ABSTRACT
The Republic of Cameroon, in Central Africa, is neighbored by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon’s population of 28.5 million comprises several different ethnic groups including Bamileke-Bamu, Beti/Bassa, Mbam, Biu-Mandara, Arab-Choa/Hausa/ Kanuri, Adamawa-Ubangi, Grassfields, Kako, Meka/Pygmy, Cotier/Ngoe/Oroko, and Southwestern Bantu. Cameroon’s ethnic diversity is represented by as many as 24 major languages spoken throughout the country, while English and French are the official languages. In addition to ethnic and linguistic diversity, Cameroon is also religiously diverse, with Roman Catholic, Protestant, Christian, Muslim, and animist populations. Also known as the “hinge of Africa,” Cameroon exhibits all the major climates and vegetative features that can be found in Africa: coast, desert, mountains, rainforest, and savanna. As a result, it is also sometimes referred to as Africa in miniature.
