CAMEROON
"Peace-Work-Fatherland"
IMPORTANT FACTS
- Capital: Yaoundé
- Languages: English and French
- Currency: Central African CFA Franc
- Religions: Christianity and Muslim
Capital: Yaounde
With a ppulation of approximately 2.5 habitants, it is the second largest city after the port city of Douala.
Yaoundé has a higher standard of living and security, compared to the rest of Cameroon. This is because of its economy, that is based on civil and diplomatic services.
CULTURAL ASPECTS
- Cameroon has about 250 ethnic groups that form 5 regional/cultural groups.
- The extendend family is the focus of the social system. Members of the extended family are considered as close as the nuclear family.
- Traditional dances are very popular in Cameroon and are performed at many ceremonies, along with the traditional music.
- Professional dancers wear masks, often carved, and elaborate costumes made from skins and feathers and they use traditional sticks and animal tails.
Culture
Girls and woman carry wáter from the river in buckets over their heads as part of their culture.
Holidays
Celebrating National Day in Cameroon.
Culture
Traditional dances at traditional ceremonies.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Cameroon is the African country to reach the quarter-final in soccer world cup.
- Cameroon celebrated its first independence day from the France and England on October 1, 1960.
- More than 30% of the total population lives at less than $1.25 per day.
- Cameroon is one of the wettest lands on the earth with annual rainfall of about 1028 cm.
- The Cameroon flag has a star and three colours; green for vegetation, red for independence and yellow for sunshine.
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
- New Years Day: January 1st
- Independence Day from France: January 1st
- Youth Day: February 11th
- Labour Day: May 1st
- National Day: May 20th
- Assumption: August 15th
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- Ngondo Festival: annual water-centered festvial held by the Sawa(coastal people) in Douala.
- Medumba Festival: held every two years to promote the Medumba artworks and language.
PLACES TO VISIT
WAZA NATIONAL PARK
Located in the far North Province, it is a famous hunt for adventure seekers and long trackings thorugh the jungle.
CAMPO MA'AN NATIONAL PARK
It has a great views for safaris and a wide variety of plants and animals. It is located in South Cameroon.
MOUNT CAMEROON
The highest mountain in Central and West Africa. A great place for adventures in hiking and climbing.
THINGS TO DO
- Visit the Kribi beaches and rent a boat to go fishing.
- Visit and shop at the traditioanl market places.
- Volunteer at hospitals; this is a great way learn about their culture, contribute, and meet people.
- Horse riding in the highlands.