The modern state of Cameroon was created in 1961 by the unification of two former colonies, one British and one French.
• Full name: Republic of Cameroon
• Population: 19.9 million (UN, 2010)
• Capital: Yaounde
• Area: 475,442 sq km (183,568 sq miles)
• Major languages: French, English, languages of Bantu, Semi-Bantu and Sudanic groups
• Major religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs
• Life expectancy: 52 years (men), 53 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes
• Main exports: Crude oil and petroleum products, timber, cocoa, aluminium, coffee, cotton
• GNI per capita: US $1,170 (World Bank, 2009)
• Internet domain: .cm
• International dialling code: +237
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Since then it has struggled from one-party rule to a multi-party system in which the freedom of expression is severely limited.
Cameroon began its independence with a bloody insurrection which was suppressed only with the help of French forces.
There followed 20 years of repressive government under President Ahmadou Ahidjo. Nonetheless, Cameroon saw investment in agriculture, education, health care and transport.
In 1982 Mr Ahidjo was succeeded by his prime minister, Paul Biya. Faced with popular discontent, Mr Biya allowed multi-party presidential elections in 1992, which he won.
In 1994 and 1996 Cameroon and Nigeria fought over the disputed, oil-rich Bakassi peninsula. Nigeria withdrew its troops from the area in 2006 in line with an international court ruling which awarded sovereignty to Cameroon.
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13146029)
Provides an overview of Cameroon, including key events and facts about this former French and British colony in Africa
Attribution: CNN, BBC and IOL Africa.