cameroon

Name: Republic of Cameroon
Political Capital: Yaounde
Major cities: Nkongsamba, Maroua, Garoua, Bafoussam, Bamenda
Form of Government: Presidential Republic
Political situation: The country enjoys a fairly stable social and political situation.
Territorial subdivision: 10 regions: Adamaoua, Central, East, Far North, Coastal, North, North-West, West, South, South-East
Population: 19.711.291hab.
Urbanization rate: 56,1%
Population density: 40,4 inhabitants per km2
Ethnic groups: 250 ethnic groups of which the major five are: Montagneri in the West, Bassa’a, Douala, Ewondo, Bulu, Maka and Pygmies
Official religions: Christians (53%), Islam (22%), Animism (15%)
Official language: English and French
Territory surface: 475.442 km²
Land: The South-West coast, the Central part and the North of the country are flat, whereas the land is mountainous in the West.
Neighboring countries: Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Nigeria.
Climate: tropical in the South and dry in the North. The average temperature in the South is 25°C, and 32°C in the North.
Festivities and work hours: January 1st - New Year’ s, 11th February - Youth Day, 1st May -  Labour Day, 20th May - National Feast, Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, Accession, 25th December - Christmas, The end of Ramadan, Feast of the Ram
Passport and Visa: A Passport valid for at least 6 months from travel date is necessary
Local currency: CFA Franc (in the past Franc of the French Colonies in Africa)
Currency exchange rate: 1 € = 655,957 CFA
GDP growth rate: 3.2%
Inflation: 1.90% (2010)
Unemployment: 30% (2001)
Transport system: 11 airports, 987 km railways, 5.000 km road networks, ports at Douala, Garoua, Limboh
Economy: Cameroon is currently open to international trade, member of the Commonwealth and the French Zone. The major partners for export are Spain, Italy and France. The leading trade products are in the mining sector, fuels, wood and coal, aluminum, cotton and cacao. Leading partners for imports are France, Nigeria and China for cereals, machinery and electronic devices. Cameroon is rich in natural resources and is the leading country in the region. An important relationship has been established with Nigeria.
Primary Sector: The agricultural sector is strategic to the economy, with 70% of the population actively working in the sector. The major plantations are: cocoa, cotton, bananas, sweet potatoes, and nuts. Important opportunities are available in the modernization of the agricultural sector, in the production  of new fertilizers and in the creation of package and storage units.
Secondary sector: The textile and agro-industry sectors are currently under development; the country presents also important opportunities in the forestry sector, due to its considerable resources.
Tertiary sector: There is a major development in the tourism sector, accompanied by easing bureaucratic measures.
Renewable energies: Cameroon is interested in developing projects for the production of biogas from animal waste, and other projects in the photovoltaic, Aeolic and geothermal sectors. Also, there is a need for technology transfer to the rural sector, as well as treatment of domestic waste, and the development of brick production through eco-compatible techniques.
Investment incentives: The government of Cameroon has been among the first to promote FDI, by establishing the Investment Code Nr. 90/7 on the 8th November 1990. Private property is recognised, and processed and semi-processed products are exempt from export tax and insurance costs.