Southwest Region (Cameroon)

The Southwest Region or South-West Region (Southwest Province until 2008; French: Région du Sud-Ouest) of Cameroon is a province of Cameroon and constitutes part of the territory of Southern Cameroons. Its capital is Buea. As of 1987^[update], its population was 838,042. Along with the Northwest Region, it is one of the two anglophone (English-speaking) regions of Cameroon, and has long been a hotbed of separatist resentment against the perceived Francophone domination of the country.

The region is divided into six divisions or departments: Fako, Koupé-Manengouba, Lebialem, Manyu, Meme, and Ndian. These are in turn broken down into subdivisions. Presidentially appointed senior divisional officers (prefets) and subdivisional officers (sous-prefets) govern each respectively.

The region was notable for having the first English-speaking university in Cameroon (the University of Buea), the first vice-chancellor being Professor Tanyi Mbuagbaw. Akin to the Northwest Region, the Southwest enjoys a considerably better infrastructure than its francophone neighbours.

The Southwest region is by far the best region in the country in terms of night life, and is considered the best touristic region in the country to visit. Limbe which is beside the Atlantic Beach is unanimously one of the best cities in the Republic. It is the home to Bakwerians.

2008 Presidential Decree Abolishes Provinces

In 2008, the President of the Republic of Cameroon, President Paul Biya signed decrees abolishing "Provinces" and replacing them with "Regions". Hence, all of the country's ten provinces are now known as Regions.

Important towns include the capital Buea, Limbe, Tiko, Kumba and Mamfe. Limbe in particular is a popular tourist resort notable for its fine beaches. Korup National Park is also a major attraction. Buea itself, meanwhile, sits at the foot of Mount Cameroon, and possesses an almost temperate climate markedly different from the rest of the province.