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Description Cameroon by rbd.me
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The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA.
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Location
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Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria
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Area - comparative
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slightly larger than California
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Natural resources Cameroon
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petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower
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Population Cameroon
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19,294,149
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Religions Cameroon
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indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%
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Languages
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24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)
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Education Cameroon expenditures
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3.3% of GDP (2006)
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Government Cameroon type
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republic; multiparty presidential regime
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Independence
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1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)
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Cameroon Economy - overview
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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 stagnating per capita income, a relatively inequitable distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. International oil and cocoa prices have a significant impact on the economy. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs.
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Investment Cameroon
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18.1% of GDP (2009 est.)
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Industries Cameroon
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coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber
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Airports Cameroon
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725,000 (2008)
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