Located on the Atlantic coast, north of the equator, Cameroon (466 050 km²) is slightly larger than Sweden. It has a population of around 27 million people and its capital, Yaoundé, is located in the south of the country. The largest city, however, is Douala on the Atlantic coast, with a population of 5 million. The country gained independence from French rule in 1960, and in 1961 the southern part of British Cameroon, where English is still the official language, joined the country. French and English are the official languages as the colonial legacy. English is poorly understood in the French-speaking region. Oil-rich Cameroon generates more than 40 % of its export earnings from oil. Most of the population earns its living from agriculture, but the forestry and mining industries (bauxite, gold, iron, etc.) also provide employment in growing numbers. Tourism is limited outside the coastal region and Mount Cameroon.
Climate: Cameroon is located entirely in the tropics, which means high temperatures all year round. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, with an average temperature of +20-30°C. Temperatures are lower at higher altitudes. Cameroon is a long country, with the northern parts almost in the Sahara. In the north, the hot and dry Saharan air mass affects the weather, while the humid and warm air mass from the Atlantic creates a typical equatorial climate in the south.
In the south, near the coast, the rainy season lasts from April to November. The "dry season" lasts from December to March, but even then there may be rainfall. The average annual rainfall in the south is around 2500 mm. On the other hand, Debundscha, at the foot of the Mount Cameroon, receives more than 10 000 mm of rain a year, making it the wettest place in Africa, according to some sources. The central highlands of the country receive less rainfall and have four seasons: a ''light rainy season'' from May to June, a ''short dry season'' from July to October, a ''heavy rainy season'' from October to November and a ''long dry season'' from December to May. In the central part of the country, the average annual rainfall is 1500 mm. In the northern part of Cameroon, there are only two seasons; from October to May is the dry season, while the rest of the year it rains, but only 750 mm on average during the whole rainy season.
Security: The security situation in Cameroon is generally good, but there are pickpockets in the crowds. Traffic and heat are the main risk factors. Travel to the English-speaking separatist region is not recommended, nor to the north of the country near the Nigerian border and Lake Chad.
Visa: Westerners need a visa to enter Cameroon. The country has an e-visa, which can be applied for online in advance. Please note that visa practices may change without prior notice. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
Currency: Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (XOF) as its currency, which is pegged to the euro. One euro buys around 656 francs. You should take euro banknotes and exchange them at your destination or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Vaccinations and malaria: Cameroon requires a certificate of yellow number vaccination. In addition, hepatitis a and b vaccinations are recommended. Please ensure that your basic vaccinations are up to date. Malaria is prevalent throughout Cameroon throughout the year, so anti-malaria medication is recommended. Protection from mosquitoes during the day is also recommended due to the risk of dengue fever.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
