Introduction
The city of Yaoundé is the capital of Cameroon in west-central Africa. It is located on a hilly, forested plateau between the Nyong and Sanaga rivers in the south-central part of the country. The climate is hot throughout the year.
Places of interest
Yaoundé has many research institutes. Prominent among them is the Pasteur Institute of Cameroun. The University of Yaoundé was founded in 1962. Other educational centers in the city include schools of education, agriculture, health, engineering, journalism, administration, and international relations. The city also has a national library and archives. Natural features in the vicinity of the city include Nachtigal Falls and a chain of grottoes known as Akok-Bekoe, or Grottoes of the Pygmies.
Economy
Yaoundé has grown as an administrative, service, and commercial center. It is a hub for road, rail, and air transport. The city's small manufacturing and processing industries include a cigarette factory, a brewery, sawmills, and printing presses. It is the market for one of the richest agricultural areas in the country.
History
Yaoundé was founded in 1888, when Germany ruled the region. In 1915 it was occupied by Belgian troops. Seven years later it was declared the capital of French Cameroun. From 1940 to 1946, however, the capital was moved from Yaoundé to Douala. After Cameroon became an independent nation in 1960, Yaoundé again became the seat of government. It continued as the capital through further reorganizations of the government. Population (1992 estimate), 800,000.
