Cameroon Population: A Comprehensive Overview



The population of Cameroon is estimated to be 24.3 million people as of 2019, making it the 58th most populous country in the world. Cameroon is located in Central Africa and is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. With a population density of 55.7 people per square kilometer, Cameroon is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa.

Cameroon is a culturally and linguistically diverse nation, with more than 250 different ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Bamiléké, who make up about 22% of the population. The Bamiléké are a Bantu-speaking people who live mainly in the western highlands, and their language is the most widely spoken in the country. Other major ethnic groups include the Bassa, Duala, Ewondo, Fula, and Kirdi.

The official language of Cameroon is French, although English is also widely spoken. The majority of the population (87%) is Christian, with the majority of Christians belonging to the Catholic Church. Islam is the second most practiced religion, with 8.5% of the population identifying as Muslim.

Cameroon has one of the highest fertility rates in Africa, with an average of 4.7 children per woman. The population is growing rapidly, with an estimated growth rate of 2.6% per year. This is due to a combination of high fertility rates and declining death rates.

Cameroon has a young population, with more than half of the population under the age of 18. This is largely due to the fact that the average life expectancy is only 54 years. The majority of the population lives in rural areas, with only 18% living in urban areas.

Cameroon has a high rate of poverty, with more than 40% of the population living below the poverty line. The economy is largely dependent on agriculture, with more than 75% of the population employed in the agricultural sector. The economy is also heavily reliant on foreign aid, with more than half of the population receiving some form of aid from the government or international organizations.

Cameroon is one of the most diverse countries in Africa, and its population reflects this diversity. With a rapidly growing population and a high rate of poverty, Cameroon faces many challenges in the coming years. However, with a strong economy and a young population, the country has the potential to become a major player in the African economy.