Why visit
Yaoundé is Cameroon's hill-built capital, greener and calmer than Douala, with government districts, markets, museums, and day trips into the surrounding highlands. It is a practical base for southern Cameroon routes.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Yaoundé is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Cameroon. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Yaoundé, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Cameroon better matches the trip style.
Yaoundé at a glance
City population
1.3 million
Elevation
726 m
2,382 ft
Time zone
UTC+1
Africa/Douala
Airport
NSI
Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport
Cameroon at a glance
Country center
6.0°, 12.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
475,442 km²
183,569 mi²
Country population
28.6 million
60/km²
Subregion
Middle Africa
Currency
Central African CFA franc (Fr)
XAF
Dial
+237
Languages
English, French
Demonym
Cameroonian
Internet
.cm
UN
Member state
ISO code
CM / CMR
Where in the world
6.0° - 12.0°
Cameroon
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Yaounde is spread across a group of hills, giving the city a greener, cooler feel than coastal Douala.
- Cameroon's National Museum occupies the former presidential palace in the capital.
- Like Rome, Yaounde is said to be built across seven hills.
- Cameroon is often called "Africa in miniature": it has nearly every ecosystem on the continent in one country.
- Cameroon has 286 living languages spoken by 277 ethnic groups: one of the most linguistically diverse countries.
Bordering Cameroon
Traveler notes
- The city is spread across seven hills
- Mvog-Betsi Zoo and the National Museum are common orientation stops
- Nearby forest and waterfall trips are possible with local planning
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Yaoundé
What currency is used in Yaoundé?
Yaoundé uses the Central African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XAF.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon?
The primary languages are English and French.
What is the international calling code for Cameroon?
The calling code is +237.
When is the best time to visit Yaoundé?
Nov–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Yaoundé?
Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (IATA: NSI).
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