Cameroon
Republic of Cameroon
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.37%
Cameroon is a Middle Africa country of around 29.4 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 475,442 km², translating to a density of 62 people per km². Its capital is Yaoundé, and official languages include English and French, while the Central African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
29,442,327
Area
475,442 km²
Density
62/km²
World Rank
#52
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 33.7 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 7.2 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 41.4% of the population is under 15, while only 2.8% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Yaoundé
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Middle Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, French
- Currencies
- Central African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +237
- Top-Level Domain
- .cm
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 29,442,327
- Land Area
- 475,442 km²
- Population Density
- 62 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.37%
- Annual Growth
- +697,783 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,912 people
- World Population Share
- 0.36%
- Coordinates
- 6.00°, 12.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.8k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 3.6%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 42.2 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
63.7 years
GDP per Capita
$1,830
Birth Rate
33.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
55.4%
Fertility Rate
4.32 births/woman
Infant Mortality
41.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.6%
Literacy Rate
72.5%
Internet Users
41.9%
Under 15
41.4%
Over 65
2.8%
Health Spending
4.5% GDP
Gini Index
42.2
Age Distribution
0-14 years
12.2M
15-64 years
16.4M
65+ years
821K
Urbanization
About 55.4% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Yaoundé, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 15379.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
16.3M
55.4%
13.1M
44.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 63.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 41.2 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 72.5% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Cameroon
Cameroon has 16 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Cameroon is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Cameroon participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 29,442,327 |
| 2030 | 32,190,116 |
| 2035 | 35,662,077 |
| 2040 | 39,162,602 |
| 2045 | 42,682,651 |
| 2050 | 46,217,479 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Cameroon.
Largest Cities in Cameroon
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Cameroon by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Cameroon?
The population of Cameroon is approximately 29.4 million as of 2026, making it #52 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Cameroon?
The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon?
The main languages spoken in Cameroon are English, French.
How big is Cameroon?
Cameroon covers an area of 475,442 km² with a population density of 62 people per km².
Is Cameroon growing or shrinking?
Cameroon is growing at a rate of 2.37% per year, adding approximately 697,783 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Cameroon?
The average life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Cameroon?
The GDP per capita of Cameroon is $1,830.