What Language Do They Speak in Cameroon?

Header image for Cameroon

Cameroon

Cameroon is a diverse and culturally rich country located in Central Africa, known for its varied landscapes that include rainforests, mountains, savannas, and deserts. Often referred to as "Africa in miniature," it boasts a mosaic of ethnic groups and languages, creating a vibrant tapestry of traditions and cultures. The country has a wealth of natural resources, contributing to its agriculture, forestry, and oil industries.

Languages Spoken

Cameroon is a linguistically diverse country with over 230 languages spoken across its regions. Among the official languages, French is predominantly spoken, accounting for about 50% of the population, largely in the Francophone regions which make up the majority of the nation's subdivisions. English is the other official language, spoken by approximately 25% of the population, mainly in the Anglophone regions. In addition to the official languages, Fulfulde and Duala are significant in Cameroon's rich tapestry of indigenous languages. Fulfulde is spoken by around 15% of the population, primarily by the Fulani people, while Duala is used by approximately 10%, mainly around the coastal and urban areas.

Different Languages Spoken in Cameroon

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Cameroon

LanguageUsage
French50%
English25%
Fulfulde15%
Duala10%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful French Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Cameroon

Bonjour

Hello

A common greeting in French-speaking regions, useful for starting any conversation.

Comment ça va ?

How are you?

A friendly way to inquire about someone's well-being.

Combien ça coûte ?

How much does it cost?

Essential for shopping or dealing with prices.

Où est...?

Where is...?

Start of a question when asking for directions, like to a location or facility.

Je ne comprends pas

I don't understand

Useful when you are having difficulty understanding what someone is saying.

Learn to speak French

Interested in speaking French in Cameroon? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

Download for iOS