FOUMBAN, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE. - The vicariate of F., in French Cameroon, subject to subsequent changes in its boundaries, corresponded to the former apostolic prefecture of Adamaua, erected in 1914 from territories of the missions of Khartum, Ubanghi Chari, and Cameroon; it changed its name in 1923 and was raised to a vicariate in 1934, having an area of 350,000 sq. km. and a population of one and a half million. In 1947 the northern region was detached to form the apostolic prefecture of Garoua.
In the reduced territory, the priests of the S. Cuore continued to work; in 1948 there were 34 of them, assisted by 2 indigenous priests, 8 European brothers, 12 European and 12 indigenous sisters, and 995 catechists. There were 13 principal mission stations and 779 secondary ones, 2 primary schools for Europeans and 108 for indigenous people, with more than 12,000 pupils. There were also a hospital, 15 dispensaries, 4 orphanages, and 1 home for the elderly. Out of a population of approximately 520,000 inhabitants, Catholics, again in 1948, numbered 85,380, and catechumens 18,300.