USEFUL BUSINESS INFORMATION ON CAMEROON

1. Country Brief:

A. Introduction -  Cameroon is a Central African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. It is nearly twice the size of Oregon. Mount Cameroon (13,350 ft; 4,069 m), near the coast, is the highest elevation in the country. The main rivers are the Benue, Nyong, and Sanaga.

B. Climate -  The climate varies according to the region. In the south, the dry season runs from November to February, the little rainy season from March to June and the big rains come between August and September. The average temperature is 79°F (26°C). The tropical coastal areas receive a lot of rain that can reach in excess of 30ft (9m). In the north the rainy season is spread out from May to the end of September, but receives very little over the year and drought is a way of life in the far north.

C. Geographical Area - Area: 475,000 sq. km. (184,000) sq. mi.).

D. Language - French, English, languages of Bantu, Semi-Bantu and Sudanic groups.

E. Currency With Exchange Rate - 1.00 XAF = 0.00209271 USD or, 1USD = 477.848 XAF.

F. Population - 17,340,702 (2006 Estimate).

G. Major Cities - Douala, Garoua,Maroua, Bafoussam, Bamenda, Nkongsamba.

2. Transportation:

A. Railway - total: 1,008 km (2004).

B. Road - total: 34,300 km; paved: 4,288 km; unpaved: 30,012 km (1999 est.).

C. Airports - 47 (2004 est.).

D. Waterways - navigation mainly on Benue River; limited during rainy season (2004).

E. Sea ports - Douala, Limboh Terminal.

3. Economy:

A. Major Manufacturing -

B. Major Export - $3.236 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.): crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum, coffee, cotton.

C. Import - $2.514 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.): machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel, food.

D. Major Industry - petroleum production and refining, aluminum production, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair.

E. Trade balance –

4. Trade Associations, Chamber of Commerce, Trade shows and Exhibitions in Cameroon:

Major Trade Assocations

Chambers of Commerce

Major Trade Shows

5. Useful links:

Cameroon Importers, Dealers of Japanese Used Cars, Construction Machinery & Auto Parts