The Republic of Cameroon is an independent country in Central and West Africa in a region often referred to as the “hinge” of Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the northwest; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; the Republic of the Congo to the southeast; Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to the south; and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. With a population of over 26 million people, speaking over 250 languages, Cameroon is considered one of the most culturally diverse countries in Central Africa.