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history of Cameroon
References & Edit History
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Cameroon Political map of Cameroon showing its national boundaries with Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. Major cities such as Yaounde, Douala, Garoua, and Maroua are marked, along with rivers and neighboring countries. An inset locator map highlights Cameroon's position within Africa. Map of western Africa showing the greatest territorial extent of major historical states from the 11th to 16th centuries. The 14th-century Kingdom of Mali is outlined in green, the 16th-century Songhai Empire in purple, and the 16th-century Hausa Bakwai states in red. Major cities, rivers, and regional names are labeled within and around these territories. Map of western Africa showing the locations and territorial extents of major kingdoms and peoples from the 17th to 19th centuries. The Hausa Bakwai states are outlined in orange, representing their largest area in the 17th-18th centuries, while the Fulani kingdom is outlined in green, showing its 19th-century peak. Major cities, rivers, and regions such as the Niger and Benue Rivers, the Bauchi Highlands, and the Adamawa Plateau are labeled for context. Foumban Colonization of Africa: Maps, Timeline, Decolonization, & Independence Map of western Africa in the late 19th century showing areas under French and British control in 1880, and illustrating the advance of French, British, and German colonial forces with dated arrows. French-controlled territory is shaded green and British-controlled territory is shaded purple, with major advances and key cities labeled. Boundaries between mandates established in 1919 are also marked, and an inset locates the region within Africa. Map of Africa showing the territorial divisions and colonial possessions by European powers from the late 19th to early 20th century. Countries and regions are color-coded to indicate British, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Belgian, and German control, with independent countries and British-Egyptian condominium also marked. The map highlights the extent and timing of colonization, with most of the continent under European rule except for Ethiopia and Liberia. Ahmadou Ahidjo President Paul Biya of Cameroon wearing a black coat, black tie, and light blue scarf, outdoors at the Elysee Palace.
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history of Cameroon: References & Edit History

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  • Mark W. DeLancey
  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Updated with Biya's reported return to Cameroon. Aug 21, 2026
Updated with creation of the post of vice president and concern over Biya's extended absence in 2026. Aug 07, 2026
Updated with 2025 election detail. Dec 03, 2025
New article added. Sep 08, 2023
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