Foumban

Foumban sits on Cameroon's western highlands at around 1 200 metres elevation and is the historic capital of the Bamum Kingdom, founded in 1394. With about 110 000 inhabitants, it is one of the country's most significant cultural centres. The city is renowned for its early-twentieth-century royal palace, which houses the Musée des Rois Bamum with thrones, masks and weapons, and for the Shümom Bamum script developed by King Njoya. The Village des Artisans artistic quarter gives world-class bronze casting, wood carving and beaded embroidery. Foumban is also an important education centre with a faculty of the University of Dschang. The local economy rests on coffee, maize, vegetables and horse breeding. The mild upland climate and proximity to Mount Bani and Mboutoum waterfall attract a growing flow of tourists.

Nearby cities

Bafoussam

Bafoussam is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Dschang

Dschang is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Kékem

Kékem is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Foumbot

Foumbot is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Mbouda

Mbouda is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Bafang

Bafang is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Bangangté

Bangangté is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Bandjoun

Bandjoun is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Tonga

Tonga is a vibrant agricultural hub in the West Region of Cameroon, surrounded by coffee and cocoa plantations.

Bana

A high-altitude town often called "Little Paris," renowned for its cool climate and the luxury villas built by wealthy Bamileke entrepren…

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Santa

A highland agricultural town known for its cool climate and vibrant vegetable markets.

History & landmarks

Bamendjou

A historic Bamileke chiefdom in the West Region, famous for its grand royal palace and deep-rooted traditional rituals.

Palace of the Bamoun Kings

The Royal Palace of Foumban is a landmark of African architecture and the cultural heart of the Bamum people in the West Region.

Kouekong Stadium Bafoussam

A modern stadium built for the Africa Cup, nestled in the hilly landscape of the West Region.

St. Joseph Cathedral of Bafoussam

The most important Catholic structure in Bafoussam impresses with its simple but imposing brick architecture and a prominent bell tower.

Chiefdom of Bandjoun

One of the most impressive traditional chiefdoms of the Bamileke people, known for its richly decorated wood carvings and thatched roofs.

Museum of Civilizations in Dschang

This modern museum directly on a picturesque lake is dedicated to the history and cultures of all major ethnic groups in Cameroon.

More places

Foumban Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Foumban is the seat of the Bamum Sultanate, showcasing the rich history and architecture of one of Cameroon's oldest …

Foumban Craft Market

The artisan market in Foumban is famous for its exquisite bronze work and wood carvings, preserving the ancient crafts of the Bamum people.

Foumban Bauxite Deposit

The Foumban bauxite deposits in the West Region are a potential source of alumina, currently being evaluated for industrial extraction.

Foumbot Vegetable Market

The vegetable market in Foumbot is one of the most productive in the country, supplying fresh greens and tubers to markets across Cameroon.

Bafoussam Corn Field

The expansive maize fields around Bafoussam are a testament to the agricultural productivity of the fertile volcanic soils in the West Re…

Bandjoun Chiefdom

A traditional chiefdom in the western highlands.

Batoufam Chiefdom

A traditional chiefdom in western Cameroon.

Dschang Colonial Center

The Dschang Colonial Center preserves the history of the town as a former hill station and administrative center during the colonial era.