Douala, Port settlement at Wouri River estuary, Cameroon
Douala spreads along the southeastern shore of the Wouri River estuary, with industrial areas, residential neighborhoods, and a deepwater port for maritime commerce. The settlement divides into several districts, some hugging the riverbank and others reaching inland.
Portuguese explorers reached the river mouth in the 15th century and gave the area a name because of the shrimp in the water. Later, the site grew into a trading hub that moved goods between the hinterland and ships on the Atlantic.
The settlement mixes French and English official languages with the local Duala tongue in daily life, which you can hear at markets and on public transport. Educational centers draw students from other regions and shape the rhythm of neighborhoods around university campuses.
The international airport and rail network link the settlement to other parts of the country and make travel and freight movement easier. Many roads lead out from the port area into different districts and onward to the interior.
The Wouri Bridge stretches nearly 2 kilometers (6000 feet) across the river and links the main settlement to Bonabéri port, carrying both cars and trains. The structure hovers above the water and offers a wide view of the estuary and passing ships.
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