980010
XEM 3.803649
XLM 0.010368
XMR 0.000004
XOF 1.0000
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001605
XTZ 0.008175
YER 0.422180
ZAR 0.028672
ZEC 0.000003
ZIL 0.732614
ZMK 33.359930
ZMW 0.033360
ZWD 0.644477
ZWG 0.047495
ZWL 118.676672

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Cities in Cameroon 427
Browse all cities and towns
Abong-Mbang Afanloum Akoéman Akom Akom II Akono Akonolinga Akwaya Ambam Angossas Assié Assighassia Atok Awaé Awing Ayos Babadjou Babessi Bafang Bafia Bafoussam Bafoussam III Bafut Baham Bakou Baleng Bali Bali Bamenda Bamenda Bamendjou Bamougoum Bandenkop Bandja Bandjoun Bangangté Bangem Town Bangou Bangou Carrefour Bangourain Banka Bankim Banwa Banyo Baréko (Baré-Bakem) Barndaké Baschéo Bassamba Batcham Batchenga Batibo Batié Batouri Bayangam Bazou Béka Bélabo Bélel Bembon Benakuma Bengbis Bertoua Betare Oya Bétaré-Oya Bibemi Bibey Bikok Bikop Bindiba Bipindi Biwong-Bane Biwong-Bulu Biyouha Blangoua Bogo Bokito Bonaberi Bondjock Borgop Bot-Makak Boubara Boula-Ibi Boumnyébel Bourah Bourgouma Buea Buea Camp de réfugiés de Minawao Campo Colomine Darak Dargala Datchéka Deido Dembo Demdeng (Djebem) Demsa Deuk Diang Dibang Dibombari Dimako Dir Dizangué Djang Djohong Djondong Djoum Djoum Dompta Douala Douala III Doualayel Doumaintang Doumé Dschang Dzeng Dziguilao Ebebda Ebolowa Ebolowa II Ebone Edéa Édéa II Edzendouan Efoulan Ekité Ekondo-Titi Ekoudendi Elig-Mfomo Élogbatindi Emvane Endom Éséka Esse Essu Evindissi Evodoula Eyumodjock Fifinda I Figuif Figuif Figuil Fokoué Fongo-Tongo Fontem Fontem Fotokol Foulou Foumban Foumbot Fundong Furu Awa Galim Galim-Tignère Gara Gari-Gombo Garoua Garoua Garoua III Garoua-Boulaï Gaschiga Gawel Gazawa Gbatoua Gbitti Gobo Gogoleme Gor Goulfey Gouna Guémé Guere Guider Guider Guidiguis Guidjiba Guirvidig Guiwa Yangamo Hilé-Alifa Hina Hinalé Idenao Jakiri Kaélé Kai-Kai Kala Kafra Kalfou Kar-Hay Kékem Kentzou Kétté Kiiki Kobdombo Kolofata Kompina Kon-Yambetta Kontcha Kouoptamo Kousséri Koutaba Koza Kribi Kribi II Kumba Kumba Kumba III Kumbo Kumbo Kumbo Town Kyé-Ossi Lagdo Lagdo Limani Limbe Limbé Limbé III Logbadjek Logone-Birni Lolo Lolodorf Lomié Londji Loum Ma'an Mada Madingrin_1 Maga Magba Makak Makary Makenene Makepe Makondo Malentouen Mamfe Mamfé Mandjou Manjo Manoka Maroua Maroua III Martap Massangam Massok Matomb Mayo Darlé Mayo Djarendji Mayo-Baléo Mayo-Oulo Mbaiboum Mbalam Mbalmayo Mbandjock Mbang Mbang Mbanga Mbanga Mbangassina Mbankomo Mbé Mbengwi Mbengwi Mbilé Mbol II Mboma Mbouda Meidougou Meiganga Melong Mengang Mengong Menguémé Meri Messamena Messock Messondo Meyo Biboulou Meyomessala Meyomessi Mfou Minawao/Gawar Mindif Mindourou II Minta Mintom II Mme Mogodé Mokolo Moloundou Mombo Monatélé Mora Mouanko Mouloundou Moulvoudaye Moutourwa Mozogo Mundemba Mutengene Muyuka Muyuka Mvangan Mvengue Nanga-Eboko Ndaba Ndélélé Ndikiniméki Ndikoko Ndobian ( Nord-Makombé) Ndokayo Ndom Ndop Ndoukoula Ngambe Nganha Ngaoui Ngaoundal Ngaoundéré Ngaoundéré III Ngog-Mapubi Ngomedzap Ngomedzap Ngong Ngoro Ngoulemakong Ngoumou Ngoura Ngovayang I Ngoyla Nguélébok Nguelemendouka Nguibassal Niété Nitoukou Njimom Njinibi Njinikom Njombé Nkambe Nkambe Nkô Nkolafamba Nkolmetet Nkondjock Nkong-Zem Nkongsamba Nkongsamba III Nkor Nkoteng Noubou Nsem Ntui Nyangong Nyanon Nyen Obala Okola Olamzé Olanguina Ombe Ombessa Ondong Adjap Otélé Ouli Oulouf Oveng Penja Penka-Michel Pétté Pitoa Poli Poli Pouma Pouss Rey Bouba Rey Bouba Roua Roumsiki Sa'a Salak Salapoumbé Sangmélima Santa Santchou Soa Somalomo Sorawel Soulèdé Souza Taibong Tchatibali Tcheboa Tcholliré Tchollire Three Corners Bekondo Tibati Tignère Tiko Tiko Timangolo Titing Toko Tokombéré Toktoyo Tombel Tonga Touboro Touloum Touroua Waza Widekum Wina Wum Wum Yabassi Yagoua Yamba Yaoundé Yarbang Yingui Yokadouma Yoko Yola Zimado Zina Zoétélé

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Cameroon needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Cameroon?
The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé.
What currency does Cameroon use?
Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (Fr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Cameroon?
The official language(s) of Cameroon include English, French.
What is the population of Cameroon?
Cameroon has a population of approximately 29,442,327 people.
What region is Cameroon in?
Cameroon is located in Africa, specifically in the Middle Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Cameroon?
The international dialing code for Cameroon is +237.
What time zones does Cameroon observe?
Cameroon observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Cameroon?
The local time in Cameroon is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Cameroon?
Cameroon covers a total area of 475,442 km².
How many states or provinces does Cameroon have?
Cameroon is divided into 13 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Cameroon in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Cameroon in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Cameroon?
Visa requirements for citizens of Cameroon vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.