Which ethnic and linguistic groups live in southern Cameroon?

Southern Cameroon is primarily inhabited by Bantu-speaking peoples, who are traditionally agriculturists living in permanent villages.123

Key ethnic groups in this region include:

• Bantu Groups: The earliest groups in the area included the Maka, Ndjem, and Duala. They were followed in the early 19th century by the Fang and Beti peoples.1
• Indigenous Inhabitants: The Pygmies, locally known as the Baguielli and Babinga, are considered the oldest inhabitants of the country. They reside in the southern forests in small hunting bands, maintaining a traditional lifestyle as hunter-gatherers.1

Culturally, the southern population is distinct from the north, with residents primarily adhering to Christianity and traditional African religions.3