West, Administrative region in central-western Cameroon
West is a region in central Cameroon featuring rolling hills, valleys, and the Bamboutos Mountains, dotted with farming communities and rural settlements. The area centers on Bafoussam, a regional trading hub where local crops including maize, plantains, and cocoa form the economic backbone.
The region was created in 1972 through administrative reorganization that unified previously separate territories under a single structure. This restructuring brought together traditional kingdoms and their populations within a modern administrative framework.
The Bamiléké create pottery and textiles that shape the visual character of villages and markets, while the Bamum maintain their own distinct traditions and leadership customs. Both groups express their heritage through crafts and local practices that visitors encounter in everyday settings.
The region is most easily accessed through Bafoussam, where roads connect to the main towns and markets. Visitors should know that the mountainous terrain means travel between locations takes time.
Despite its small size, the region ranks among Cameroon's most densely populated areas and contains a dense network of schools throughout its villages. This high population concentration and educational presence make it a distinctive case in the country's geography.
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