History of Cameron

Rising in Central Africa, Cameron offers a rich and varied legacy that has shaped its people and way of life. Every one of the around 250 ethnic groups residing there follows unique customs and traditions. 

The Republic of Cameron

 Late in the 19th century, Germany colonized Cameroon; during World War One, it split between French and British territories. Originally freed from France in 1960, Cameroon's southern Cameroons came free from Britain in 1961. The first president of the country, Ahmadou Ahidjo, governed till 1982. 

The period of President Paul Biya

Taking over as the new President in 1982, Paul Biya has been in power for almost thirty years. Under his leadership, political upheaval and financial challenges afflict Cameroon. Still, infrastructure and education have also seen clear development. 

Speaking two languages and embracing cultural diversity 

Cameroon is one of the nations with uncommon bilingualism due to its colonial past; its official languages are French and English. Through several national celebrations honoring many ethnic groups, the country also honors its cultural richness. 

Struggle for Democracy and Human Rights 

Following its independence, Cameroon has battled for democracy and human rights several times. This covers a one-party regime running until 1990 and continuous demonstrations for political reform and human rights concerns, especially in the Anglophone areas.

German rule

Cameroon was known as "Kamerun" under German colonization, mostly utilized for trade and resource exploitation. Still major businesses today in modern-day Cameroon, the Germans brought coffee, cocoa, and banana plantations. However, the way their colonists mistreated the residents resulted in a 1914 uprising against the Germans.

French and British rule

Cameroon split into two territories under French and British rule following World War I. This divide generated conflict between the two areas and helped to fuel a decades-long campaign for one independent nation's reunification. While the British-influenced area supported a federal system, the French influenced area chose a centralized administration.

Etymology of Cameroon

The Portuguese phrase "Rio dos Camarões" (which means "River of Prawns") forms Cameroon's name. This resulted from the Wouri River of the nation's abundance of prawns.

Independence

Under Ahmadou Ahidjo, Cameroon got her freedom from France in 1960. The southern Cameroons opted to form a federation of Cameroon in 1961, therefore founding the Republic of Cameroon.

Federal Republic of Cameroon 

Ahidjo consolidated authority and eliminated the federal system in favor of a unitary state during the 1961–1972 period of the federal republic of Cameroon.

Republic of Cameroon 

A national vote aimed at renaming the nation the United Republic of Cameroon in 1972. Later on, though, this was once more altered to the present name - the Republic of Cameroon, in 1984.

The United Republic of Cameroon and the Republic of Cameroon 

In Cameroon, there have been continuous political reform and human rights movement since the 1990s. Adopted in 1991, a new constitution let multi-party elections and more political involvement possible. These developments have not, however, totally resolved problems with corruption or breaches of human rights.

Government and politics

Head of state and government, the unitary presidential republic of Cameroon has the President serving both roles. Having been in office since 1982, Paul Biya, the present President, has come under fire for stifling political opposition and quelling dissent. The nation also has a bicameral parliament, an English common law, and a French civil law-based judicial system.

Political culture

With around 250 ethnic groups and several religious beliefs, Cameroon boasts a varied political culture. The political parties of the nation reflect this variety; often, they follow ethnic or geographical boundaries. With limits on assembly and freedom of expression, Freedom House states Cameroon is classified as "not free". The government censues and intimidates the media as well. Scheduled for 2020 are parliamentary elections, hence many people aspire for a more inclusive and open procedure.

Foreign relations 

Cameroon enjoys solid diplomatic ties with other African nations as well as those of neighbors. Among many other international organizations it participates in are the United Nations, African Union, and Commonwealth of Nations. Additionally heavily involved in regional peacekeeping initiatives is the nation.

Military 

Among the biggest armed forces in Central Africa, the Cameroonian ones mostly serve to guard the boundaries of their nation. It has also participated in peacekeeping operations throughout nearby nations.

Human rights

The human rights record of Cameroon has drawn criticism, especially in relation to political liberties and the treatment of minorities. Apart from arbitrary arrests and detention, the administration has been accused of deploying too strong force to quell demonstrations and opposition. Human Rights Watch claims that since 2017, Cameroon's human rights have been declining while tensions and violence in the Anglophone areas are rising. The company has recorded instances of security force arbitrary imprisonment, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Administrative divisions 

Cameroon has 10 regions, each with an elected regional council run under a governor chosen by the President. These areas are further split for local government into departments and arrondissements.

Geography 

Found in Central Africa, Cameroon edges the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria. Mountains, savannas, and rainforests, among other things, define its varied terrain.

Wildlife 

Rich in variety, Cameroon features a really large array of plant and animal life. The country boasts several national parks, most famously the Waza National Park notable for its elephant count.

Economy and infrastructure 

Though blessed with natural resources, Cameroon's economy has suffered political unrest and corruption, among other difficulties. Mostly, depending on agriculture, the nation exports chocolate and coffee. Additionally, oil production helps the economy. Although Cameroon's infrastructure is still under development, efforts are being made to modernize its transport networks and raise power availability. Still, urban and rural communities construct their infrastructure rather differently. 

Demographics 

Comprising 25 million people, Cameroon features a diverse population including several ethnic groups and languages. Though English and French are the official languages, the country has a broad range of indigenous languages spoken throughout. 

Refugees 

Refugees from surrounding nations, particularly those escaping conflict in the Central African Republic and Nigeria, now call Cameroon home. In the Anglophone areas, conflicts have also caused some 700,000 people to be displaced inside the nation. 

Languages 

Given that almost 200 languages are spoken there, Cameroon is well-known for its linguistic variety. The official languages are English and French; few places also have official status for other indigenous languages. 

Religion 

Although many of Cameroonians follow indigenous African religions also, most of them identify as Christian or Muslims. The government formally acknowledges freedom of religion; the nation has a long history of religious tolerance.

Education 

Recent years have seen difficulties for Cameroon's educational system including low enrolment rates and inadequate funding in several of its institutions. Still, initiatives are in way to increase access to education, especially for girls and children from rural locations.

Health 

Cameroon's healthcare system is also in trouble since many of its sites lack facilities and money. Healthcare is not readily available, especially for people living in rural areas. Health problems include the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and viruses like Ebola have also dogged the nation. 

Culture 

Cameroon boasts a diverse cultural mix between modern and traditional elements of influence. Living here are a lot of different ethnic groups with unique cultures and way of life. Rich in music and dancing, Cameroonian society is as well-known for its cuisine, which varies depending on the region. 

Music and dance 

With a great range of forms and influences, music and dance are fundamental aspects of Cameroonian life. While modern music has lately become somewhat popular, traditional music is still frequently employed for cultural events and ceremonies.

Holidays 

Along with Christian and Muslim holidays, Cameroon boasts several others. Celebrated on May 20, the nation also observes Independence Day as its national holiday. 

Food 

Though it varies depending on the region, Cameroonian cuisine is usually unique in the use of native products such as cassava, plantains, and peanuts. Popular foods include vegetable soup called eru and stew prepared with pork or fish and bitter leaf greens.

Fashion 

Cameroonian fashion reflects the nation's numerous cultural inspirations. Modern designs inspired by Western fashion trends can be seen with traditional garments such as the vibrantly colored and finely crafted kente cloth.

Local arts and crafts

With many local artists producing distinctive works utilizing traditional techniques and materials, Cameroon is well-known for its active arts and handicaps sector. Among popular objects are woven baskets, pottery, and wooden carvings.

Literature 

Rich in literary legacy, Cameroon has numerous eminent poets and authors. The nation also has a developing modern literary culture with works released in English and French.

Films

With more films being created recently, Cameroon boasts a developing film scene. Rich oral storytelling is another legacy of the nation that has shaped films as well as literature.

Sports 

Most usually used in Cameroon as the national team excels overseas is football (soccer). Among other popular sports include handball, basketball, and athletics.