Overview of Chad
A landlocked country in Central Africa embracing the Sahara Desert, Sahel, and Lake Chad. A multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation.
Profile
The northern half of the country is occupied by desert, while the south has fertile savanna. While oil development progresses, agriculture and pastoralism remain the main industries, with over 200 ethnic groups and languages coexisting. Despite repeated civil wars and political changes, in recent years majestic natural attractions like UNESCO World Heritage Ennedi Massif, Ounianga Lakes, and Zakouma National Park are beginning to attract attention as tourism resources.
- Official name
- Republic of Chad
- Common name
- Chad
- Numeric code
- 148
- Alpha-3 code
- TCD
- Alpha-2 code
- TD
- Population
- 18 million (2023)
- Population density
- 14
- Primary languages
- French, Arabic
- Major religions
- Islam, Christianity, Traditional religions
- National anthem
- La Tchadienne
- Calling code
- +235
- Internet TLD
- .td
History
Beginning with 9th-century Kanem Kingdom, after independence from France in 1960, coups and civil wars continued.
France conquered the land of the Kanem-Bornu Empire with its long trading history in 1900, gaining independence as the Republic of Chad in 1960. Civil war intensified in the 1970s-80s due to ethnic and religious conflicts, recovering the north in the 1987 'Toyota War'. After Déby regime establishment in 1990, continued to be affected by rebel forces and neighboring country conflicts. Following President Déby's death in battle in 2021, son Mahamat Déby led transitional government, with civilian return declared in 2024.
Geography & climate
North is Sahara Desert, center is Sahel dry grassland, south has humid savanna spreading along Chari and Logone River basins. Ennedi Massif in northeast and Tibesti Mountains in northwest feature strange rocks and volcanic highlands.
Tropical savanna to desert climate
- Area
- Africa / 1284000 km²
- Capital
- N'Djamena
- Largest city
- N'Djamena
- Coastal status
- No
- Major lakes
- Lake Chad
- Bordering countries
- Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger
Politics
Government: Republic (Presidential system)
Economy
Currency: CFA Franc (Central Africa) (XAF)
GDP (nominal): 13.35 billion USD (2023)
GDP (PPP): 43.5 billion USD (2023)
Language & timezone
Primary languages: French, Arabic
Time zone: West Africa Time
Culture & customs
Ethnic groups
Sara, Chadian Arabs, Toubou, Kanembu, Zaghawa, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Gorane
Life expectancy
54 years
Literacy rate
26%
National sports
Football, Wrestling (traditional combat), Equestrian, Athletics, Tug of war
Flag
Emblem
