Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visit http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
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 its independence from a French-administered trusteeship. 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 addressing issues of democracy, good governance, 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 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, mainly in HIV/AIDS prevention. Peace Corps volunteers work in five program sectors: agroforestry, community health, education and information technology, small business development, and youth development (focused primarily on girls and young women). 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, HIV/AIDS, democratization, and girl's scholarships.
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 mineral fuel and oil, cocoa, rubber, wood, and coffee while imports from the United States include machinery, articles for donation, aircraft, vehicles, and plastics. The United States is a leading investor in Cameroon, largely through the Chad-Cameroon petroleum pipeline project and energy provider AES Sonel. 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 Robert P. Jackson; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Cameroon maintains an embassy in the United States at 1700 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 (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
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
