The Republic of Cameroon is a member of both the Commonwealth of Nations and La Francophonie. In this nation, customs are rich and lively. They are apparent in the variety and diversity of the folklore, its craftsmen, its environment and its manner of living. There are craftsmen all over the place, but the west and north are the center points. Bafoussam, Foumban and Bamenda are cities distinguished for their masks, embroidered costumes, miniature figures, seats, thrones, pipes, statues of earthenware, bronze or wood. The Republic of Cameroon is culturally very rich and diverse. Economics wise Cameroon has seeing a generally upward trend since 2007.

The primary language in The Republic of Cameroon is French but English is spoken although not too much, in the North West close to the border with Nigeria. Following the First World War Cameroon was seized from Germany, split between the English and the French administrations and called The Cameroons.

The Republic of Cameroon has one main railway line that was built during the colonial period, A conglomerate of south Korean companies are going to draw up a plan to expand the railway network and these plans should be complete ted sometime in the second quarter of next year. The rail network is considered necessary to connect some major infrastructure projects located across the country.

Traditional sports are a significant constituent of Cameroonian existence. Wrestling, in one form or more in roughly all villages across the country, is predominantly popular. Tug-of-war is one more regular village sport, and dancing Contests are well-liked. In the north, where a cattle raising is significant, horse racing is the chief form of leisure. Canoe racing is well liked along the coast, and villages often contend against each other. In areas where game is sought after, shooting competitions are held just prior to hunting season. As more people move to the cities, however, these traditional activities are slowly losing influence.

Football

The most popular sport in The Republic of Cameroon is football. Football is played throughout the country. The sport has been seen as an important part of nation building: partisan pride swelled when the national team, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, won the African Cup of Nations in 1984 and in 2000 and when it became the foremost African team to progress to the semifinals of the World Cup in 1990. In 1999 the Lions won the gold medal at the All-Africa Games.

Cameroon is globally recognized as a powerful force in the world of football. It was the only the African team to reach the semi finals in the 2010 world cup.

Wildlife Conservation in The Republic of Cameroon

The Republic of Cameroon is also home to the Ape Action Africa (AAA), formerly known as Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund; Ape Action Africa is a primate sanctuary situated approximately one hour’s drive outside of Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. The sanctuary is home to orphaned chimpanzees, gorillas, mandrills, baboons and various other monkeys. It is to be found inside the Mefou National Park on roughly a thousand hectares of land. The project provides work for neighboring Cameroonian civilians, many of whom have been working there since its inception in 96”. Their purpose is to address the immediate and current threats faced by gorillas and chimps in Africa, and to work with groups of people to develop enduring solutions to guarantee their survival in the wild.

Cameroon, well known for its tourism, is officially known as the Republic of Cameroon is a country situated in west Central Africa. When it comes to traveling, it is a complete package for all types of travelers as you will find beaches, deserts, mountains, rain-forests, and savannas in this country. Cameroon really has just about everything a traveler could want. In fact you will find Cameroon to be one of the most culturally diverse countries in the whole African continent as it includes ancient tribal kingdoms, Muslim pastorals and forest-dwelling pygmies.

Cultivating Tourism in Cameroon

The Cameroon news media has been trying to cultivate its tourism and eco-tourism industry by encouraging investment by airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. Over the last few years many hotels, restaurants and guest houses have sprouted, that offer good accommodation and facilities to tourists. The internal transport system however, leaves a lot to be desired and has an adverse effect on the tourism industry. The Cameroon government has been known to describe Cameroon as a kind of a “Miniature Africa” to promote its climate, culture and geography.

Cameroons is blessed with many tourist attractions and each of these places is worth seeing. The list of tourist attractions in Cameroon is endless but the foremost ones that attract the most tourists are Waza National Park, Mandara Mountains, Kribi Beach and Mount Cameroon.

Waza National Park in Cameroon is arguably the most famous park which attracts large numbers of safari-goers and big game hunters every year. The 170000 hectare park is situated in the north of Cameroon and is a home to many iconic animals likes elephant, antelope, lions, hyenas and various unique species of birds. The park remains opens for tourists from the 15th of November to the 15th of June annually.

Stretching about 120 miles on the northern side of Nigeria- Cameroon border is a volcanic range of mountains called Mandara Mountains, famous for its panoramic view of terraced hillsides. It is a good base for excursions into the surrounding areas like Kapsiki and Rumsiki. The Mandara Mountains consist of wide green valleys and hillside villages and is an ideal location for an adventurous trekker.

Cameroon Tourism – Beaches

Kribi, a popular beach resort town in Cameroon is one of the chief attractions that has put Cameroon tourism on the Africa’s tourist map. Its beaches of white sand dotted with coconut palms draw the attention of tourists visiting Cameroon all through the year. Kribi is also a popular weekend seminar for well-to-do Cameroonians and expats. Eight kilometers south of Kribi are an impressive set of waterfalls called The Chutes de la Lobé.

Cameroon tours can never be complete without a visit to Mount Cameroon. Mount Cameroon known to the locals as Faka or Chariot of the Gods happen to be a 13428-foot-high stratovolcano.

The diverse variety of flora, fauna and terrains you’ll find in Cameroon, and the fact that you can explore these without being mobbed by thousands of other tourists, would make for an excellent holiday; the Cameroonian tourism industry promises no less.

The Department of Transportation in Cameroon issued a ban on night driving for intercity buses in the country among cities. The government took the decision after a year of fatalities killing the poor, improve road safety.

Last year, according to the Government of Cameroon, about 1258 people died in road accidents and 5,000 injured. Many of these accidents were caused by driving while intoxicated and speeding. While traveling at night is only five percent of public transport, which was responsible for 35 percent of traffic accidents.

The African Journal, those statistics led the Cameroonian government to issue a ban on night driving for intercity buses and taxis. Bello Bouba Maigari, Transport, signed the ban this week, which will not inter-urban bus 9:00 p.m. to 5:00, but it will not affect the personal or non-commercial vehicles.

Although the ban was issued and signed, it is difficult when the ban comes into force, but some are saying it will take several months to impose. The ban was under discussion since April.

Many residents Cameroon against the measure and believes that the leading cause of death and injury due to poor road conditions. Only 20 percent of roads in the country are well paved.

Residents are also concerned that agencies and the police try to take advantage of the imposition of penalties for drivers and transit agencies such as the elimination of driver’s license or a business closing. The vegetable vendors said the plan to reduce intercity bus service between 2100 and 0500 GMT will put them into bankruptcy, making it impossible for them to get their products to market without wilting in the heat of noon.

Cameroon is a very prominent African nation also recognized as a powerful force in the world of football. The sport has been recognized as a significant part of nation building: nationalistic pride swelled when the national team, the Indomitable Lions, won the African Cup of Nations in 1984. It was the only the African team to reach the semi finals in the 2010 world cup.

Cameroon is very culturally rich and diverse. Economics wise Cameroon has seeing a generally upward trend since 2007. Cameroon is without a doubt gifted with rich natural and human resources. It is a constituent of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC). It has the leading as well as most stable economy in this region. Cameroon’s chief exports are crude oil and petroleum products, timber, cocoa, coffee, aluminum, and food crops.

There is a real shortage in conversion procedure from primary goods to secondary goods and the country exports most of its cocoa, coffee and rubber produce and imports their related finished products. In fact Cameroon is said to be the fifth largest cocoa grower in the world. The top three countries to which Cameroon exports goods, are EU, US & China . Cameroon’s Robusta coffee prices went up 4.2 percent in the week around the second week of December owing to good growing weather which improved bean quality. Overall Cameroon’s fiscal revenue increased 10.4 percent in the latter half of the year and on the downside Cameroon’s Arabica coffee prices declined by 1% towards the end of November.

Cameroon has one main railway line that was built during the colonial period, A group of south Korean companies are going to draw up a plan to expand the railway network and these plans should be complete ted sometime in the second quarter of nest year. The rail network is considered necessary to connect some major infrastructure projects located across the country.

Cameroon plans to splurge approximately $ 11.7 billion to raise electricity output from 1,000 MW to 3,000 MW by 2020. More than half of the premeditated increase in capacity depends on the building of the projected Lom Pangar dam to control the flow of the Sanaga River.

An African country of Cameroon remains a sort of question mark. Its tourist impending is enormous and the government is trying to attract tourists to Cameroon is rich in natural reserves and parks, arts and culture.

Africa is in the spotlight. A travel agent worldwide organizes packages offer unforgettable safari tours, wildlife experiences, difficult hikes and adventures. The assortment of this continent is fascinating. Cameroon is one of the countries that have not yet received the attention of fans travel, but the government hopes to change.

In 1974, the Ministry of Tourism was established there; the objective was simple: attract investors, airline companies, travel agents; in general to promote Cameroon as a tourist destination in all its charm and beauty. Often dubbed ‘Africa in Miniature’, the country offers a fantastic variety of landscapes.

Visitors to the northern part will come across Waza National Park, founded in 1934, which attracts big-game hunters and animal viewers who long to sneak a peek at cheetahs, chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, hippopotami, and even rhinoceroses. Hikers and climbers will enjoy conquering the mighty Mount Cameroon. In the nearby town of Buea, guides as well as equipment are available for hire.

The town of Yaoundé houses several museums and many national monuments. Cultural heritage fans will most enjoy Bamenda and Bafoussam in the western highlands, renowned for its traditional culture and crafts, and the latter also for its wood-carving artifacts.

Cameroon are struggling with inadequate infrastructure, in some cases, tourists were expected to offer bribes, and there are strict rules for taking pictures,  but the government trying to highlight the importance tourism for its economy and hopefully the near future will see a change for the better. Regardless of position, Cameroon remains a wonderfully diverse country with the potential to satisfy all tourists.

Yaounde – The Cameroonian navy was on Tuesday searching for pirates who attacked two ships and abducted six foreign workers off the seaport of Douala, a naval officer said.

Two Luxembourg-flagged ships, the Supply Marilyn McColl and the Amerigo Vespucci, were boarded by the pirates at a waiting area on a small island known as “Boue de base” on their way to Doula.

“While waiting to leave the island, heavily armed pirates came on board, overpowered the crew and seized the six,” said Helen Schilinck, a spokesperson for the Belgian company that employed two of the kidnapped sailors.

A naval officer, speaking under condition of anonymity, said a Filipino and a Croat were among those kidnapped.
A search party is combing Cameroon’s coastal waters, looking for the boats, he said.

Pirate attacks are becoming increasingly common off the coast of West Africa. In March this year, seven Chinese nationals were kidnapped off the Bakassi Peninsula in south-west Cameroon, although hey were freed later.

The attacks are blamed largely on militant groups based in Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta. – Sapa-dpa