Yaoundé

views updated May 23 2018

Yaoundé Capital of Cameroon, w Africa. Located in beautiful hills on the edge of dense jungle, German traders founded it in 1888. During World War I, it was occupied by Belgian troops, and later acted as capital (1921–60) of French Cameroon. Since independence, it has grown rapidly as a financial and administrative centre with strong Western influences. It is the site of the University of Cameroon (1962). The city also serves as a market for the surrounding region, notably in coffee, cacao, and sugar. Pop. (2002 est.) 1,122,500.