More information about Cameroon is available on the Cameroon page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-CAMEROON RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Cameroon in 1960, following the independence of the French-administered part of the country. Cameroon has had two presidents since independence. U.S. relations with Cameroon are positive, although from time to time they have been affected by concerns over human rights abuses and the pace of political and economic liberalization. The two countries are partners in countering regional threats to stability, such as the threat of Boko Haram, and addressing issues of democracy, regional security, environmental protection, public health, and economic development. The United States hopes to continue to work with Cameroon to consolidate democratic gains and economic growth, particularly as Cameroon embarks upon senatorial, municipal and legislative elections planned for 2013. The United States supports Cameroon's efforts to strengthen electoral institutions, enhance transparency, and allow for contestation of results.

U.S. Assistance to Cameroon

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) runs a number of programs in Cameroon, mainly through its regional office in Ghana, and primarily in the health sector. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also has activities in Cameroon, mostly in HIV/AIDS prevention. Peace Corps volunteers work in maternal child health, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon organizes and funds diverse cultural, educational, and informational exchanges. It maintains a library and helps foster the development of Cameroon's independent press by providing information in a number of areas, including U.S. human rights and democratization policies. The Embassy administers both the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help and Democracy and Human Rights Fund programs and the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Through several State Department and USAID regional funds, the Embassy also provides funds for biodiversity protection, refugees, civic engagement in elections processes, democratization, human rights, countering violent extremism, and education.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Cameroon is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Cameroon's exports to the United States include petroleum, cocoa, rubber, timber, and coffee while imports from the United States include machinery, chemicals, aircraft, vehicles, and plastics. The United States is a leading investor in Cameroon, largely through the Chad-Cameroon petroleum pipeline project. The United States and Cameroon have a bilateral investment treaty.

Cameroon's Membership in International Organizations

Cameroon supports the principle of noninterference in the affairs of third countries and increased assistance to underdeveloped countries. Cameroon and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon is Michael S. Hoza; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Cameroon maintains an embassy in the United States at 3400 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008. (tel. 202-265-8790).

More information about Cameroon is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Cameroon Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Cameroon Page
U.S. Embassy: Cameroon
USAID Cameroon Page
History of U.S. Relations With Cameroon
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Travel and Business Information