Cameroon Rate of Natural Increase

The rate of natural increase (RNI) in Cameroon, which measures the difference between birth and death rates excluding migration, is relatively high compared to global averages, reflecting the country's youthful population and high fertility rates. As of recent estimates, Cameroon’s RNI stands at around 2.5% per year. This is similar to neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Chad, which also have high RNIs of approximately 2.5% and 3.0% respectively, driven by high birth rates and declining but still significant mortality rates. In contrast, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, to the south, have slightly lower RNIs, closer to 2.0%, due to somewhat lower fertility rates and higher levels of urbanization. Overall, Cameroon’s RNI places it among the faster-growing populations in Central Africa, though not the highest, as countries like Chad and the Central African Republic experience even higher natural increase rates, while more urbanized neighbors see slower population growth.

Data from US Census International Database