National name: République du Cameroun
Government
After a 1972 plebiscite, a unitary republic was formed out of East and West Cameroon to replace the former federal republic.
Geography
Cameroon is a Central African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Historical Background
The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite a slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy headed by President Paul BIYA.
Capital
Yaoundé
Government
Republic
- President Paul Biya
- Prime Minister Philémon Yang
Language
French and English
Religion
Christians
Area
Total 475,442 km2 (53rd) 183,568 sq mi
Population
July 2009 estimate 19.1 million people [1] (58th) 2003 census 15,746,179 Density 39.7/km2 (167th) 102,8/sq mi
Currency
Central African CFA franc (XAF)
National Day
20 May
GDP
2009 estimate Total $42.778 billion
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