Women's group, Community income generating project, making honey - North Cameroon © Giacomo Pirozzi (Panos)
Cameroon is a Central African country with an estimated population of nearly 16.5 million. The country faces significant development challenges, with 50% of the population living on less than $2 a day and life expectancy at birth still only 45.8 years of age.
In October 2000 Cameroon became eligible for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC). Qualification for debt relief is dependent on the successful implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy agreed with donors. Following significant efforts, Cameroon achieved Completion Point in April 2006 and is now eligible for debt relief, enhancing its chance for sustainable growth and the significant reduction of poverty. The government will need to continue its efforts in transparent governance and fighting corruption.
Total UK aid received (2007/08): £7.9m (Source: Statistics for International Development 2009)