What is the capital of Cameroon?

The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé. It is the country’s political and administrative center, while Douala is Cameroon’s largest city and principal commercial port.

Yaoundé lies in Cameroon’s Centre Region at an elevation of roughly 750 metres. The city is known for its hilly landscape and is sometimes called the “City of Seven Hills.” Its location inland, between the Nyong and Sanaga river systems, helped make it an important administrative base.

The settlement began as a German trading post in the late 19th century, associated with rubber and ivory commerce. After World War I, France administered eastern Cameroon under a League of Nations mandate and selected Yaoundé as the colonial capital in 1922. It remained the seat of government when Cameroon became independent in 1960.

A common mix-up is choosing Douala: Douala is the larger economic hub, but Yaoundé is the national capital. The city is also home to major government institutions, including the Presidential Palace and the Palais des Congrès.