It is the capital of Menchum division in the Northwest Province.

Wum is the third biggest town in the north west region of Cameroon.

It lies on a plateau at an elevation of about 1100 m near the edge of the western highlands of Cameroon.

It is 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of the regional capital Bamenda (by dirt road).

It lies near Lake Wum, one of five small crater lakes within 15 km of the town in the hilly, volcanic landscape.