Trivia in Chad

Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country

Africa / Central Africa

National symbols

Flag: Vertical tricolor of blue, yellow, and red from left. Blue represents sky and hope, yellow the sun and desert, red unity and sacrifice.

Chad Flag

Emblem: Shield-shaped emblem supported by a lion and goat, featuring wavy pattern representing Lake Chad and the sun, with motto 'Unité, Travail, Progrès (Unity, Labor, Progress)'.

Chad Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • Country name derives from Lake Chad, meaning 'great water' in local language.
  • Flag extremely similar to Romanian flag.
  • Ounianga Lakes in central Sahara are freshwater lakes remaining in world's driest area.
  • Emi Koussi volcano is Sahara's highest peak (3,445m).
  • Capital N'Djamena was called Fort-Lamy until 1973.
  • About 90% of exports are crude oil; economy vulnerable to oil price.
  • 1987 'Toyota War' saw pickup trucks determine battle outcome.
  • Zakouma National Park elephant population increasing due to successful anti-poaching measures.
  • Chadian Arabic dialect predominantly used in markets.
  • Lake Chad said to have shrunk 90% in area compared to 1960s.

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