GeoFroggy

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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 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, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

Signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Geography Note

Sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa

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Map Reference

Africa

Irrigated Land 1993

210 sq km

Area 2001

Total

475,440 sq km
Land

469,440 sq km
Water

6,000 sq km

Coastline

402 km

Geographical Coordinates

6 00 N, 12 00 E

Land use 2001

Arable Land
13%
Permanent Crops
2%
Permanent Pastures
4%
Forests And Woodland
78%
Other
3%

Terrain

Diverse
With coastal plain in southwest
Dissected plateau in center
Mountains in west
Plains in north

Elevation

Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Highest Point: Fako 4,095 m

Land Boundaries

Total
4,591 km
Central African Republic
797 km
Chad
1,094 km
Republic Of The Congo
523 km
Equatorial Guinea
189 km
Gabon
298 km
Nigeria
1,690 km

Natural Resources

Petroleum
Bauxite
Iron ore

Timber
Hydropower

Cameroon