What Language Do They Speak in Cameroon?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Cameroon has 2 official languages: French, English. French is also an official language in 30 other countries worldwide.
Learn some French before you go
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Languages of Cameroon at a glance
| Official languages | French, English |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 2 |
| Countries on this site where French is official | 31 |
| People (demonym) | Cameroonian |
| Capital | Yaoundé |
| Internet domain | .cm |
Other countries where French is official
French is also an official language in 30 other countries covered here:
- Belgium
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Canada
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- DR Congo
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- France
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Ivory Coast
- Lebanon
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Niger
- Republic of the Congo
…and 6 more.
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Central African Republic | Sango, French |
|---|---|
| Chad | Arabic, French |
| Republic of the Congo | French, Kikongo, Lingala |
| Equatorial Guinea | Spanish, French, Portuguese |
| Gabon | French |
| Nigeria | English |
Cameroon in context
- Cameroon covers 475,442 km², making it the 53rd largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 62 people per km² ranks 123rd of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 6 countries: Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria.
- With 29,442,327 people, Cameroon holds about 12.8% of the population of Middle Africa.
- With 2 official languages, Cameroon has more than most countries on this site.
- Traffic drives on the right, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Cameroon is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Cameroon
Useful phrases for visitors to Cameroon
Everyday French phrases you will hear and use in Cameroon:
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Hello | Bonjour |
| Thank you | Merci |
| Please | S'il vous plaît |
| Goodbye | Au revoir |
| Yes | Oui |
| No | Non |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Cameroon — FAQ
What language do they speak in Cameroon?
The official languages of Cameroon are French and English.
How many official languages does Cameroon have?
Cameroon has 2 official languages: French, English.
Is French spoken anywhere else?
French is also an official language in 30 other countries.
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