Fact 1: The Birthplace of Bantu Languages
Cameroon is widely considered the birthplace of Bantu languages. These languages were first spoken by the Bantu people who lived in the area around 5,000 years ago. It is the root of many African languages spoken today, from Swahili to Zulu.
Fact 2: Name Origin: River of Shrimps
The country’s name, Cameroon, has an interesting origin. When the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, they named the area Rio dos Camarões, which translates to "River of Shrimps," due to the abundant shrimp in the Wouri River. Over time, the name evolved into "Cameroon."
Fact 3: One of the Wettest Places on Earth
One of the wettest spots on the planet is located in Cameroon. The coastal town of Debundscha, near Mount Cameroon, has an estimated annual rainfall of over 10,000mm, which is nearly five times the annual rainfall of the notoriously rainy city of Seattle in the U.S.
Fact 4: Diverse Languages
Known for its diversity, Cameroon is home to a vast linguistic mixture. Over 230 languages are spoken there, including official languages French and English, as well as many indigenous languages.
Fact 5: Twin Crater Lakes
Lake Barombi in Cameroon is the largest volcanic lake in the world and hosts unique twin crater lakes, Barombi Mbo and Barombi Kotto. These lakes are known for their circular shape, clear waters, and unique ecosystems.
Fact 6: The Only African Team in FIFA's Quarter Finals
Cameroon has a passionate love for football and is known internationally for its achievements in the sport. The national team, nicknamed 'The Indomitable Lions,' is the only African team to have made it to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, achieving this feat in Italy in 1990.
Fact 7: Home of the Baka Pygmies
The Baka Pygmies, one of the renowned indigenous forest-dwelling communities, reside primarily in Cameroon. They have a rich cultural history and a holistic understanding of the forest flora and fauna due to their lifestyle and practices.
Fact 8: Fertility Statue Pilgrimage
The town of Fongo-Tongo in Cameroon is popular for the mysteriously balanced Mwan-Mbog fertility stone. Many women make pilgrimages to touch the stone in the hope it will boost their fertility.
Fact 9: Cameroon's Famous Coffee
Cameroon is famous for its aromatic coffee, which is one of the main exports. It is known primarily for two varieties of coffee - Robusta and Arabica. Coffee lovers may find it interesting that Cameroon’s coffee has even won international awards.
Fact 10: The Grassland Cultural Festival
One of Africa's most vibrant cultural displays occurs during Cameroon's Nguon Festival. This festival occurs once every two years and is a celebration of the centuries-old traditions of the Bamoun people in the Grasslands region.
Fact 11: Mount Cameroon, West Africa’s Highest Peak
Mount Cameroon, also known as Africa's Chariot, is West Africa's highest peak, reaching a height of 13,435 feet (4,095 meters). Guided treks are popular with tourists, offering unrivalled views, characteristic by the rapidly changing ecosystems as you ascend.
Fact 12: Resistance to Colonialism
Historically, Cameroon is known for its resistance to colonialism. King Rudolf Manga Bell, a Cameroonian king, is famously known for his resistance to German colonization.
Fact 13: Bordering Many Nations
Cameroon shares its borders with six different African countries: Nigeria to the west, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo to the south.
Fact 14: The Ringed Pythons of Cameroon
Cameroon is home to the unique ringed python species, which is found nowhere else in the world. Despite their relatively small size compared to other pythons, they are a fascinating sight due to their distinctive color pattern.
Fact 15: Cameroon's Flora Diversity
The nation is rich in diverse plant life. It's home to more than 8,000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the country.
Fact 16: Predominantly Agricultural Economy
Around 70 percent of Cameroon’s population rely on agriculture to make a living. The fertile lands yield crops like yams, cassava, and bananas.
Fact 17: Aluminum Exploitation at Edea
Edea, a city in Cameroon, is home to one of Africa's largest aluminum smelters, showing Cameroon's rich mineral resources.
Fact 18: The Cameroon We Don't See
Cameroon is frequently referred to as "Africa in Miniature". This is due to its remarkable cultural and geological diversity. This includes beaches, mountains, savannas, and rainforests, amongst other things.
Fact 19: Cameroon’s Main Export – Oil
Though agriculture is key to Cameroon's economy, its main export is oil. Petroleum and gas reserves were discovered in the 1970s and have been an essential part of the country's economy.
Fact 20: Traditional Homesteads: The Round Huts
The local population often lives in traditional round huts made of mud and thatch. These unique buildings, known as Sukulus, provide a cool and comfortable living environment in Cameroon's tropical climate.