CAMEROON
GEOGRAPHY
The name Republic of Cameroon is derived from ampleness of prawns and crayfish in the region. In 1472 when Portuguese sailors landed here they expounded at the sight of countless prawns and crab fishes in Wouri River and commented in their language ‘Rio dos Camaroes’; it meant river full of prawns and Cray fish. Henceforth the region was called by its new name Cameroon.
It is western central African country on the Gulf of Guinea, its shore also touching Bright of Bonny and the Atlantic Ocean; it is bordered by Nigeria 1690 km, Chad 1094 km, the Central African Republic, the Congo 523 km, the Gabon 298 km and Equatorial Guinea 189 km.
The four topological zones include the terrain of Cameroon as it rises from coastal swampy lowlands towards the interior. Near the coast towers the highest peak in West Africa Mount Cameroon which is an active volcano. Much of the interior consists of a plateau ceding to the Adamawa Mountains in the north while the southern part of the country is densely forested by tropical rain forest producing much rare hardwoods. The coastal plains exist in south-west, the plateau in the middle is severed; the west is elevated and the north has even topology.
The country has considerable deposits of bauxite gold cassiterite and natural gas. Road are mostly paved. There are two international airports and a large international port in Douala.
Highest elevation is on active volcano Mount Cameroun called Fako at 13350 ft in Sub-Sahara adjoining the shore. Adventure sports persons are here for adventure and some for mountaineering. It is best in dense jungle. The Atlantic Ocean is the bottom most point.
Chief rivers are Sanaga, Benue Dibamba, Nyong and Wouri; all drain into the Gulf of Guinea.
The threat is from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun where volcanic activity is still prevalent and frequent leak of toxic gases can be fatal.
Important cities are Douala, Nkongsamba, Garoua, Yaounde, Maroua and Bamenda
THE CAPITAL
The capital city is called Yaounde.
THE CLIMATE
The nation four topological regions show altered temperature range; it is equatorial in the coastal region and scorching in the north. Moderate to chill on mountains.
POPULATION
The prominent among the 200 ethnic groups are the Northerly west and equatorial Bantu, Kirdi, Eastern Nigritic, Fulani and Sudanic Negroes, pygmies sand some Europeans consists of Germans, French, British, Americans, Syrians, Greeks, Cypriots, and the Lebanese. The native aliens are the tribal community of Hausa, Ibo, Ewe etc.
Religion is Animist, Islamic, and Christian. One fourth of the population has faith in tribal culture.
Officially French and English is recognized as the language of communication. The land has two dozen language congregation of African origin.
CFA franc is the currency in use.
HISTORY
Neolithic Age evidence show that people lived in this region. The Baka a Pygmy community is among first occupants and exist still in the region. Sao kingdom flourished around Lake Chad 500 AD ago.
The territory saw many power conflicts and it was in 1472 that Portuguese landed on the shores here. The Europeans henceforth ruled of business and the natives for the next several centuries. The introduction of colonial rule began in 1884. It was the Germans who ventured inwards in 1884 and made alterations in the structures and way of living of the people. However the power equations changed after the World War I and after World War II the territory witnessed two divisions in 1919 as French and German Cameroon. Later in 1946 these became United Nations Trusteeships; the French region pressed for independence. 1946 saw self-governed administration here. The region was liberated in 1960. The name Republic of Cameroon was given in 1984 to this country. At present it is Unitary Multiparty Republic.
TOURISM
The hinge of African country has shores, rainforest, deserts, savannas and mountains. Its magnificent hot water springs are amazing. Even though the tourist attractions are adequate there are natural spots which are of par excellence. A visit to Kiribi and the adjoining areas especially the beach and the national park are on the list of most visitors.
The Waza National Park is an aviary watchers delight where more than 379 types of birds’ habitat. Mammals of different sizes and shapes live here. Herds of elephant make a beautiful picture in the wild so do the giraffe, antelopes, and lion. A lot of tourist rush is seen between November till June when the Park is opened for visits.
The Limbe Botanical Garden is the brain wave of the German far back in 1892. The whole area is green of 150 plant types in different tones with fascinating peculiar blooms to enrich them; the tall majestic trees add to the aura. Here you can actually feel the harmony nature extends to man.
People visit Lake Chad in the north of the country for picnic or a days outing to glimpse examine and appreciate as a leisure activity the Crater Lake and the volcano remains. Those interested in history and evolutions go to see Benedictine Museum of Mont-Febe and the National Museum of Yaounde.
The Kumba town is famous for Lake Barombi Mbo and the elevation town of Bamenda is a popular hill station for relaxation.
The best way to move around is to use Bush Taxi or Minivan as it is also called.
ACCOMMODATION
Well equipped well furnished with restaurants hotels of the best quality is available in this nation. There are budget and beach resorts at the appropriate places.
FOOD
Fish meat and poultry is the first preference of the inhabitants. Delicacy comes in the form of cooked porcupine and giant rat. Meat of chimpanzee and gorilla is also consumed.
Kabab called Brochettes prepared from beef meat and maize and peanuts are very popular. The food eaten in north south east and west vary in preparation and type.
MUSIC
The country has music at all occasions from ceremonies to social gatherings and festival times. Drums and rudimentary instruments are played with melody. The favorite of all is Makossa and Bikutsi style music.
The country is proud of its football team which has brought laurels to the nation.
SHOPPING
Handicraft items like pottery, statues, bead jewelry leather work, embroidery pieces and wood craved items make good souvenirs. All these are available in most markets.
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