Date of independence, or formation date: 1960
Date when current borders were established: 1961
National day: May 20
Vehicle country identifying code: CAM
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +1
International telephone dialling code: +237
Internet country identifying code: .cm

Located on the central west African coast, over half of Cameroon is forested, with equatorial rainforest to the south and evergreen forest and wooded savanna north of the Sanaga River. Most cities are located in the south, though there are densely populated areas around Mount Cameroon, a dormant volcano. For 30 years Cameroon was effectively a one-party state. Democratic elections in 1992 returned the former ruling party to power.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004