Because of its modest oil resources and favourable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programmes designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalise the nation’s banks. Cameroon has several large infrastructure projects under construction, including a deep-sea port in Kribi and the Lom Pangar hydropower project.

Name Republic of Cameroon

Capital Yaounde

Frequency of elections Every seven years

Name of parliament National Assembly of Cameroon

Parliament website www.assemblenationale.cm

Languages English, French, ethnic languages

Area 475 440 km²

Population 23 130 708 (July 2014 est)

Imports Machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel, food

Exports Crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminium, coffee, cotton

Currency Coopération Financière en Afrique Centrale franc

Source: CIA World Factbook