YAOUNDÉ, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of. - It is situated in French Cameroon and originated from the apostolic vicariate of the Two Guineas (v. GUINEA).
Its territory was detached from the latter vicariate and erected into the apostolic prefecture of Cameroon on 18 March 1890; on 2 Jan. 1905 it was raised to an apostolic vicariate, and on 3 Apr. 1931 it received the name of Y. From it were detached, on 28 Apr. 1914, part of the apostolic prefecture of Adamua, called Foumban on 11 June 1923 (v.); on 31 March 1931, the apostolic prefecture of Douala, now an apostolic vicariate; and on 3 March 1949, the apostolic vicariate of Doumé. It is entrusted to the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.
It has an area of approximately 75,000 sq. km., with a hot and humid climate. Its inhabitants number approximately 510,000, of the Bantu race and devoted to agriculture. Catholics number 244,226; catechumens, 27,836; Protestants, 24,329; Muslims, 15,810; pagans, 198,000. There are 116 missionaries, including 36 natives; 36 brothers and 117 sisters. There are a major and a minor seminary. There are 41 principal stations, 191 secondary stations, and an equal number of churches and chapels. There are 337 elementary schools, 337 middle schools, 2 higher schools, and 19 vocational schools. Works of charity and Catholic Action are well developed.