[84] In 2014, just 4.1% of total GDP expenditure was allocated to healthcare. [198] Cameroon is one of the few tropical countries to have competed in the Winter Olympics. [8] It is because of this that Cameroon is considered one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.[7]. [194][195] In the 1960s, Mongo Beti, Ferdinand Léopold Oyono and other writers explored post-colonialism, problems of African development, and the recovery of African identity. He started listening to Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and others. [16] Over the following few centuries, European interests regularised trade with the coastal peoples, and Christian missionaries pushed inland.[17]. The southern part of British Cameroons federated with it in 1961 to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. "Political crisis, protests and implications on nation building in Cameroon." The country has experienced tensions coming from the English-speaking territories. [34] The boundary change triggered a local separatist insurgency, as many Bakassians refused to accept Cameroonian rule. [11][12] Today the country's name in Portuguese remains "Camarões". [1], Cameroon's population is almost evenly divided between urban and rural dwellers. Doctors and nurses who were trained in Cameroon, emigrate because in Cameroon the payment is poor while the workload is high. Bikutsi originated as war music among the Ewondo. [70], Human rights organisations accuse police and military forces of mistreating and even torturing criminal suspects, ethnic minorities, homosexuals, and political activists. [1], Cameroon is divided into five major geographic zones distinguished by dominant physical, climatic, and vegetative features. Ani, Kelechi Johnmary, Gabriel Tiobo Wose Kinge, and Victor Ojakorotu. Gwanfogbe, Mathew; Meligui, Ambrose; Moukam, Jean and Nguoghia, Jeanette (1983). Fulani soldiers founded the Adamawa Emirate in the north in the 19th century, and various ethnic groups of the west and northwest established powerful chiefdoms and fondoms. [57] Cameroon and Nigeria share a 1,000-mile (1 600 km) border and have disputed the sovereignty of the Bakassi peninsula. Subventions des associations inscrites au PLF Jaunes entre 2010 et 2018 (PLF 2012 à 2020) Evolution des sociétés depuis 2012 jusqu'à maintenant en France. [31], An economic crisis took effect in the mid-1980s to late 1990s as a result of international economic conditions, drought, falling petroleum prices, and years of corruption, mismanagement, and cronyism. [73], Same-sex sexual acts are banned by section 347-1 of the penal code with a penalty of from 6 months up to 5 years' imprisonment. Large numbers of Cameroonians live as subsistence farmers. [24] This prompted a long guerrilla war waged by the UPC and the assassination of several of the party's leaders, including Ruben Um Nyobè, Félix-Roland Moumié and Ernest Ouandie. Cameroon became a German colony in 1884 known as Kamerun. Among the most notable religious holidays are Assumption Day and Ascension Day which typically occurs 39 days after Easter. 20 photos. However, Ahidjo remained in control of the CNU and tried to run the country from behind the scenes until Biya and his allies pressured him into resigning. Bantu-speaking groups inhabit the coastal and equatorial zones, while speakers of Semi-Bantu languages live in the Western grassfields. [33], In June 2006, talks concerning a territorial dispute over the Bakassi peninsula were resolved. [191][192][193], Shortly after independence, filmmakers such as Jean-Paul Ngassa and Thérèse Sita-Bella explored similar themes. [48] The president is selected by popular vote every seven years. [190] After World War II, writers such as Mongo Beti and Ferdinand Oyono analysed and criticised colonialism and rejected assimilation. Urban centres are particularly reliant on peasant agriculture for their foodstuffs. The northern portion of the territory was formally handed over to the Cameroonian government in August 2006, and the remainder of the peninsula was left to Cameroon 2 years later, in 2008. [104], An irregular chain of mountains, hills, and plateaus known as the Cameroon range extends from Mount Cameroon on the coast—Cameroon's highest point at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft)[105]—almost to Lake Chad at Cameroon's northern border at 13°05'N. It was built on the estuary of the Wouri River. "World Population Prospects 2020". 135, by, John Mukum Mbaku, List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor, Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa, Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa, "Rapport de présentation des résultats définitifs", "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2018", "Linguistic diversity in Africa and Europe - Languages Of The World", Highest Average Annual Precipitation Extremes, "Camarões: o que os crustáceos têm a ver com o país? International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (28 May 2007). [58][59][71][72] United Nations figures indicate that more than 21,000 people have fled to neighboring countries, while 160,000 have been internally displaced by the violence, many reportedly hiding in forests. [67] By 2004, Nigeria had failed to meet the deadline to handover the peninsula. [135][136] The life expectancy was 62.3 years (60.6 years for males and 64 years for females). He was inspired to get into music when his father brought home a VHS cassette. [108][109] The northern lowland region extends from the edge of the Adamawa to Lake Chad with an average elevation of 300 to 350 metres (984 to 1,148 ft). [49] The president appoints judges at all levels. In 2017 there were language protests by the anglophone population against perceived oppression by the francophone. Cameroon controls 12 nautical miles of the Atlantic Ocean. In the northern regions of the Far North Region, Cameroon, the North Region, Cameroon, and the Adamawa Region, the Fulani language Fulfulde is the lingua franca with French merely serving as an administrative language. The highest point at almost 4,100 metres (13,500 ft) is Mount Cameroon in the Southwest Region of the country, and the largest cities in population-terms are Douala on the Wouri River, its economic capital and main seaport, Yaoundé, its political capital, and Garoua. The talks involved President Paul Biya of Cameroon, then President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and resulted in Cameroonian control of the oil-rich peninsula. In 2006 Richard Nwamba described him as a new found young talent to walk in the shoes of Richard Buna[9] He released his debut solo album in 2016 360 degrees featuring artists such as Banky W and Yemi Alade. [29] Ahidjo pursued an economic policy of planned liberalism, prioritising cash crops and petroleum development. [196] Meanwhile, in the mid-1970s, filmmakers such as Jean-Pierre Dikongué Pipa and Daniel Kamwa dealt with the conflicts between traditional and post-colonial society. 9 August 2012. [140] Smaller movements are occurring as workers seek employment in lumber mills and plantations in the south and east. [138] Douala, Yaoundé, and Garoua are the largest cities. [105] Volcanism here has created crater lakes. He won Best Male Artist in Central Africa at the 2016 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). ", "2006 Elections to the Human Rights Council: Background information on candidate countries", "OHCHR – UN Human Rights Chief deeply alarmed by reports of serious rights breaches in Cameroon", "State-sponsored Homophobia: A world survey of laws prohibiting same sex activity between consenting adults", "Core document forming part of the reports of States Parties: Cameroon", 2013 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor -Cameroon, Africa | Cameroon girls battle 'breast ironing', BBC World Service – Outlook, Fighting 'Breast Ironing' in Cameroon, Campaigners warn of 'breast ironing' in the UK – Channel 4 News, Breast Ironing : A harmful traditional practice in Cameroon, Biya plan to keep power in Cameroon clears hurdle, "Cameroon Unemployment rate - data, chart", "Poverty headcount ratio at $1.90 a day (2011 PPP) (% of population) - Cameroon | Data", "Cameroon Business Mission Fact Sheet 2010–2011", "Women's role in Cameroon fishing communities", "Strengthening Transparency in the Oil Sector in Cameroon", "Harnessing Central Africa's Hydropower Potential", Gunmen kill one, kidnap 22 in Cameroon near CAR, "Equipment for the Future Maroua International Airport", United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, "Cameroon: Regions, Major Cities & Towns", Cameroon: Population Movement; DREF Bulletin no. Almost 90,000 people have fled to neighbouring Cameroon since December and up to 2,000 a week, mostly women and children, are still crossing the border, the United Nations said. Literature and films during the next two decades concentrated more on wholly Cameroonian themes.[197]. [32] Human rights organisations allege that the government suppresses the freedoms of opposition groups by preventing demonstrations, disrupting meetings, and arresting opposition leaders and journalists. [62] The last parliamentary elections were held on 9 February 2020.[63]. Theory & Event 23.2 (2020): 329-351. [177] Meat and fish are popular but expensive additions, with chicken often reserved for special occasions. [83] In Cameroon, there is only one doctor for every 5,000 people, according to the World Health Organization. Nevertheless, in practice, the industry is one of the least regulated in Cameroon. [10][7] Natural features include beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. [167] Traditionally, music is transmitted orally. [176], Cuisine varies by region, but a large, one-course, evening meal is common throughout the country. In the south, women grow the family's food, and men provide meat and grow cash crops. [98] The country's neighbours are Nigeria and the Atlantic Ocean 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. [83] Fertility rate remain high in Cameroon with an average of 4.8 births per woman and an average mothers' age of 19.7 years old at first birth. L’artiste camerounais Manu Dibango était présenté par certains comme le plus grand artiste de son pays jusqu’à sa mort de la COVID-19 l’année dernière à l'âge de 86 ans. Le taux de mortalité est de 2,21%, le taux de guérison est de 56,27% et le taux de personnes encore malade est de 41,52% [71] In 2013, the primary school enrollment rate was 93.5%. [169][171], Popular music styles include ambasse bey of the coast, assiko of the Bassa, mangambeu of the Bangangte, and tsamassi of the Bamileke. [74], The constitution divides Cameroon into 10 semi-autonomous regions, each under the administration of an elected Regional Council. Lantum, Daniel M., and Martin Ekeke Monono (2005). [73] Prisons are overcrowded with little access to adequate food and medical facilities,[71][72] and prisons run by traditional rulers in the north are charged with holding political opponents at the behest of the government. Originally, Cameroon was the exonym given by the Portuguese to the Wouri river. United Nations. [156][157] The government encourages bilingualism in English and French, and as such, official government documents, new legislation, ballots, among others, are written and provided in both languages. Traditional housing styles make use of locally available materials and vary from temporary wood-and-leaf shelters of nomadic Mbororo to the rectangular mud-and-thatch homes of southern peoples. [49] The government has taken measures to encourage tourism in the country.[117]. The Germans ran into resistance with the native people who did not want the Germans to establish themselves on this land. [1] Most agriculture is done at the subsistence scale by local farmers using simple tools. He owns a record label called Calabash Music. Cameroonian society is male-dominated, and violence and discrimination against women is common. [27], His political party, the Cameroon National Union (CNU), became the sole legal political party on 1 September 1966 and on 20 May 1972, a referendum was passed to abolish the federal system of government in favour of a United Republic of Cameroon, headed from Yaoundé. [57], Biya and his party have maintained control of the presidency and the National Assembly in national elections, which rivals contend were unfair. [30], Ahidjo stepped down on 4 November 1982 and left power to his constitutional successor, Paul Biya. Portuguese explorers reached the coast in the 15th century and named the area Rio dos Camarões (Shrimp River), which became Cameroon in English. [69], In July 2019, UN ambassadors of 37 countries, including Cameroon, have signed a joint letter to the UNHRC defending China's treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region. [15], Portuguese sailors reached the coast in 1472. In December 2015, he released the Yemi Alade-assisted "Saka Makossa" (Dance Makossa) and pays tribute to the Makossa music genre. The country was renamed the United Republic of Cameroon in 1972 and the Republic of Cameroon in 1984. Traditional healers remain a popular alternative to evidence-based medicine.[95]. [100] Exceedingly hot and humid with a short dry season, this belt is densely forested and includes some of the wettest places on earth, part of the Cross-Sanaga-Bioko coastal forests. [76], School attendance in Cameroon is also affected by child labour. "The Economy of Cameroon Federal Republic". [155] A mixture of English, French, and Pidgin called Camfranglais has been gaining popularity in urban centres since the mid-1970s. Climate, religious, ethnic and cultural belief systems as well as influences from colonialism, imperialism and globalization are all reflected in the clothes worn by modern Cameroonians. [120] However, large areas of the forest are difficult to reach. In Cameroon, 58% of those living with HIV know their status, and just 37% receive ARV treatment. [132] Newspapers routinely self-censor to avoid government reprisals. [44] Since 2016, more than 450,000 people have fled their homes. [66], President Biya has engaged in a decades-long clash with the government of Nigeria over possession of the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula. [47] All local government officials are employees of the central government's Ministry of Territorial Administration, from which local governments also get most of their budgets. Artistas como Manu Dibango, Francis Bebey, Moni Bilé e Petit-Pays popularizaram o estilo em todo o mundo nas décadas de 1970 e 1980. [127], Intercity bus services run by multiple private companies connect all major cities. A UN-mediated summit in June 2006 facilitated an agreement for Nigeria to withdraw from the region and both leaders signed the Greentree Agreement. Coffee is a major cash crop in the western highlands, and in the north, natural conditions favour crops such as cotton, groundnuts, and rice. The script was given to them by Sultan Ibrahim Njoya in 1896,[18][19] and is taught in Cameroon by the Bamum Scripts and Archives Project. The ruling called for a withdrawal by both countries and denied the request by Cameroon for compensation due to Nigeria's long-term occupation. Nkolo, Jean-Victor, and Graeme Ewens (2000). [186], Traditional arts and crafts are practiced throughout the country for commercial, decorative, and religious purposes. Livestock are raised throughout the country. National policy strongly advocates sport in all forms. Only 6.6% of the roadways are tarred. [131], Although press freedoms have improved since the first decade of the 21st century, the press is corrupt and beholden to special interests and political groups. [58][59] In particular, English-speaking people are discriminated against; protests often escalate into violent clashes and killings. [90][91][92][93] Female genital mutilation (FGM), while not widespread, is practiced among some populations; according to a 2013 UNICEF report,[94] 1% of women in Cameroon have undergone FGM. [124] Rapids and waterfalls obstruct the southern rivers, but these sites offer opportunities for hydroelectric development and supply most of Cameroon's energy. In a typical performance, a chorus of singers echoes a soloist. [49] Petroleum exploitation has fallen since 1986, but this is still a substantial sector such that dips in prices have a strong effect on the economy. The Sanaga River powers the largest hydroelectric station, located at Edéa. [87], In 2012, the top three deadly diseases were HIV/AIDS, lower respiratory tract infection, and diarrheal diseases. Settled peoples who fled the Fulani caused a major redistribution of population. [137] Population density is highest in the large urban centres, the western highlands, and the northeastern plain. The government recognises the authority of traditional chiefs, fons, and lamibe to govern at the local level and to resolve disputes as long as such rulings do not conflict with national law. ", This article is about the country. Dwellings made from materials such as cement and tin are increasingly common. [26] Ahidjo used the ongoing war with the UPC to concentrate power in the presidency, continuing with this even after the suppression of the UPC in 1971. "Cameroon: Music of a Small Continent". [179][180][181], Cutlery is common, but food is traditionally manipulated with the right hand. [139], According to the World Health Organization, the fertility rate was 4.8 in 2013 with a population growth rate of 2.56%. In the British Cameroons, the question was whether to reunify with French Cameroun or join Nigeria; the British ruled out the option of independence. [161] Southern ethnic groups predominantly follow Christian or traditional African animist beliefs, or a syncretic combination of the two. [184] This area is part of the Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests ecoregion. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Inland on the South Cameroon Plateau, cash crops include coffee, sugar, and tobacco. [75], In 2013, the total adult literacy rate of Cameroon was estimated to be 71.3%. Kamerun, formellt Republiken Kamerun, är en enhetsstat i centrala och västra Afrika.Den gränsar till Nigeria i väster, Tchad i nordöst, Centralafrikanska republiken i öster, samt Ekvatorialguinea, Gabon, och Kongo-Brazzaville i söder. The official languages of Cameroon are French and English, the official languages of former colonial French Cameroons and British Cameroons respectively. [89], Breast ironing, a traditional practice that is prevalent in Cameroon, may affect girls' health. 13 Sep 2011 8754. Cameroon has won five African Cup of Nations titles and the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics. In addition to the colonial languages, there are approximately 250 other languages spoken by nearly 20 million Cameroonians. [1], Cameroon has had a decade of strong economic performance, with GDP growing at an average of 4% per year. Traditional sports include canoe racing and wrestling, and several hundred runners participate in the 40 km (25 mi) Mount Cameroon Race of Hope each year. Artists such as Anne-Marie Nzié developed it into a popular dance music beginning in the 1940s, and performers such as Mama Ohandja and Les Têtes Brulées popularised it internationally during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Early inhabitants of the territory included the Sao civilisation around Lake Chad and the Baka hunter-gatherers in the southeastern rainforest. "Women and children are arriving in Cameroon in a shocking state, after weeks, sometimes months, on the road, foraging for food," said Ertharin Cousin, executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP).[153]. [178] Dishes are often quite hot, spiced with salt, red pepper sauce, and Maggi. [40], Since November 2016, protesters from the predominantly English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions of the country have been campaigning for continued use of the English language in schools and courts. The federation was abandoned in 1972. Generally breakfast is made from wheat flour in various different foods such as puff-puff (doughnuts), accra banana made from bananas and flour, bean cakes and many more. [20] They initiated projects to improve the colony's infrastructure, relying on a harsh system of forced labour, which was much criticised by the other colonial powers. [71] The major radio and television stations are state-run and other communications, such as land-based telephones and telegraphs, are largely under government control. "Preventing renewed violence through peace building in the Bakassi peninsula (Cameroon).". This region has a mild climate, particularly on the Western High Plateau, although rainfall is high. They called it Rio dos Camarões, meaning "river of shrimps" or "shrimp river", referring to the then abundant Cameroon ghost shrimp. [141] Although the national sex ratio is relatively even, these out-migrants are primarily males, which leads to unbalanced ratios in some regions. The Logone flows northward into Lake Chad, which Cameroon shares with three neighbouring countries. [71] The Islamist jihadist group Ansar al-Islam has been reported as operating in North Cameroon. [60] In 2017, President Biya shut down the Internet in the English-speaking region for 94 days, at the cost of hampering five million people, including Silicon Mountain startups. I've been doing a lot of things career-wise, and even when it came to music, I've always been behind the scenes...[12][13], He became a LuquLuqu Ambassador to the UN in Africa 2017. Some of them help out voluntarily so they will not lose their skills. Logging, largely handled by foreign-owned firms,[120] provides the government US$60 million a year in taxes (as of 1998[update]), and laws mandate the safe and sustainable exploitation of timber. [199], Cameroon was the host country of the Women Africa Cup of Nations in November–December 2016. [106] This area has been delineated by the World Wildlife Fund as the Cameroonian Highlands forests ecoregion. The government responded with a military offensive, and the insurgency spread across the Northwest and Southwest regions. ... 6 Mar 2018 415 582; Share Gallery. [130] In the north, the Bénoué River is seasonally navigable from Garoua across into Nigeria. The French-speaking regions of the southern and western regions are largely Catholic. Faites votre choix parmi les films, séries TV, reportages ou documentaires qui seront diffusés ce soir à la télé et concoctez-vous une soirée TV réussie ! [36], In February 2008, Cameroon experienced its worst violence in 15 years when a transport union strike in Douala escalated into violent protests in 31 municipal areas. The body consists of 180 members who are elected for five-year terms and meet three times per year. [118] Fishing employs 5,000 people and provides over 100,000 tons of seafood each year. [75], The three northernmost regions are the Far North (Extrême Nord), North (Nord), and Adamawa (Adamaoua). [53] There are several high corruption risk areas in Cameroon, for instance, customs, public health sector and public procurement. [161] The Bamum ethnic group of the West Region is largely Muslim. Njung, GN, Lucas Tazanu Mangula, and Emmanuel Nfor Nkwiyir (2003). The primary opposition is the Social Democratic Front (SDF), based largely in the Anglophone region of the country and headed by John Fru Ndi. The Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC) political party advocated independence, but was outlawed by France in the 1950s, leading to the Bamileke War fought between French and UPC militant forces until early 1971. [1], The population of Cameroon was 25,216,267 in 2018. Nigerian migrant workers flocked to Southern Cameroons, ending forced labour altogether but angering the local natives, who felt swamped. The districts, administered by district heads (chefs de district), are the smallest administrative units. [1] The 1996 constitution establishes a second house of parliament, the 100-seat Senate. [187] The high-quality clay of the western highlands is suitable for pottery and ceramics. [14], The regions are subdivided into 58 divisions (French départements). Cameroon possesses substantial mineral resources, but these are not extensively mined (see Mining in Cameroon). During the 2004–2008 period, public debt was reduced from over 60% of GDP to 10% and official reserves quadrupled to over US$3 billion. [28] This day is now the country's National Day, a public holiday. [13] From here, Bantu migrations into eastern, southern, and central Africa are believed to have originated about 2,000 years ago. [77] Girls attend school less regularly than boys do because of cultural attitudes, domestic duties, early marriage, pregnancy, and sexual harassment.