Southwest Region (Cameroon)

Southwest Region
Region
The capital Buea from the foot of Mount Cameroon
Country	Cameroon
Departments	Fako, Koupé-Manengouba, Lebialem, Manyu, Meme, Ndian
Capital	Buea
Area	25,410 km2 (9,811 sq mi)
Population	1,481,433 (2013)
Density	58/km2 (150/sq mi) (5th)
Governor	Bernard Okalia B.
Location of Southwest Region within Cameroon

The Southwest Region or South-West Region (French: Région du Sud-Ouest) is a province of Cameroon that 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.

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.