The climate varies with terrain, from tropical along the coast to semiarid and hot in the north. Exceedingly hot and humid, the coastal belt includes some of the wettest places on earth. For example, Debundscha, at the base of Mt. Cameroon, has an average annual rainfall of 405 inches (10,287 mm).
Cameroon culture is unique, rich and interesting in many ways, and for various reasons. The country has passed through many different and interesting political eras, that has helped to shape and reshape traditions, customs and belief patterns of the people.
At 475,440 km2 (183,570 sq mi), Cameroon is the world's 54th largest country. It is slightly larger than the nation of Sweden and state of California. It is comparable in size to Papua New Guinea. Cameroon's landmass is 472,710 km2 (182,510 sq mi), with 2,730 km2 (1,050 sq mi) of water.