8th Period: The Bongos

Country: Cameroon
Geography:
Cameroon has a few small scattered lakes, but not large
enough to impact the culture. There are some small mountain ranges in the west, but likely not significant enough to have impacted agriculture or settlements. The rock may also contain some resources.

Cameroon is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the C.A.R., the Republic of
the Congo, and Gabon, the geography is not extreem enough to have
impacted the relationships between the countries.

Random Fact: The country got its name from the crustaceans Prawns
which are found in its rivers. The Portugese explorers named the area
Rio dos Camarões ("River of Prawns").

Geographical Regions - The Southwest of Cameroon borders the Atlantic ocean, and
costal plains extend inward about 50 miles.

The south is an area of plains mainly overgrown
with rain forests; Cameroon is one of the wettest places on Earth
because of its heat and humidity.

The west is a hilly area, rising into mountains
farther west from near the western tip to the far north. The tallest
peak is Mt. Cameroon, which is actually an active volcano, making the
surrounding area very fertile.
Further north, the topography changes to rugged grasslands.
Information provided by: 67,68,69, 70

History:
In 500 B.C., the first foreigners discovered Cameroon, and a
trade of slaves and goods developed. Between 100-200 B.C.,
Bantu-speaking tribes migrated from the north, having an impact on
Cameroon's language. Between 1600 and 1972, Cameroon was under the
control of the Dutch, Germans, British, and French. This European
influence had a large impact on the demographics and languages, as
well as the culture. From the political aspect, different countries'
imperialism has affected its trade and culture, affecting its economy
with the trade of goods such as ivory (and formerly slaves.)

Concise Historical Timeline:
500 BC: The explorer Hanno from
Carthage in North Africa (Tunisia) is the first foreigner who reports
seeing Mount Cameroon. In the following centuries a trade of slaves
and goods develops from northern Cameroon across Sahara to North
Africa.

200-100 BC: The first Bantu-tribes immigrates to Cameroon from North
(Nigeria). Bantu speaking tribes are traditionally agricultural
requiring lots of space for farmland. The Sao culture develops in the
area south of Lake Chad and more than 150 different ethnic groups
inhabits Cameroon (Today it is approximately 250 different groups!).

1472: A Portuguese expedition lead by Fernando Po are the first
Europeans to reach the coast of Cameroon.

1520: A few Portuguese settlers starts plantations and the
Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Pastoral Nomads are still immigrating from
Nigeria again pushing the indigenous people. The constant fight for
territory produces refugees vulnerable for the slave traders.

1600's: The Dutch takes over the slave trade in Cameroon.

1863: The slavery is abolished in America. The Europe nations had done
this several years earlier, but illegal slave trade continued for
several years.

1845: The trade between Cameroon and Europe gradually changes and
develops. The first larger European settlement is founded by the
English navy engineer and missionary Alfred Saker. Saker starts
building schools and churches in Douala at the mouth of Wouri River.

July 12, 1884: Gustav Nachtigal signs a treaty with the Chiefs of
Doula on behalf of the German Kaiser Wilhelm. In return for trade
advantages the chiefs accept a German protectorate.

1919: Following WWI, a declaration splits up Cameroon between Britain
and France. The border is drawn roughly following the line of
mountains. This administrative and linguistic division of the country
has been the cause of tensions and problems up until today.

1955: A revolt starts in the major towns of French Cameroon. The
uprising is organised by Union des Populations Camerounaises (UPC).
The revolt is put down by the French with the loss of several hundred
lives and massive destruction in the towns. Obviously, these events
only triggers more violence by UPC and a growing demand of
independence.

1961-1963: Frequent riots and uproar are stopped with help from French military.
May 20, 1972: The federal structure is dissolved and a new
constitution is made with the formation of the United Republic of
Cameroon.

1986: Cameroon becomes the fourth African nation to establish
diplomatic relations with Israel. The reason for this act is probably
to please USA.

1990: New oil resources are found in Cameroon.

June, 2000: The World Bank supports the plans for an oil pipeline in
Cameroon and Chad.

2001: Environmental organisations protests over the pipeline project
and the general deforestation of Cameroon.
Information provided by: 67,68,69, 70
 
Culture:
Several hundred languages are spoken in Cameroon, and as new
peoples moved into the area, they brought their languages. Cameroon
has freedom of religion, and most of its people are Christian, with a
large population of Muslim and indigenous religions. Cameroon is
known as having some of the best food in Central Africa, with local
foods as well as foods like chicken, rice, and vegitables. Most of

Cameroon's music is related to dancing (Masokka), and there are no
major arts and crafts specific to Cameroon.

Information provided by: 67,68,69, 70

Commerce:
Fishing is a major industry in Cameroon (including Prawn fishing), 20,000 tons of seafood are caught each year.

Religion - Christian 40%, Indiginous 40%, Muslim 20%. Christians are
concentrated to the South, and Muslims to the North.

Demographics - 2009 UN estimates place Cameroon's population at
19,522,000. The population is young: an estimated 40.9% are under 15,
and 96.7% are under 65.

Music and dance are important parts of Cameroonian ceremonies and
festivals, and songs are usually sung by a soloist and echoed. A wide
variety of instruments are used to accompany the singing.

Cuisine varies by region, but meals are commonly based around potatoes
or yams. Fish and meat are also popular, but more expensive. A
larger evening meal is observed by most people.

Arts - woodcarvings are common, as is pottery from the rich clay. The
crafts are usually used for decoration, or sold.
Information provided by: 67,68,69, 70

Important People:

• Manu Dibango is the best known artist of Cameroon; he is also a musician and performer.

Some politicians include:

• Philemon Yang, the current prime minister.
• Paul Biya is a prominent figure in Cameroon's religion, and
• Eugene Nforngwa is a notable social activist.

Information provided by: 67,68,69, 70

Current Issue:
Criminal activity is a major concern for the community in Cameroon. The U.S state department rates Cameroon as a critical crime threat country which is not good. The crime usually targets the richer. People have been robbed inside and outside their houses, on the streets, and shops. 24-hour guards are used to protect the residents, but somehow the robbers snuck around the guards when they're off guard. The robbers usually go in gangs/groups. Their crime rate is bad.
Information provided by: 67,68,69, 70

Summary of Solution:
In response to Cameroon's crime problem, we have proposed the solution
of increasing law-enforcement. We suggest that (for interested
Cameroonians) law-enforcement become a larger possible career field
for people to pursue, thereby decreasing Cameroon's crime and at the
same time helping to create jobs and income for the people of
Cameroon. Until a solution to the crime problem is found, we
suggested that they continue to warn visitors to the country of the
dangers and seriousness of crime there.
Information provided by: 67,68,69, 70
 
Solution Letter:
 
The United States Embassy in Cameroon
Avenue Rosa Parks
P.O. Box 817
Yaounde
Cameroon

February 18, 2010

Dear Ambassador,

We are students at WCHS in Worthington, Ohio. Through our World History class, we have been able to spend some time studying the rich history and culture of Cameroon as part of a project on the continent of Africa. We have been able to learn about Cameroon’s past, and how its culture has developed into what it is today. We have enjoyed this opportunity.

Through our research, we have taken special interest in the area of Cameroon’s current problems in the area of crime. We have seen that good preliminary steps are being taken to help the problem, such as the warning of visitors about possible dangers, whether they be physical threats or scams. The foundation for a solution is being laid, and we would like to give our suggestion as to a permanent solution. We believe that the best route to take would be to develop a larger law-enforcement base. In doing this, it would be possible to both provide a new field of work for interested individuals of Cameroon, as well as attack the issue of crime. The increase in law enforcement could be government funded, or privately funded if there are people willing to donate to the cause, possibly those close to areas of high crime concentration who would have anything to spare. Until a solution is chosen, we suggest that visitors to the country continue to be warned as to the dangers of crime.

We hope that we have been able to help with our suggestion, and we thank you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,


67, 68, 69, 70