Chad

Chad, officially the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the southwest, Nigeria to the southwest (at Lake Chad), and Niger to the west. With an area of around 1,300,000 km², Chad is the fifth-largest country in Africa.

The country has a population of about 19 million people, with many different ethnic and linguistic groups. French and Arabic are the official languages, and the main religions are Islam and Christianity. The capital and largest city is N'Djamena.

Chad has a long and complex history. People have lived in the region for thousands of years, and many states and empires rose and fell before France took control in 1920. Chad gained independence in 1960 but has faced many challenges since then, including civil wars, conflicts with nearby countries, and political instability. Today, Chad is one of the least developed countries in the world, with many people living in poverty. Despite these challenges, the country has natural resources, including oil, which has become an important source of income.

History

Main article: History of Chad

Chad has a rich and complex history. Thousands of years ago, people lived in the northern part of Chad, leaving important archaeological sites. Over time, several empires rose and fell, such as the Sao, Kanem, and Wadai, which controlled trade routes across the Sahara.

In the early 1900s, France took control of Chad, focusing mainly on cotton farming and neglecting the needs of local people. After World War II, Chad became an overseas territory and gained independence in 1960. Since then, Chad has faced periods of civil war, political changes, and challenges in balancing different ethnic groups. In recent years, Chad has worked with other countries to fight harmful groups and has seen changes in its leadership, including the transition from Idriss Déby to his son, Mahamat Déby.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Chad

Chad is a large country in central Africa with an area of 1,284,000 square kilometres. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the southwest, Nigeria to the southwest at Lake Chad, and Niger to the west. The capital, N'Djamena, is far from the nearest sea port.

The land in Chad varies from desert in the north to grassy areas in the south. Lake Chad, which gives the country its name, is a large wetland that changes size with the seasons. The south has many rivers that flow into this lake, supporting many birds and animals.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Chad

Chad is a country in Central Africa with a population of about 19 million people. The country has many young people, with about half under the age of 15. Most people live in rural areas, but many also live in the capital city, N'Djamena. The population is spread out, with some areas having many people and others having very few.

Chad has many different groups of people and languages. French and Arabic are the official languages, but over 100 other languages are also spoken. The country is made up of more than 200 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions. Islam and Christianity are the main religions, and people also practice other faiths and traditional beliefs. Education can be difficult to access, and many children do not attend school regularly.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Chad

Chad's government is led by a president who has a lot of power. The president chooses the prime minister and many important leaders, like judges and military officers. The president can also declare special rules in serious situations. Elections happen every five years for the president.

Chad's laws come from French rules and local customs. The highest courts are the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Council. The National Assembly has 155 members who make laws for four years. The president can influence the Assembly through their political party, which has many members.

Internal opposition and foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Chad

Chad has had many groups that wanted to change the government. Sometimes these groups tried to take over, but they were stopped. France has helped Chad with soldiers and support, but in 2025, France ended its military presence there. Chad also works with other countries to help people, like refugees from Sudan.

Military

Chad's army has about 33,250 soldiers. They are part of groups that work together to keep peace in the area. Chad has worked with France for training its soldiers, but stopped this partnership in 2024.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Provinces of Chad, Departments of Chad, and Sub-prefectures of Chad

Chad is divided into 23 provinces. Each province has a leader chosen by the president. These provinces are split into smaller areas called departments and sub-prefectures. The government wants local people to help decide things, but local elections have not happened yet.

Economy

Further information: Economy of Chad, Agriculture in Chad, and Petroleum industry in Chad

Chad is one of the poorest countries in the world, with many people living without enough money for their basic needs. Most people in Chad work on farms or raise animals, and the land in the south is especially good for growing crops like sorghum and millet. The country has also begun to develop its oil resources, which has brought some hope for improving the economy.

Chad’s roads and airports are still being improved after years of conflict, and most people use wood or animal waste for energy instead of electricity. The country has very few telephone lines, but mobile phones are becoming more common.

Culture

Chad has a rich cultural heritage due to its many different groups of people. The government supports culture by having a Chad National Museum and a Chad Cultural Centre. There are six national holidays each year, plus Christian and Muslim holidays like Easter Monday, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid.

Chadian meals often use millet, a type of grain. It is made into soft balls and dipped in sauces. Fish is also popular, either dried and smoked or prepared fresh. Tea made from hibiscus leaves is a favorite sweet drink. In some areas, people enjoy millet beer.

Music in Chad uses many instruments, like the kinde (a bow harp), kakaki (a long tin horn), and hu hu (a string instrument). Different groups have their own favorite instruments. Chad began making modern music in 1964, and today many enjoy listening to Chadian songs on CD or audio cassette.

Books and writing in Chad face challenges, but some writers are known around the world. Chad has one television station, but many people listen to radio. Newspapers are not widely read because of cost and low literacy. The country has had only one cinema for many years, but a few Chadians have made films that have won awards around the world.

Football is the most popular sport in Chad. Many Chadians watch and support the national football team, and some players have joined teams in Europe. Basketball and a special style of wrestling are also enjoyed.