Yaounde

Yaoundé is the capital city of Cameroon, located in the central region of the country on a chain of hills along the Mfoundi River. The city sits at about 750 meters above sea level and has a mild climate for its latitude, with a tropical savanna climate and a long rainy season from March to November and a shorter dry season.

The settlement originated as a small Beti town and was developed under German colonial rule in the late 19th century as a trading post named Jaunde. After World War I, the area came under French administration. Cameroon gained independence in 1960, and Yaoundé has served as the capital since then.

As the administrative capital, Yaoundé houses the presidency, government ministries, and many national and international institutions. It is an educational hub with universities such as Université de Yaoundé I, and it is served by Nsimalen International Airport, connecting the city to regional and international destinations.

Key landmarks include the Reunification Monument at the edge of the city, the National Museum, and the central market. The city is home to numerous churches, mosques, and cultural centers and serves as a cultural and commercial hub for the region.

Population is estimated in the vicinity of two million in the metropolitan area. The city is ethnically diverse, with French as the dominant language in public life and Ewondo and other local languages widely spoken. Yaoundé remains a central node for government, education, and regional commerce in Cameroon.