Where is Cameroon Located?

Where is Cameroon located on the map? Cameroon is an independent nation located in Central Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Cameroon on maps.

Cameroon Location in World Map

On this map you can see Cameroon and its neighboring countries.

Location Information of Cameroon

Latitude and Longitude

Cameroon is a country located in Central Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the west, Chad to the east, Central African Republic to the east, Congo and Gabon to the south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the southwest. It is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its geographical diversity, which includes coastal plains, savannahs, forests, and mountains.

• Latitude: 3.8480° N
• Longitude: 11.5021° E

The country lies between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, giving it a unique mix of tropical climates and landscapes, ranging from dense rainforests to mountainous highlands.

Capital City and Major Cities

• Capital City: Yaoundé

  Yaoundé is the political capital of Cameroon and the second-largest city in the country, located in the central region. With a population of over 3 million people, Yaoundé serves as the administrative and political hub. The city is built on a series of hills, giving it a characteristic topography and picturesque view. Yaoundé has a mix of colonial architecture and modern infrastructure, housing important institutions like the Cameroonian Presidential Palace and the National Assembly.

  • Key Features: The Yaoundé Central Market is a bustling hub for locals and visitors. The Benedictine Monastery and the National Museum of Yaoundé showcase Cameroon’s cultural heritage. Yaoundé also offers views of the surrounding mountains and is the gateway to some of Cameroon’s major tourist attractions.
• Major Cities:
  1. Douala: The largest city in Cameroon, Douala is located on the Atlantic coast and serves as the economic capital. Douala is the country’s main port and the center for trade and industry. The city has a population of over 2 million and is known for its commercial activities, cultural vibrancy, and coastal attractions. Douala’s Deido Market and Port of Douala are essential parts of the city’s economic life.
  2. Bamenda: Located in the northwest region, Bamenda is the capital of the Northwest Region and one of the country’s largest cities. It is known for its scenic views, cool climate, and role as the cultural center for the Anglophone part of Cameroon. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and fertile agricultural land, making it a significant agricultural hub for crops like bananas, coffee, and maize.
  3. Bertoua: Bertoua is the capital of the East Region of Cameroon. It lies close to the borders of Central African Republic and Congo and is an important commercial and administrative center for the region. Bertoua is known for its mining activities, particularly in the gold and diamond sectors.
  4. Kousseri: Situated near the border with Chad, Kousseri is a strategic city and an essential commercial center for the northern regions of Cameroon. The city serves as a major trading point for goods flowing between Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria. Kousseri is characterized by its proximity to the Logone River and its dry, hot climate.
  5. Maroua: Maroua is located in the Far North Region of Cameroon, near the border with Nigeria. It is the capital of the Extreme North region and an important center for the cotton industry and animal husbandry. Maroua is also a gateway for trade with neighboring countries in the Sahel region.

Time Zone

Cameroon operates in the West Africa Time Zone (WAT), which is UTC +1. This time zone is consistent throughout the year as Cameroon does not observe Daylight Saving Time. WAT is shared by several other West and Central African countries, including Nigeria, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Climate

Cameroon’s climate is influenced by its geographical diversity, and it ranges from humid tropical along the coast to semi-arid in the north. The country is divided into distinct climatic regions:

• Coastal and Central Regions: These regions, including cities like Douala and Yaoundé, experience a humid tropical climate with a marked rainy season. Rainfall is abundant, with heavy rains typically falling from April to November. The average temperature ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), with high humidity levels. The Gulf of Guinea contributes to the climate, especially in cities along the coast, which are subject to constant moisture and wet conditions.
• Mountainous Regions: In the west, particularly around the Cameroon Highlands near Bamenda, the climate is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). This region benefits from higher elevations, which bring cooler air, making it a popular region for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of crops like tea and coffee.
• Northern Regions: The northern part of Cameroon, including cities like Maroua and Kousseri, has a more arid, semi-desert climate. The Sahelian climate in these areas experiences high temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F). The rainy season is brief, occurring between June and September, while the dry season is characterized by high temperatures and low humidity.
• Rainfall: The south and central regions receive considerable rainfall, often exceeding 2,000 mm (79 inches) annually, while the north receives much less, with the far northern regions averaging less than 500 mm (20 inches) per year.

Economic Status

Cameroon has a mixed economy that combines agriculture, industry, and services. Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in the southern and western regions, while the northern regions are known for their natural resources and agriculture.

• Agriculture: Agriculture is central to Cameroon’s economy, with key crops including cocoa, coffee, bananas, cassava, maize, and peanuts. The country is one of Africa’s largest producers of cocoa and coffee and is also a significant exporter of bananas, mainly to Europe. Rice cultivation is an important activity in the Central and Coastal regions.
• Petroleum and Minerals: Cameroon is also rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. The country is an oil producer, with significant reserves in the Atlantic Ocean and offshore fields. Bauxite, gold, diamonds, and iron ore are also mined in various parts of the country. The north is home to extensive deposits of gold, and mining has become an increasingly important part of the economy.
• Forestry: Cameroon has vast tropical rainforests, and timber is a major export. The country is one of the largest producers of wood products in Africa, with sawn timber, veneers, and pulp being the primary exports. However, deforestation remains a concern.
• Services: The service sector in Cameroon has expanded in recent years, particularly in the areas of telecommunications, banking, and transportation. The country has a growing number of mobile phone users and internet subscribers, although connectivity remains limited in rural areas.
• Tourism: Cameroon is increasingly seen as a destination for eco-tourism, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and wildlife. Key tourism industries include wildlife safaris, beach tourism, and cultural tourism. However, political instability in some regions has limited the full development of the tourism sector.
• Challenges: Despite positive growth in sectors like agriculture and services, Cameroon faces challenges such as poverty, high unemployment, corruption, and infrastructure deficiencies. The country’s political and social instability in some regions, particularly in the Anglophone areas, has hindered investment and development.

Tourist Attractions

Cameroon offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, from natural reserves to cultural landmarks. Its diverse geography provides an exciting range of outdoor activities, such as trekking, bird-watching, and wildlife safaris.

• Waza National Park: Located in the far north of Cameroon, Waza National Park is one of the country’s most famous wildlife reserves. It is home to diverse species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelopes. The park is part of the Chad Basin and is an excellent destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Mount Cameroon: Mount Cameroon, an active volcano, is the highest peak in Central and West Africa, rising to 4,095 meters (13,435 feet). The mountain attracts climbers and hikers, who can trek to its summit for stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, an annual marathon event, draws international competitors.
• Limbe: A coastal town located near Mount Cameroon, Limbe is known for its beaches, Botanical Garden, and the Limbe Wildlife Centre, which is home to rescued primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas. The town also offers attractions like Lake Monoun, a crater lake that remains largely unexplored.
• The Royal Palace of Foumban: Foumban is a town located in the western part of Cameroon and is known for the Royal Palace of the Sultanate of Foumban, one of the oldest traditional kingdoms in Cameroon. The palace houses an impressive collection of traditional artifacts, and the region is famous for its art and handicrafts.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter Cameroon for any purpose. There are several ways to obtain a visa for travel:

• Tourist Visa: A tourist visa can be obtained from the Cameroonian Embassy or Consulate in the United States. The visa typically allows stays of up to 90 days.
• Business Visa: U.S. citizens traveling for business purposes must also apply for a business visa. This type of visa often requires an invitation from a Cameroonian company.
• Visa on Arrival: In some cases, U.S. citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at certain international airports in Cameroon. However, it is advisable to check with the Cameroonian embassy or consulate for updated policies.
• Required Documents: For visa applications, U.S. citizens need a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. A visa application form and payment of processing fees are also required.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

• Distance to New York City: The distance between Yaoundé (Cameroon’s capital) and New York City is approximately 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers). The flight typically takes around 12–14 hours with at least one layover, often in Paris, Doha, or Dubai.
• Distance to Los Angeles: The distance between Yaoundé and Los Angeles is approximately 7,000 miles (11,265 kilometers). Flights from Yaoundé to Los Angeles typically take 14–16 hours, depending on layovers in cities like Paris or Istanbul.

Cameroon Facts

Size	475,442 km²
Residents	25.21 million
Languages	French and English
Capital	Yaoundé (Yaoundé)
Longest river	Sanaga (918 km)
Highest mountain	Cameroon Mountain (also called Fako, 4,095 m)
Currency	CFA franc