Located on the central west African coast, over half of Cameroon is forested, with equatorial rainforest to the south and evergreen forest and wooded savanna north of the Sanaga river. Most cities are located in the south, although there are densely populated areas around Mount Cameroon, a dormant volcano. For 30 years Cameroon was effectively a one-party state. Democratic elections in 1992 returned the former ruling party to power.

Cameroon is ethnically diverse – there are 230 groups, no single group being dominant. The largest is the Bamileke of the center southwest, but this group has never held political power. When President Ahidjo, a northern Fulani, retired, he was replaced by Paul Biya of the southeastern Bulu-Beti group. The north–south enmity which affects many other west African states is also present in Cameroon, albeit diminished by the great diversity of peoples. There is tension between the French- and English-speaking communities, with sections of the latter demanding independence.

Strengths

French and US companies exploit moderate oil reserves. Very diversified agriculture (timber, cocoa, bananas, coffee). Food self-sufficiency. Strong informal sector. Private sector in relatively good state. Electricity is 95% HEP.

Weaknesses

Massive fuel smuggling from Nigeria affects refinery profits. Inflated civil service. Widespread corruption.

President Biya's RDPC narrowly won control of the new parliament in multiparty elections in 1992, which were boycotted by the main opposition SDF. The SDF candidate John Fru Ndi also disputed Biya's claim of victory in a presidential election that year. In legislative elections in May 1997 the RDPC's apparent landslide victory was condemned by the opposition as the product of fraud and intimidation, as was Biya's reelection as president that October.

Cameroon's most important relationship is with France, but it has attempted to diversify its international links, joining the Commonwealth in 1995. A territorial dispute with Nigeria of long duration concerns sovereignty over the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula, where there were clashes in 1996 and 1998.

The 11,500-strong army has been active in supporting the regime and maintaining order in the face of prodemocratic protests since before independence. Military equipment and training comes mainly from France. There is also a 9000-strong paramilitary gendarmerie.

New oil discoveries may be able to bolster declining extraction rates. In spite of large bauxite deposits, much is imported for the Edea smelter, which takes 50% of national electricity output.

The rate of commercial logging and the planned Cameroon–Chad oil pipeline are major threats to Cameroon's environment.

Major projects are the east–west Trans-African Highway and realigning the Douala–Nkongsamba railroad.

A sharp fall in government provision means that more people are using the private health sector or traditional practitioners.

The French-speaking majority has failed in its attempt to take over the bilingual system. Cameroon has a high literacy rate compared with much of Africa.

Armed robbery and burglary in Douala and Yaoundé are rising fast. The police are known to use torture.

Wealth is unevenly distributed and has been declining since the end of the oil boom. There is still a very wealthy, albeit small, sector of the population.

The government and Commonwealth are trying to boost visitor numbers, with a target of 500,000 a year. A new airport near Yaoundé will replace the present one. There are beach hotels near Kribi and package tours to the northern game parks.

One of the great trading emporia of west Africa, Cameroon was divided between the French and British in 1919, after 30 years of German rule.

• 1955 Revolt; French kill 10,000.
• 1960 French sector independent.
• 1961 British south joins Cameroon (north joins Nigeria).
• 1982 Ahidjo dies; Paul Biya president.
• 1983–1984 Coup attempts. Heavy casualties; 50 plotters executed.
• 1990 Demonstrations and strikes; declaration of multiparty state.
• 1992 Multiparty elections.
• 1997 President and ruling RDPC returned in disputed elections.
• 2000 World Bank funding approved for pipeline project, despite environmental fears.
• 2001 Over 80% of indigenous forests allocated for logging.