Yaoundé (pronounced /ˌjɑː.uːnˈdeɪ/) is the capital of Cameroon and second largest city in the country after Douala. It lies in the centre of the nation at an elevation of about 750 metres (2,500 ft) above sea level.

Yaoundé was founded in 1888 by German traders as a base for the ivory trade and an agricultural research station. It was occupied by Belgian troops during World War I. After Germany's defeat, France became the colonial power in eastern Cameroon. Yaoundé became the capital of French Cameroon, and continues today as the capital of the Republic of Cameroon.

Places of interest
The city centre houses government offices, some hotels, and the central market. The Bastos neighbourhood, with most homes owned by Cameroonians, is home to foreign embassies and the expatriate European community (drawn mainly from the diplomatic corps). The presidential palace and compound is in the Etoudi neighborhood.

Also found in Yaoundé are:

* the Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires, seat of the Archdiocese of Yaoundé
* the Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres, built on the site of the first missionary church in Cameroon
* the Cameroon Art Museum (located in a former Benedictine monastery)
* the Cameroon National Museum (located in the former presidential palace)
* the Afhemi Museum
* the Palais du Sport

There is a small zoo in the Mvog-Betsi neighbourhood. Yaoundé has a small assortment of nightclubs and restaurants.