The Republic of Cameroon, in Central Africa, is neighbored by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon’s population of 28.5 million is comprised of several different ethnic groups including Bamileke-Bamu, Beti/Bassa, Mbam, Biu-Mandara, Arab-Choa/Hausa/Kanuri, Adamawa-Ubangi, Grassfields, Kako, Meka/Pygmy, Cotier/Ngoe/Oroko, and Southwestern Bantu. Cameroon’s ethnic diversity is represented by as many as 24 major languages spoken throughout the country, while English and French are the official languages. In addition to ethnic and linguistic diversity, Cameroon is also religiously diverse, with Roman Catholic, Protestant, Christian, Muslim, and animist populations. Also known as the “hinge of Africa,” Cameroon exhibits all the major climates and vegetative features that can be found in Africa: coast, desert, mountains, rainforest, and savanna. As a result, it is also sometimes referred to as Africa in miniature.

Prior to its independence in 1960, Cameroon was a French colony. A formerly British portion of the country merged with French Cameroon in 1961 to form the country’s modern borders. Since then, Cameroon has continued to suffer from high rates of poverty, with a lack of investment in public programs and insufficient social safety nets. In addition, food insecurity in the north has worsened due to the activities of armed groups and insurgencies. Rural areas of Cameroon especially suffer from a lack of job opportunities, poor educational systems, a deficient healthcare infrastructure, and insufficient sanitation and clean water.

The population of Cameroon is proportionately young, with more than 60 percent of the population under 25 years of age. Cameroon also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. The most common causes of death include HIV/AIDS, malaria, diarrheal diseases, lower respiratory infections, neonatal disorders, stroke, ischemic heart disease, tuberculosis, road injuries, and diabetes. Notably, death due to measles has decreased by nearly 62 percent; however, it is still considered one of the main causes of mortality.