Cameroon

Cameroon, often referred to as Africa in miniature for its rich and diverse topography and customs, has a complex educational system. Formal schooling at the primary level is mandatory for every child, although this does not necessarily mean that everyone takes advantage of the opportunity or that girls and boys access it equally. While tuition is waived, parents still have to purchase books, uniforms, and other school supplies, which can be costly, depending on the family's income level. The most recent World Bank estimate of the population of Cameroon is 19.6 million, with an annual population growth rate of 2.2 percent. Cameroon's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, and has a 39.9 percent poverty rate. The country shares borders with the Central African Republic, Chad, ...