Cameroon
Type of Government: Republic
Independence: 1960 from France
Head of State: President Paul Biya (since November 6, 1982)
2007/2008 UN Development Index ranking (out of 177 countries): 144
2007 TI Corruption Perception Index (out of 179): 138
Political Development: Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite a slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy headed by the current president and corruption, censorship, and human rights abuses continue despite some recent improvements.
Adult HIV Rate: 6.9%
Life Expectancy: 52.86
GDP: $16.33 billion
Inflation: 5.1%
Poverty: 48%
Petroleum: 82,300 bpd
Leading Export Partner: Spain (21.3%)
Economic Note: Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as a top-heavy civil service and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise.
