Jaunde

Jaunde, commonly spelled Yaoundé, is the capital city of Cameroon. Located in the Centre Region of central Cameroon, it sits on a hilly plateau along the Mfoundi River and serves as the country’s political and administrative center. The name Jaunde appears in some historical texts and languages, but Yaoundé is the official designation used today.

Historically, Yaoundé began as a German colonial outpost in the late 19th century. It developed as the administrative capital of the French-administered territory of Cameroun after World War I and remained the capital after Cameroon gained independence in 1960. The city has since grown into a major political hub with government ministries, the presidency, and the National Assembly.

Geographically, Yaoundé is characterized by its undulating terrain and forested surroundings. The city experiences a tropical climate with two distinct rainy seasons, contributing to lush vegetation in the area. Elevation in the city helps moderate temperatures compared with coastal regions.

Demographically, the metropolitan area is home to several million people, reflecting Cameroon’s linguistic and cultural diversity. French and English are official languages nationwide, but Yaoundé hosts numerous local languages and communities, making it a cosmopolitan center.

Administration, economy, and culture: Yaoundé hosts key national institutions, including the presidency and government ministries, as well as higher education institutions such as the University of Yaoundé I and the nearby Yaoundé II campus. The city is also a cultural hub, with landmarks such as the Reunification Monument and several museums. The economy is dominated by public administration, services, and commerce, with surrounding areas supporting agriculture and light industry.

Transportation: Yaoundé is served by Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (IATA: NSI) southeast of the city and is connected by rail to Douala (Camrail) along the coast.