local conditions and customs
Cameroon
Cameroon is one of the founding countries of the African Union and plays an important role in the political and economic fields of Africa, especially in sub Saharan Africa. As a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, Cameroon's economy accounts for a large proportion of the total economic output of the community and is one of the political and economic powers in the Central African region. In 2022, Cameroon's GDP was 44.21 billion US dollars, with a per capita GDP of 1580 US dollars and an economic growth rate of 3.8%.
religion：
40% of the population in Cameroon believe in Catholicism and Protestantism, 20% in Islam, and 40% in traditional religions. Christians are mainly concentrated in the southern and western regions, Muslims are mainly concentrated in the western Bamong and northern regions, and traditional religions mainly develop in rural areas.
language：
The official languages of Cameroon are French and English, with 70% of residents speaking French and 30% speaking English. There are over 200 ethnic languages in the country, mainly Hausa (Muslim), Ewendo, and Douala, with the vast majority of ethnic languages lacking written language. [9]
festival：
Cameroon implements a five day working week with public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. The national statutory holidays mainly include: New Year's Day, January 1st Youth Day, February 11th Good Friday, Friday before Easter, Easter, the first Sunday after the full moon at the vernal equinox, with uncertain dates. Generally, it falls between March 22nd and April 24th. International Labor Day, May 1st National Day, May 20th Ascension of the Virgin Mary, August 15th Christmas, and December 25th. Muslim holidays are based on the Islamic calendar, so according to the Gregorian calendar, The holiday time varies every year, and the main festivals include:
(1) Muslim New Year,
(2) Muhammad's birthday,
(3) the first day of Ramadan,
(4) Eid al Fitr, and
(5) Eid al Adha.
custom：
Cameroon's folk customs vary depending on region, tribe, and religious beliefs. Due to the significant influence of Western countries such as France, some customs follow Western customs. In social occasions, one should dress neatly and appropriately. When meeting guests, one should shake hands and announce one's own name. When interacting for the first time, in addition to saying good morning/afternoon/evening to each other, a handshake is usually performed, and women can shake hands with men. When they are familiar with each other or show great respect for each other, men can touch their foreheads to show closeness. It is customary for family and friends to use face to face gifts, while women and women, as well as men and women, can use face to face gifts. For tribal chieftains, most people cannot shake hands or embrace, but can only maintain a certain distance and pay attention. In general, to show respect, when addressing the other person, they should be addressed by honorific names such as sir, miss, madam, and title before their surname. Only close friends should use their first names to refer to each other. Except for Muslims who avoid pork and alcohol, there are no other special taboos. [9]
Cameroon has over 230 tribes of all sizes, making it a multi tribal country. The majority of people living in the south are Beti, Bahuin, Douala, Barcelona and other tribes belonging to the Bantu tribe, mainly engaged in agricultural production or making a living by fishing in the ocean and inland rivers. The main residents of the northern region, the Fulani people, mainly graze. The main residents of the western region are the Bamilek and Bamon ethnic groups, mainly engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, and commerce. The main tribes living in the east are Baya, Mbum, and other tribes engaged in agricultural and pastoral production.
Cameroonian people have no limit to getting married and are polygamous. Although Cameroon implements polygamy, marriage is also free. There are two types of marriage certificates: one is a monogamous marriage certificate, and the other is a polygamous marriage certificate.
The main foods of Cameroonians include rice, pastries, desserts, etc. The main dishes include tomatoes, chili peppers, minced vegetables, scallions, potatoes, as well as beef, lamb, chicken, fish, shrimp, etc. When eating, it is necessary to reserve two types of water, one for drinking and the other for washing hands. Because they eat with their hands, they must wash their hands before meals. Africans do not have the habit of drinking boiled water, and tap water is the beverage.
