Cameroon: flag, capital, currency and history
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Middle Africa, Africa. Its capital is Yaoundé. The currency is the Central African CFA franc. Languages spoken include English and French.
Quick facts about Cameroon
- Official name
- Republic of Cameroon
- Capital
- Yaoundé
- Region
- Africa, Middle Africa
- Currency
- Central African CFA franc (XAF, Fr)
- Languages
- English, French
- Calling code
- +237
- Internet domain
- .cm
- Area
- 475,442 km² (183,569 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria
- Demonym
- Cameroonian
- National day
- National Day, May 20
Flag of Cameroon
Download the flag of Cameroon as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇲.
History of Cameroon
Early inhabitants of the region included the Sao and various peoples of the grasslands and forest. Portuguese sailors reached the coast in the 15th century, and Germany declared a protectorate, Kamerun, in 1884. After the First World War the territory was divided into French and British mandates. French Cameroun became independent on 1 January 1960, and in 1961 the southern part of British Cameroons voted to join it, forming a federation. The federation became a unitary state in 1972 and took the name Republic of Cameroon in 1984. English and French are both official languages.
Key dates
- 1472Portuguese navigators reach the Wouri River estuary.
- 1884Germany establishes the protectorate of Kamerun.
- 1919The territory is divided between French and British mandates.
- 1960French Cameroun gains independence on 1 January.
- 1961Southern British Cameroons joins, forming a federal republic.
- 1972A referendum replaces the federation with a unitary state.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Cameroon
Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF, Fr). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Cameroon?
The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé.
What currency does Cameroon use?
Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF, symbol Fr).
What languages are spoken in Cameroon?
Languages used in Cameroon include English and French.
What is the calling code of Cameroon?
The international calling code of Cameroon is +237. Its internet domain is .cm.
Which countries border Cameroon?
Cameroon shares land borders with Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Nigeria.
On which continent is Cameroon?
Cameroon is in Africa, in the region of Middle Africa.
What is the national day of Cameroon?
Cameroon marks National Day on May 20.
Neighbours of Cameroon
More countries in Middle Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).