Country Profile: Cameroon
Cameroon, located in Central Africa, is bordered by the Bight of Biafra and shares its borders with Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Chad, and the Republic of the Congo. The nation, which has a diverse landscape ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions, has a population of approximately 31.5 million people as of 2025, comprising various ethnic groups and languages, with a predominance of French and English speakers. The economy is driven by agriculture, industry, and services, but faces challenges such as political instability, corruption, and regional violence. Governed as a presidential republic under President Paul Biya since 1982, Cameroon is characterized by slow democratic reforms and a centralization of power.
Geography
Cameroon's geography is diverse, featuring coastal plains in the southwest, a dissected plateau in the center, and mountains in the west, with the highest point being Mount Cameroon at 4,095 m. The country has a total area of 475,440 sq km, making it slightly larger than California. Climate varies from tropical along the coast to semiarid in the north, and significant natural resources include petroleum, iron ore, and timber.
- 5,018 km: Total land boundaries with six neighboring countries
- 402 km: Coastline along the Bight of Biafra
- 20.9%: Agricultural land as of 2023
- 41%: Forest cover in 2023
- 290 sq km: Irrigated land as of 2012
People and Society
As of 2025, Cameroon has an estimated population of 31,518,954, with a median age of 19.4 years. The nation is home to diverse ethnic groups, with the largest being the Bamileke-Bamu at 22.2% of the population. The predominant religions are Roman Catholicism and Islam, with urban areas housing 59.3% of the population.
- 41.5%: Population aged 0-14 years
- 2.37%: Annual population growth rate (2025 est.)
- 30.79: Births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
- 72.6%: Literacy rate (2018 est.)
- 64.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Economy
Cameroon boasts the largest economy in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), with a GDP of $143.264 billion estimated for 2024. Key sectors include petroleum, agriculture, and services, yet the economy faces hurdles from political instability and corruption.
- 3.7%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024
- 3.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- 17.4%: Agricultural contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
- 49.9%: Contribution of services to GDP (2024 est.)
- $51.327 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.)
Government
Cameroon is a presidential republic with a mixed legal system that includes English common law and French civil law. The country is divided into 10 regions, and the current constitution has been in effect since 1996. President Paul Biya has ruled since 1982, with elections held every seven years.
- 180: Members of the National Assembly, directly elected
- 100: Seats in the Senate, with both elected and appointed members
- Eligibility for suffrage: Age 20 and above
- Latest presidential election: Held on 12 October 2025
- National holiday: State Unification Day on 20 May
Military and Security
The Cameroon Armed Forces include the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an estimated 40-50,000 active personnel. The country's military strategy focuses on addressing threats from Boko Haram and separatist groups in the Anglophone regions. Military expenditure is consistently 1% of GDP.
- 750: Troops deployed in the Central African Republic for peacekeeping (2025)
- 18-23 years: Age range for voluntary military service
- 1%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
- Gendarmerie: Responsible for internal security and law enforcement
Energy
Cameroon has a total installed electricity capacity of 1.798 million kW as of 2023, with hydroelectric power being the primary source. The country faces challenges in electricity access, especially in rural areas.
- 71%: Overall electrification rate (2022 est.)
- 63.1%: Share of hydroelectricity in total installed capacity
- 64,000: Daily petroleum production in barrels (2023 est.)
- 2.356 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023 est.)
Environment
Cameroon grapples with several environmental issues, including deforestation and soil erosion. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.
- 4.6%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
- 6.707 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
- 20.9%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
- 283.15 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
Transportation
Cameroon has a developing transportation infrastructure with a total of 987 km of railways and 37 airports. The country relies heavily on road transport for domestic connectivity.
- 7: Total number of major ports
- 198: Merchant marine vessels (2023)
- 1: Heliport as of 2025
- 37: Airports (2025)
Communications
The communications landscape in Cameroon includes both fixed and mobile telephony. Internet access is growing, with 42% of the population using the internet as of 2023.
- 31.5 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
- 67,500: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024 est.)
- 603,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,518,954 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 475,440 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP | $143.264 billion | 2024 estimate, purchasing power parity |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 4.271 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 30.79 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 64.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 72.6% | 2018 estimate |
| Electrification Rate | 71% | 2022 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 1% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
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