Cameroon Cultural And History | africatourvisa

Cameroon Post-Independence Era: Unity and Challenges

• Independence (1960-1961): French Cameroon gained independence in 1960, becoming the Republic of Cameroon. In 1961, a plebiscite was held in British Cameroons: the northern part voted to join Nigeria, while the southern part voted to join the Republic of Cameroon, forming a federal republic.
• Unitary State: In 1972, a national referendum led to the abolition of the federal system and the establishment of a unitary state, the United Republic of Cameroon (renamed Republic of Cameroon in 1984). This move, intended to foster national unity, has been a source of ongoing tension, particularly for the English-speaking (Anglophone) regions who feel marginalized.
• Political Stability and Tensions: Ahmadou Ahidjo served as the first president (1960-1982), followed by Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. While the country has maintained relative political stability compared to some neighbors, it has faced challenges including governance issues, corruption, and most recently, a significant separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions.

Pre-Colonial History: Roots of Diversity

• Ancient Settlements: Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in Cameroon dates back at least 30,000 years, with findings at Shum Laka in the Northwest Region.
• Bantu Expansion: The Bamenda highlands in western Cameroon are considered one of the most likely origin points for the Bantu peoples, whose language and culture spread across much of central and southern Africa between 1000 BCE and 1000 CE. This migration significantly shaped the demographic and linguistic landscape of the country.
• Northern Kingdoms: In the northern regions, powerful Islamic kingdoms emerged, notably influenced by the Sao people around Lake Chad, and later by the nomadic Fulani (or Fula) who established powerful lamidats (Islamic emirates) and sultanates from the 18th century onwards. These brought Islamic traditions, architecture, and governance to the region
• Southern Chiefdoms: The south was characterized by smaller, autonomous chiefdoms and kingdoms, such as those of the Duala along the coast and various forest-dwelling groups like the Fang-Beti.
• Early European Contact: Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the 15th century, naming the Wouri River "Rio dos Camarões" (River of Prawns), which eventually gave the country its name. This marked the beginning of trade, including the transatlantic slave trade, with coastal chiefs acting as intermediaries.

Colonial Period: Reshaping the Nation

• German Kamerun (1884-1916): In 1884, Germany established a protectorate over Cameroon, drawing its borders through negotiations with other European powers. This period saw the development of infrastructure (railways, roads), often through forced labor, and the establishment of plantations.
• Partition and Mandates (1916-1960/61): After Germany's defeat in World War I, Cameroon was divided between France and Britain by the League of Nations.
• French Cameroun: Roughly four-fifths of the territory was administered by France, which aimed for assimilation and direct rule.
• British Cameroons: The smaller western strip was administered by Britain, initially as part of Nigeria. This led to the development of two distinct administrative and legal systems within Cameroon, sowing the seeds for future cultural and political differences.
• Independence Movements: Nationalist movements gained momentum in both territories, with the Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC) being a prominent force, especially in French Cameroun.

Cultural Landscape In Cameroon

Cameroon's cultural diversity is not just a slogan; it's a lived reality, expressed through:

• Cameroon Ethnic Groups: Over 250 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, social structures, and artistic traditions. Four broad cultural groups are often highlighted:
• Fang-Beti (South): Known for their complex traditional societies, rich oral traditions (myths, legends, tales), and artistic expressions, particularly in sculpture and masks.
• Sawa (Coastal): "People of the Water," with a strong connection to the Atlantic. They have vibrant festivals like the Ngondo Festival (in Douala), which celebrates their connection to water spirits and ancestral heritage.
• Grassland Peoples (West & Northwest): Including the Bamileke and Bamum, famous for their elaborate royal arts, intricate wood carvings (masks, statues, thrones), vibrant textiles, and dynamic ceremonial dances. The Bamum Kingdom in Foumban, with its unique writing system (Bamum script) invented by Sultan Njoya, is a cultural highlight.
• Sudano-Sahelian Peoples (North): Dominated by the Fulani (Muslims) and various indigenous groups like the Kirdi. Their culture is characterized by Islamic influences, lamidats (traditional emirates), horsemanship, elaborate leatherwork, distinctive architecture (like the Musgoum huts), and vibrant festivals.
• Cameroon Languages: While French and English are the official languages (a legacy of colonialism), there are over 250 indigenous languages spoken. Cameroonian Pidgin English is widely used for inter-ethnic communication, especially in markets.
• Religions in Cameroon: Cameroon is a secular state with freedom of religion. Christianity (predominantly Catholic and Protestant) and Islam are the most widespread, coexisting with various traditional animist beliefs, often practiced in conjunction with the Abrahamic faiths.
• Cameroon Arts and Crafts: Cameroon is a treasure trove of traditional art
• Cameroon Sculpture: Wood carvings of masks, statues, and ancestral figures are prominent, especially from the Grassfields region.
• Cameroon Textiles: Traditional weaving, embroidery, and vibrant fabrics are found across the country.
• Cameroon Pottery: Different regions have distinct pottery styles.
• Cameroon Metalwork: Including brass casting, especially for ceremonial objects.
• Cameroon Music and Dance: Each ethnic group has its unique musical instruments, rhythms, and dance forms. Popular genres include Makossa (from the Sawa) and Bikutsi (from the Beti), which have gained international recognition.
• Cameroon Festivals: Numerous cultural festivals are held throughout the year, offering insights into specific traditions, rites of passage, and celebrations of harvests or historical events. Examples include the Ngouon Festival of the Bamum and the Ngondo Festival of the Sawa.

Food (Per Day) in Cameroon

• Street Food / Local Eateries (Cheap Restaurant): Very affordable. A meal can cost FCFA 1,200 - 3,000 (approx. $2 - $5 USD).
• Mid-Range Restaurants: A meal for one can be FCFA 3,000 - 12,000 (approx. $5 - $20 USD). A three-course meal for two could range from FCFA 8,000 - 40,000 (approx. $13 - $65 USD).
• Fast Food (e.g., local equivalent of McDonald's): Around FCFA 2,800 (approx. $5 USD).
• Groceries (if self-catering): Monthly groceries for one person could be FCFA 60,000 - 150,000 (approx. $100 - $250 USD), depending on where you shop (local markets are cheaper than supermarkets, and imported goods are more expensive).

Cameroon Visa Costs (Essential Pre-Trip Expense)

eVisa (Consular Fee): visas

• Short Stay (1-180 days): Around €153 - €206 (approx. $165 - $220 USD).
• Long Stay (181-360 days): Around €305 - €326 (approx. $330 - $350 USD).
• Transit Visa: Around €153 (approx. $165 USD).
• xpress/Urgent Processing: Additional fees apply, increasing the cost. For example, an expedited 6-month single entry visa through a third-party service might cost around $303 - $414 USD (including consular and service fees).
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: Costs vary by country and provider, but budget for this mandatory vaccine.

Cameroon Travel FAQ

Here's a comprehensive FAQ about Cameroonian visas, incorporating the latest information and common queries: Travel FAQ

Visiting Cameroon

Visiting Cameroon can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich wildlife, earning it the moniker "Africa in Miniature."

Best Time to Visit Cameroon

The ideal time to visit Cameroon is during the dry season, from November to February.

Cameroon Law

Cameroon Travel Advisories

When planning travel to Cameroon, it's essential to use official and up-to-date sources for information on visas, safety, and general travel advice.

• Website: Embassy of Cameroon
• U.S. Department of State
• 北京市人民政府外事办公室 Travel Alerts
• Government of Canada Travel Advice
• UK Foreign travel advice
• Smartraveller Advice & Safety
• RU Cameroon Advisories
• SafeTravel Page updated
• CIA Travel Facts
• Business Travel