Cameroon, with more than 200 different language groups, is known as “Africa in miniature” due to its diversity. The Central African country has one of the highest literacy rates on the continent. However, its progress is hampered by persistent corruption problems.
Cameroon borders six countries
Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria. It is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west side and Lake Chad on the north side. Cameroon is home to approximately 90 percent of all ecosystem types found in Africa. It has coast, mountains, savannah, desert and tropical forest.
First inhabitants
Archaeologists have evidence suggesting that humans have inhabited Cameroon for at least 50,000 years. The first inhabitants of Cameroon were probably Baka.
The Baka
The oldest inhabitants of Cameroon are considered to be the Baka, a tribe of hunter-gatherers who live in the forests. The Baka are often incorrectly called Pygmies due to their short stature.
The Indomitable Lions
Cameroon’s national football team, the Indomitable Lions, have qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times, more than any other African team. In 1990, they were the first team in Africa to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, then went on to win the gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 1990, Cameroon was the first African country to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, with 38-year-old Roger Milli playing brilliantly.
President Paul Biya
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya won an impressive 99.98% of the vote in the 1984 presidential election and 98.75% of the vote in the 1988 election. However, due to the political rights introduced by him , was the only candidate who stood for election.
Abundance of shrimp
The Portuguese researcher Fernão do Pó noted the abundance of shrimp in the Wouri River and named it Rio dos Camarões, from which Cameroon received its name.
Cameroon’s beaches
Cameroon’s beaches are some of the best beaches in Africa. Although Cameroon’s beaches are not fully developed to their full potential, these beaches are magnificent and attract many people from all over the world.
Cameroon’s Rainforests
Approximately 80% of Cameroon’s native forests are dedicated to logging. The destruction of Cameroon’s rainforests may have caused a drought in the interior of Africa, but with the Cameroonian government receiving $60 million annually in logging, the practice is unlikely to change anytime soon.
