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Cameroon: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Paul Biya
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Joseph Ngute

Overview

Government Name:
Republic of Cameroon
Constitution:
Adopted: 1972; The basis of the constitution is to have a strong central government that is dominated by the executive branch. The constitution includes the rights of citizens, structure and function of government, symbols and institutions of the country and how the constitution should be amended.
Government Type:
Republic
Republic of Cameroon Flag
Coat of Arms of Republic of Cameroon

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

C
A very uncertain political and economic outlook and a business environment with many troublesome weaknesses can have a significant impact on corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is high. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The president has the most power of the three branches and is in charge of naming cabinet members, judges, and governors. The president also approves or vetoes regulations, among other things.

The president is elected by plurality vote. The prime minister is appointed by the president.

7 years
Judicial

The judiciary is subordinate to the executive branch's ministry of justice. The supreme court may review the constitutionality of a law only at the president's request.

The supreme court judges are appointed by the president with the advice of the higher judicial council of Cameroon.

No term limit
Legislative

The legislative branch is responsible for creating and passing laws.

The senate comprises 100 members, with 70 members being indirectly elected by regional governing councils and 30 members being appointed by the president. The national assembly has 180 members, 49 of whom are elected by single and multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
ECCAS

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/