Background to the VSO programme Cameroon, often described as one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, has been in economic decline since the mid-1980s.
Inflation is low and unemployment rates are dropping slightly.
The general feeling is one of cautious optimism. In October 2000, Cameroon was approved for debt relief. This will release money to reduce poverty and improve the social sector, but it is dependent on the government meeting targets and taking tougher measures to stamp out corruption. Improvements in education and health care prior to the economic decline hide big regional differences, with the rural north particularly disadvantaged. In general, the quality of education has declined.