About Douala
Douala is a large city located in Cameroon, in the Littoral region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Douala is approximately 2,768,436 residents, making it the largest city in Cameroon.
Globally, Douala ranks #525 among the world's most populated cities. With over 1 million residents, Douala plays an important role as an economic and cultural center in Cameroon.
It is also the capital of Cameroon's Littoral Region. It was home to Central Africa's largest port, now being replaced by Kribi port. It has the country's major international airport, Douala International Airport (DLA). It is the commercial and economic capital of Cameroon and the entire CEMAC region comprising Gabon, Congo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic and Cameroon. Consequently, it handles most of the country's major exports, such as oil, cocoa and coffee, timber, metals and fruits. As of 2025, the city and its surrounding area had an estimated population of 4,346,000, while the city proper had an estimated population of 3,816,500. The city sits on the estuary of Wouri River and its climate is tropical.
Douala City Statistics
| City | Douala |
| Country |  Cameroon |
| Population | 2,768,436 |
| Global Rank | #525 |
| Rank in Cameroon | #1 of 36 cities |
| City Category | large city |
| Region | Littoral |
| Latitude | 4.05 |
| Longitude | 9.7 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Douala Overview
Douala is a large city in Cameroon, situated in the Littoral area. With a population of 2,768,436 people, it represents approximately 24.5% of the total urban population in Cameroon.
Douala serves as an important economic and cultural center in Cameroon. The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern infrastructure, and diverse neighborhoods that attract both residents and visitors.
Population Comparison
To put Douala's population of 2,768,436 into perspective:
- Douala has approximately 2.8 million residents.
- This makes it comparable in size to cities like Paris or Rome.
- It ranks #1 among all cities in Cameroon.
Where is Douala Located?
Douala is located in Cameroon, in the Littoral region, at coordinates 4.05° latitude and 9.7° longitude. Located near the equator, Douala experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in Cameroon
Largest Cities in Cameroon
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mfoundi - Yaounde | 2,091,171 |
| 2 | Garoua | 1,750,000 |
| 3 | Diamaré | 566,921 |
| 4 | Bafoussam | 480,000 |
| 5 | Noun | 434,542 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Douala?
The population of Douala is approximately 2,768,436 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Douala located?
Douala is located in Cameroon at approximately 4.05° latitude and 9.7° longitude.
Is Douala one of the largest cities in Cameroon?
With a population of 2,768,436, Douala is one of the major urban areas in Cameroon. It ranks #1 out of 36 cities in the country.
