Douala’s modern railroad system connects Cameroon’s four major cities.
The Republic of Cameroon is in West Africa bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. The official languages are French and English. Douala is Cameroon’s largest city, economic capital, and seaport. Yaoundé is its capital city.
Portuguese explorers reached the coast in the 15th century and named it Rio dos Camarões ( Shrimp River). In the 19th century, powerful chiefdoms ruled the area until 1884 when it became a German colony (Kamerun).
During World War I, the German colonials surrendered to British and French forces, and Douala became the capital. In the 1950s, a war for independence was waged against the French and English. In 1960, Cameroon became an independent nation, and the capital was moved to Yaoundé in the center of the nation.
Douala is the largest city (pop. 3 million) richest city, major port, international airport, and commercial capital. It is now the most expensive in Africa in which to live.
President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982.
The president of Cameroon is elected by popular vote every seven years and appoints judges at all levels. The prime minister is the official head of government. The National Assembly (180 members elected for five-year terms) creates legislation and elects members of the High Court of Justice. The government recognizes the authority of traditional chiefs to govern their villages.
Continued Next Week
This was the German headquarters in Douala after Cameroon became a German colony in 1884.
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