Baka
Lands
forests of eastern and southern Cameroon, northern Gabon, and neighbouring parts of the Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic
Countries Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic
Facts 5
Land
In Gabon, the Baka are one of several forest peoples whose livelihoods and cultures are closely tied to the forest, which covers 85% of the country.
As of 2026 Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2026: Gabon (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Population
About 40,000 Baka live in Cameroon, mostly in the eastern and southern regions.
As of 2026 Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2026: Cameroon (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Governance
In 2025 a Batouri workshop run by the association ASBABUK and Cameroon's forestry ministry focused on fully recognizing Baka as rightful partners in managing forest resources.
As of 2025 Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2026: Cameroon (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Governance
A 2021 agreement signed with the Baka association ASBABUK gives Baka communities around Lobéké National Park access for their traditional activities in the park.
As of 2021 Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2024, Cameroon chapter (IWGIA yearbook PDF) (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Today
In Gabon, the Baka are one of nine Indigenous forest peoples, alongside the Babongo, Bakoya and others, each with its own language and culture.
Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2024, Gabon chapter (IWGIA yearbook PDF) (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
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