town located in northwestern Cameroon. It is situated in the volcanic Bamenda highlands. Although communications are difficult because of heavy precipitation and rugged relief, the town serves as a trade and export centre for local agricultural products such as hides, coffee, and tobacco. The Bamenda Museum displays specimens of local handicrafts. The German fort (c. 1912) is a relic of the colonial period. A nurses' training centre and a hospital serve the town, and the Cameroon College of Arts, Science, and Technology is located at nearby Bambili. Pop. (2004 est.) 298,500.