Cameroon

By: Drew Whitaker, Nico Olson-Studler, and Paul Anson

“Cameroon Flag”. http://imagejuicy.com/images/country-flags/c/cameroon/27/

Introduction

Located in west Central Africa.

Population: 19,100,000.

Considerably high stability (cultural and social). Unlike much of

Africa. Capital is Yaoundé. “Map of Cameroon”.

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/cm.htm

Historical Background

Discovered by the Portuguese in 1472. First contact with Europeans.

Experienced an influx of immigrants from Nigeria from poor British treatment.

Gained independence from France January 1st, 1960.

Colonial Background

First discovered by Portugal in 1472. Named a German colony in 1884. Divided between France and Britain

after World War I. League of Nations mandate.

After independence, declared the Federal Republic of Cameroon in 1961. Then named the United Republic of

Cameroon, and finally now the Republic of Cameroon.

Culture

Largely Christian. Music and dance

serve as an integral part of society.

Diverse society. 83% immigrants

(Nation Master). Sports are

celebrated, mainly soccer. Considered the best

African team.

“Soccer”. http://rodonline.typepad.com/rodonline/2010/01/bulge-watch-cameroons-samuel-etoo-keeps-his-eyes-on-the-ball.html

Causes of Immigration

Economic benefit. Though it is one of the more successful

African nations. Economic crisis in 1980’s and 1990’s

created a cause for immigration; though it was tough.

No huge issue like a genocide or war. 2008 was a historically violent year for

Cameroon though due to worker strikes. Never had a war.

Corruption

People with power (or money) are above the law. People don’t have licenses because they know

they’ll have to bribe the officer either way. Throughout Cameroon’s independence

there have only been 2 presidents. President wants to give up their power, if they

do, it is given to somebody with the same political views.

“You either live with the corruption, or become corrupt”- Franklin Tawah.

Life in America

Not a huge/significant minority group.

Not very many Cameroonians.

Not a very concentrated/specific area of population.

Normally peaceful people. Put up with corruption.

“Flag”. http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2009/07/president-obama-in-ghana-foodie.html

Immigration Numbers

44.4% refugee acceptance rate in the US. 9 applications, 4 accepted (Nation

Master). Takes/has taken more immigrants

than people emigrated. Mainly from Nigeria and Chad.

Works Consulted

"Cameroon Economy 2012." CIA World Factbook. Web. 17 Apr 2012. http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/cameroon/cameroon_economy.html

United States. US Department of State. Background Note: Cameroon. 2012. Web. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26431.htm

Works Consulted (Pictures)

http://imagejuicy.com/images/country-flags/c/cameroon/27/

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/cm.htm

http://rodonline.typepad.com/rodonline/2010/01/bulge-watch-cameroons-samuel-etoo-keeps-his-eyes-on-the-ball.html

http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2009/07/president-obama-in-ghana-foodie.html