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 movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.
Location
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria
Area Comparative
Slightly larger than California
Maritime Claims
Territorial sea: 50 nm
Climate
Varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north
Natural Hazards
Recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases
Environment Current Issues
Water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing
Environment International Agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94
