Cameroon (World Bibliographical Series No 63)

The West African country of Cameroon has been subject to diverse external influences as a result of invasions from both within and without the continent. In 1884, the region became a German protectorate but was divided after the First World War between France and the United Kingdom, first into mandates under the League of Nations, and later into trusts under the United Nations. In 1960, independence came to the French sector, which was joined the following year by part of the British sector to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. In 1972 the name was changed to the United Republic of Cameroon and in 1984 to the Republic of Cameroon. Since independence the country has gone through various periods of economic growth and, most recently, decline. Petroleum production, which fostered growth in the 1980s, has since started to decrease. Moreover, stable, authoritarian rule under the first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, has been replaced with instability under the second president, Paul Biya, and the democracy movement continues to struggle against government repression. This bibliography of over 600 references pays particular attention to Cameroon's numerous ethnic groups, its history, arts and society. Politics, literature, the economy, and agriculture are also covered among the many chapter headings. Items have been selected on the basis of their importance and availability, with special emphasis being placed on English-language works. Author, title and subject indexes aid the reader, and an introductory essay provides essential background information on the history and present-day situation of the country. This volume will provide a valuable starting point for the general reader as well as the specialist.