24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Because of its modest oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as a top-heavy civil service and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise.

Cameroon Armed Forces: Army, Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC)

A valid passport, visa, evidence of yellow-fever vaccination, and current immunization records are required, and travelers may be denied entry if they lack the proper documentation. 
Cameroon does not recognize dual nationality and considers American citizens of Cameroonian descent to have lost their Cameroonian citizenship. American citizens should enter Cameroon using their U.S. passport, and should be sensitive to possible hostility on the part of Cameroonian officials regarding their changed citizenship. See "Cameroonian- Descent Americans" under Special Circumstances.

Travelers should obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon , 2349 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20008, tel.: (202) 265-8790, fax: (202) 387-3826. 

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information Sheet.

Airports:  47, Airports w/paved runways:  11

Yaounde-Nsimalen International Airport (NSI/FKYS)
Yaoundé Airport, Cameroon, BP 13615, Yaounde, CAMEROON
Tel: +237 23.36.02, +237 23.45.21
Fax:  +237 23.45.20

Douala International Airport (DLA/FKKD)
Douala Airport, Cameroon, BP 3131, Douala, CAMEROON
Tel:  +237 42.35.26, +237 42.35.77
Fax:  +237 42.37.58
E-mail:  adc@camnet.cm

Embassy employees have been instructed to refrain from travel outside of city limits after dusk, and to monitor their movements in centrally located areas within cities and towns. Private American citizens are urged to follow the same guidelines and are strongly advised against nighttime travel. Armed highway bandits (most notably in border areas), poorly lit roads, hazardous, poorly maintained vehicles, and unskilled, aggressive and/or intoxicated drivers pose a threat to motorists. Attacks and accidents are most common outside major towns, especially in the provinces bordering Chad and the Central African Republic but occur in all areas of the country.
The U.S. Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to neighboring Central African Republic (CAR). On occasion, conflict between insurgents and government security forces in CAR has spilled across border into Cameroon, affecting outposts in both Adamawa and East Provinces.
U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies and street demonstrations, and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Travelers are required by Cameroonian law to carry identification at all times – ideally a certified copy of your passport.
Crime is a serious and growing problem throughout Cameroon and U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in Cameroon. All foreigners are potential targets for theft with possible attendant violence. The risk of street and residential crime is high, and incidents of violent crime are on the rise throughout the country.

Infant MR total:  65.84 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 52.86 years (male 52.15/female 53.59)

Required: None
Recommended: Polio, Yellow Fever, Meningococcal Disease, Malaria, Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: MMR, DPT, etc.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Plasmodium falciparum malaria, predominate in Cameroon, is resistant to the antimalarial drug chloroquine.
Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis (river blindness) are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. The risk for contracting African sleeping sickness is high in Cameroon, and there is significant risk for travelers visiting or working in rural areas. Plague, is present in wild rodent populations in rural areas of Africa. A number of rickettsial infections also occur in this region. Schistosomiasis can be contracted in fresh water in this region.

Medical facilities in Cameroon are extremely limited. Even in large cities, emergency care and hospitalization for major illnesses and surgery are hampered by the lack of trained specialists, outdated diagnostic equipment, and poor sanitation. Medical services in outlying areas may be completely nonexistent. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate payment for health services in cash. Pharmacies in larger towns are well stocked, but in other areas many medicines are unavailable.

In March 2006 avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in wild ducks in northern Cameroon. There have been no reports of avian influenza among humans in Cameroon. Avian influenza has been reported in both birds and humans in neighboring Nigeria.
Other infections that tend to occur more often in longer-term travelers include tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B.

Country Calling Code:  +237
Internet Country Code:  .cm