Douala is the largest city in Cameroon and serves as the nation's economic capital. Located in the Littoral Region, it is situated on the estuary of the Wouri River and experiences a tropical climate. As of 2025, the city proper had an estimated population of 3,816,500, while the surrounding area reached approximately 4,346,000 people.
The city functions as the commercial and economic hub for both Cameroon and the entire CEMAC region, which includes Gabon, Congo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon. It handles the majority of the country's primary exports, including oil, cocoa, coffee, timber, metals, and various fruits. While it was formerly home to Central Africa's largest port, that role is currently being replaced by the Kribi port.
Douala is also home to the country's major international gateway, Douala International Airport (DLA). Its status as a primary economic center makes it a vital point of trade and infrastructure for the surrounding region.