Civil status refers to all the characteristics inherent to each person that are recognized by law and to which legal effects are attached. It differs from one person to another. Civil status comprises all the essential, even indispensable, elements for both citizens and states. It establishes legal identity and confirms the nationality and citizenship granted to a person. A civil status record proves membership of a community or homeland. Civil status records accompany citizens throughout their lives and enable them to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and social benefits. In a country, civil status and subsequent records enable control of demographics, management of migration flows, balanced planning of development and land use, and control of important socio-political files. An efficient civil registration system facilitates the production of statistics necessary for the relevant and consistent formulation, planning, implementation, and evaluation of economic and socio-cultural development policies. Civil registration documents in Cameroon are:

– Birth certificates

– Marriage certificates

– Death certificates.

These certificates are final and cannot be modified, except under the conditions provided for by the law in force.