02/12/2023
Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Assah Bertrand, also known as Betybest. Welcome to the first edition of "Discovering Places." Today, we will talk about a very famous city called Bamenda. What do you know about Bamenda? If you don't know much, sit back, relax, and read on.
Bamenda, also known as Abakwa and Mankon Town, is a city located in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. It serves as the capital of the region and has a population of approximately 2 million people [^1^]. Known for its cool climate and scenic location on the hills, Bamenda has a rich history and offers various attractions and economic activities.
History:
- The origins of Bamenda are linked to the settlement of the Tikar people, who had cultural ties with the Bamum Kingdom in the 18th century [^1^].
- The city was colonized by Germany in 1884 and then became a colony administered by Britain and France until 1919 when it became solely administered by the British [^1^].
- In 1961, the region joined Cameroon [^1^].
- In recent years, Bamenda has experienced political turmoil due to the activities of a separatist faction known as the Southern Cameroon's Liberation Council, which has led to an insurgency and clashes with the government [^1^].
Metropolitan Area:
- Bamenda is composed of three villages: Bamendakwe, Mankon, and Nkwen, which are classified as subdivisions Bamenda I, II, and III, respectively [^1^].
- The city is surrounded by suburban areas and villages such as Bambui, Akum, Bafut, Bali, Chombah, and Mbatu [^1^].
Economy:
- The main industries in Bamenda include agricultural processing, basic food processing, handicrafts, cottage industry, education, tourism/hospitality, construction works, and transportation [^1^].
- The city is known for its local museum and shops that showcase a wide variety of local baskets, beads, wood carvings, and bronze statues [^1^].
Transportation:
- Bamenda is connected by road to Yaoundé and Douala, the two major cities in Cameroon [^1^].
- The city also has an airport, Bamenda Airport, located in the Bafut subdivision [^1^].
Education:
- Bamenda is home to numerous primary and secondary schools, offering general, technical, and vocational training [^1^].
- The city is also the seat of the University of Bamenda, which offers programs in all cycles (Bachelor's, lds [^1^].
- Other higher education institutions in Bamenda include the University of Science and Technology in Bamenda and the National Polytechnic in Bamenda [^1^].
Climate:
- Bamenda has a tropical savanna climate, with a long rainy season in the summer and less precipitation in the winter [^1^].
- Average maximum temperatures range from 22.1 °C to 26.8 °C, while average minimum temperatures range from 13.1 °C to 16.7 °C [^1^].
- The city experiences significant rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of 2,260.1 mm [^^].
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To learn more:
[Bamenda - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamenda)
Bamenda, also known as Abakwa and Mankon Town,[2] is a city in northwestern Cameroon and capital of the Northwest Region. The city has a population of about 2 million people[citation needed] and is located 366 km (227 mi) north-west of the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé. Bamenda is known for its co...