Country Profile: Cameroon

Cameroon, located in Central Africa, boasts diverse geography that ranges from tropical coasts to semiarid regions in the north. The country's estimated population of approximately 31.5 million is composed of numerous ethnic groups and languages, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Economically, Cameroon is the largest member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), relying on its abundant natural resources, including petroleum and agricultural products, although it faces challenges such as political instability and high poverty levels. Governance is characterized by a presidential republic, where power has remained with President Paul Biya for decades, amidst slow movements toward democratic reform.

Geography

Cameroon is strategically positioned between the Bight of Biafra, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria, featuring a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, mountains, and plateaus. It covers an area of approximately 475,440 sq km, making it slightly larger than California. The country experiences a variety of climates, with tropical weather along the coast and semiarid conditions in the north.

Highest point: Fako on Mont Cameroun at 4,045 m.
Coastline: 402 km along the Atlantic Ocean.
Natural resources: Notable for petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, and timber.

People and Society

Cameroon's population is estimated at 31.5 million in 2025, with a youthful demographic where around 41.5% are aged between 0-14 years. Ethnic diversity is significant, with the largest groups including the Bamileke-Bamu (22.2%) and Biu-Mandara (16.4%). The country recognizes both English and French as official languages, while various African languages are also spoken.

Median age: 19.4 years.
Urban population: 59.3% of the total population (2023).
Life expectancy: 64.2 years at birth (2024).

Economy

Cameroon has the largest economy in CEMAC, heavily reliant on natural resources, although it has faced recent economic strains from political tensions and systemic corruption. The GDP (PPP) is projected at $143.3 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 3.7%. The economy is diverse, with agriculture contributing nearly 17.4% and services 49.9% to GDP.

Unemployment rate: 3.6% (2024 estimate).
Real GDP per capita: $4,900 (2024).
Exports: Estimated at $8.35 billion in 2023, primarily crude petroleum and agricultural products.

Government

The Republic of Cameroon operates as a presidential republic, with Paul Biya serving as president since 1982. The government comprises a bicameral legislature and a mixed legal system influenced by both English common law and French civil law. The political landscape includes various parties, but the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) dominates.

Capital: Yaoundé.
Next presidential election: Scheduled for October 2032.
Political parties: Over 12 active political parties.

Military and Security

Cameroon maintains a well-structured military force to address internal and external threats, particularly from groups like Boko Haram. The military expenditures are around 1% of GDP, and personnel strength is estimated at 40,000-50,000 active members. The military is engaged in regional peacekeeping efforts and combating internal insurgencies.

Military service age: Voluntary from 18-23 years.
Military deployments abroad: Approximately 750 troops in the Central African Republic (2025).
Rapid Intervention Brigade: A specialized force for counter-terrorism.

Energy

Cameroon's energy sector is primarily powered by hydroelectric sources, accounting for 63.1% of its electrical generation capacity. The country has a significant installed generating capacity of 1.798 million kW as of 2023. However, electrification remains a challenge, especially in rural areas.

Electricity access: 71% of the total population has access (2022).
Petroleum production: 64,000 barrels per day (2023).
Natural gas production: 2.356 billion cubic meters (2023).

Environment

Cameroon faces various environmental issues including deforestation, soil erosion, and overgrazing. The country is a participant in several international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change. Its diverse topography supports numerous ecosystems but is threatened by human activity.

Forest cover: 41% (2023).
Annual municipal solid waste generated: Approximately 3.271 million tons (2024 est.).
Water resources: 283.15 billion cubic meters available (2022 est.).

Transportation

Cameroon has a network of 37 airports and over 987 km of railways that mainly connect major cities. Its transportation infrastructure is essential for trade and movement within the country, although many areas remain underserved.

Merchant marine: Comprises 198 vessels.
Railway services: Efficient connections between Douala and Yaoundé.
Air traffic code: Registered under TJ.

Communications

The communications sector in Cameroon includes a growing mobile telephony market, with 31.5 million mobile subscriptions as of 2024. Fixed-line communications are limited, and internet access is growing but still relatively low at 42% of the population.

Fixed-line subscriptions: Approximately 67,500 (2024).
Internet users: Representing 42% of the population (2023).
Broadcast media: Dominated by state-owned entities, with limited private licenses.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,518,954 (2025 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	475,440 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$143.264 billion (2024 est.)	Projected GDP for 2024
Unemployment Rate	3.6% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking employment
Life Expectancy	64.2 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy at birth
Electricity Access	71% (2022 est.)	Percentage of population with electricity access
Exports	$8.353 billion (2023 est.)	Estimated export value for 2023
Military Expenditure	1% of GDP (2024 est.)	Military spending as a percentage of GDP
Urban Population	59.3% (2023)	Percentage of population living in urban areas
Forest Cover	41% (2023)	Percentage of land covered by forest