Region · CM-NW · CM007

North West

Headquarters
Bamenda
Area
17,418 km²
Population
2,428,174 (2025)
Centre
6.433, 10.470
International organisationHDX – Cameroon administrative boundaries (COD-AB)Published 26 Jan 2026Verified 4 Sept 2026
List of the places shown on the map

Divisions (7)

NameHeadquartersPopulation
BoyoFundong124,887 (2005)
BuiKumbo321,969 (2005)
Donga-MantungNkambe269,931 (2005)
MenchumWum161,998 (2005)
MezamBamenda524,127 (2005)
MomoMbengwi138,693 (2005)
Ngo-KetunjiaNdop187,348 (2005)

Population

Population
YearInhabitantsTypeSource
20252,428,174Projection
20051,728,953Census · Resident population, 3rd general census (November 2005).

Geography

Relief and rivers

The North West covers the volcanic highlands of the Grassfields around Bamenda. Mount Oku (3,011 m), the country's second peak, overlooks the Kilum-Ijim forest and Lake Oku; the Ndop plain holds the Bamendjing reservoir on the Noun.

Climate and natural environments

The highland climate is cool and humid, with a long rainy season. In 1986 Lake Nyos, in Menchum, released a cloud of carbon dioxide that killed close to 1,800 people; the risk of gas release from crater lakes is still monitored.

Borders and hazards

The region borders Nigeria. Landslides and slope erosion are the other major natural hazards.