Top5 Amazing Facts About Cameroon That Will Shock You

In this article we will discover amazing facts about Cameroon. Cameroon is often called “Africa in miniature” because it offers a diverse experience similar to exploring the entire continent. Cameroon is rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, reflecting the mix of over 250 ethnic groups and multiple indigenous languages. It’s common for a Cameroonian to use six different languages in a single day. The country’s history includes influences from the British, French, Germans, and indigenous peoples, contributing to its unique cultural blend. So let’s begin.

5) Land Of Refugees

One of the amazing facts about Cameroon is that Cameroon is known for its hospitality towards tourists and especially refugees. The country welcomes all, treating them like family. The article focuses on Cameroon’s welcoming spirit towards refugees, highlighting that it hosts about 500,000 refugees, ranking sixth in the world as of 2020. The Minowa refugee camp, near the Nigeria border, is the largest in Cameroon and is considered one of the best not because of its facilities but due to the warmth of local residents who share food and offer homes when the camp is full. 

In the camp, both children and adults receive education and have the freedom to move. The refugee community also supports itself by farming bananas and cassava. Despite the Cameroon economy facing many challenges, which affects the camp’s infrastructure, various international organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Red Cross, provide support.

4) Geophagy Dish

One of the amazing facts about Cameroon is that in Cameroon, eating soil, known as Geophagy, is a long-standing cultural practice. The locals have been consuming soil as a delicacy for hundreds of years, particularly preferring red or white clay, which is rich in minerals like iron and calcium. One type of clay called Ken clay is thought to absorb toxins and supply essential nutrients. 

This practice is deeply tied to beliefs and customs, especially among pregnant women, who eat soil to alleviate morning sickness and to gain necessary minerals. Although still common, health experts caution that eating soil can lead to health issues like infections, heavy metal poisoning, or malnutrition if not done carefully. Despite these warnings, many Cameroonians consider eating soil an essential part of their lifestyle, and this tradition persists through generations. 

3) Wedding Uniforms

One of the amazing facts about Cameroon is that weddings in Cameroon often see guests dressed in lavish outfits that can overshadow the bride and groom. To solve this issue, families in Cameroon, Nigeria, and other West African countries wear special family uniforms. These outfits match in color but vary in patterns, helping to distinguish between the bride’s and groom’s sides. 

Instead of buying ready-to-wear clothes, families choose fabrics and work with tailors to create unique designs that fit everyone, promoting unity. Friends and colleagues of the couple can also participate, wearing similar styles but with their own patterns, making the wedding venue vibrant and colorful. This tradition turns weddings in Cameroon into not just important events but also lively fashion shows rich in culture.

2) Natural Beauty

One of the amazing facts about Cameroon is that Cameroon is home to several popular tourist destinations. Mount Cameroon, the highest volcano in West Africa, is perfect for trekking and nature exploration. Visitors can hike to its peak, which is 4,095 meters high, and enjoy stunning views or relax in the lush forests below. For those who love wildlife, Waza National Park offers exciting safari experiences. 

The country also has beautiful beaches like Limbe and Kby. Limbe’s Cre Beach is known for its fine white sand and the Lobe Waterfall that cascades into the sea, providing a unique landscape. Visitors can dive, kayak, or enjoy fresh seafood there. Limbe is ideal for a relaxing vacation with clear blue waters and coastal resorts. 

Cameroon is known for its many hot springs, with over 1,000 locations offering mineral-rich waters that provide health and beauty benefits. Despite the country’s high humidity, it is a haven for hot spring lovers. 

1) Lake Nyos

Lake Nyos is one of the amazing facts about Cameroon, located in northwest Cameroon, is known as one of the most dangerous lakes in the world. It was formed in a volcanic crater, allowing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to leak from the earth and become trapped under the lake. 

On August 21, 1986, a sudden event, possibly a landslide, caused a massive eruption of CO2 gas from the lake, creating an invisible tsunami. This disaster resulted in the loss of 1,700 people and 3,500 animals, making it one of the largest tragedies globally. Following this incident, scientists took action to prevent another eruption by installing gas venting pipes to gradually release CO2 and lessen the risk of a sudden release. Despite these measures, there remain concerns about the safety of Lake Nyos.