Cameroon is a state in the western part of Central Africa, washed by the Gulf of Guinea in the southwest. The country stretches from Lake Chad in the north to the coast of the Gulf of Biafra (part of the Gulf of Guinea) in the southwest, covering an area of 475,442 km². Population - 23 439 189 people. (2016). The main river of Cameroon is the Sanaga.
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| Cameroon |
Basic Moments
The first mention of this ancient land belongs to the Carthaginian Hanno, who made a sea expedition along the western coast of Africa around 600 AD. In 1472, when the Portuguese navigator Rui de Siqueira was the first European to cross the equator, this country became known in Europe. Portuguese sailors, having discovered many shrimps at the mouth of the Vouri River, gave it the name Rio dos Camaroes (shrimp river), which then transformed into Cameroon and became the name of the whole country.
Since the end of the 19th century, Cameroon has been a German colony. After its defeat in World War I, Cameroon was divided into two mandated territories administered by Britain and France. Having become an independent state in 1960, Cameroon retained two official languages - English and French.
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| Cameroon |
Climate
The climate is hot, in the south - humid equatorial, in the north - arid, subequatorial. In the south, the average monthly temperatures are 22-28 ° C, and the monsoon brings heavy precipitation to the coast - 3000-5000 mm per year (up to 10000 mm on the slopes of the Cameroon volcano). The dry season is practically non-existent. On the Cameroon Plateau in the interior of the country, it is slightly cooler (average temperatures 23–24 ° C). Precipitation (1500-1700 mm per year) falls in two wet seasons - in September-November and April-June. In the north, the influence of the Sahara is felt. Northern winds bring heat (average monthly temperatures 26-33 ° C), and rainfall is less than 500 mm per year.
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| Cameroon |
Attractions
The main attractions of Cameroon are concentrated in the largest cities. In the capital of the country, Yaoundé, you will find the Crafts Center, represented by the Artisinel Center shopping area. This place is known all over the world for the works of local craftsmen and artists.
In the districts of Mokola, Messa and Briketeri, you can enjoy authentic Cameroonian cuisine and observe the life of Africans. You will also find the chic Presidential Palace, an old Catholic Church in the Gothic style, a collection of African cultural heritage, the palace of the leader of one of the most influential African tribes of Cameroon - Antangana. The Cameroon Museum of Art is also located here, where a collection of ritual masks, jewelry, weapons and many other exotics is kept.
The ancient city of Douala will be remembered by tourists not only for its original city sculptures and colonial buildings - the picturesque city embankment is worth spending a couple of days in Douala. By the way, some of the local hotels themselves are a landmark of the city. The City Museum and Artisinel Cameroones, a handicraft market, are also worth visiting in Douala.
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The city of Fumban attracts many tourists, located on its territory, the Royal Palace. The best decorations and jewelry of bamun are exhibited in the palace. The Sultan Museum is especially beautiful and unusual. It contains a huge collection of kings' clothes, their weapons, statues, jewelry, masks and much more. In addition, in Fumbana there is a museum in honor of Ibragim Nyov, the Museum of Art and Traditions of the Bamun people.
But the most important attraction of the country is considered to be Mount Cameroon, which attracts many tourists. You can go to it from the city of Buea. The city itself is an amazingly beautiful joint creation of nature and man. Mountains, emerald alpine meadows and always green tropical forests - all this is adjacent to the objects of civilization. It is worth coming here at least to see how harmonious the coexistence of man and nature can be.
In addition to the unsurpassed picturesque beaches and richness of vegetation, national parks await you, the main of which is the Waza National Park. It is located in the northeast direction from the city of Maroua. In addition to it, the parks Mozogo-Gokoro, Dzha Korup, Benue, Kousseri are famous.