Chad

Crossroads of the Sahel and Sahara

Chad is a landlocked country in North-Central Africa, known for its vast deserts, ethnic diversity, and complex political history. It lies at the intersection of North and Sub-Saharan Africa, blending Arab and Black African cultures, with ecosystems ranging from the Sahara Desert in the north to the fertile savannas in the south.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient home to Sao Civilization and later Kanem–Bornu Empire.

  • Became part of French Equatorial Africa in the early 20th century.

  • Gained independence from France on August 11, 1960.

  • Experienced decades of civil war, rebellions, and regional insurgencies.

  • Currently transitioning under a military-led government following the 2021 death of President Idriss Déby.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Chad
Capital N’Djamena
Continent Africa (North-Central)
Official Languages French, Arabic
Currency Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Area Approx. 1,284,000 sq. km
Population Approx. 18 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone West Africa Time (UTC+1)
ISO Code TD
Internet TLD .td
Calling Code +235

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Islam (mainly Sunni) ~55%
Christianity (RC & Protestant) ~40%
Indigenous beliefs ~5%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President (Transitional Head of State) Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno
Prime Minister Succès Masra
Government Type Presidential republic (under transition)
Legislature National Transitional Council
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Council

Administrative Divisions (Regions)

Chad is divided into 23 regions, which are subdivided into departments, sub-prefectures, and communes.

Regions of Chad:

  1. Batha

  2. Borkou

  3. Chari-Baguirmi

  4. Guéra

  5. Hadjer-Lamis

  6. Kanem

  7. Lac

  8. Logone Occidental

  9. Logone Oriental

  10. Mandoul

  11. Mayo-Kebbi Est

  12. Mayo-Kebbi Ouest

  13. Moyen-Chari

  14. N’Djamena (capital district)

  15. Ouaddaï

  16. Salamat

  17. Sila

  18. Tandjilé

  19. Tibesti

  20. Wadi Fira

  21. Ennedi-Ouest

  22. Ennedi-Est

  23. Barh El Gazel

Local Government Structure

  • Each region is led by a Governor appointed by the central government.

  • Administrative units include departments, sub-prefectures, and municipal councils.

  • N’Djamena operates as a special autonomous district.

Leadership & Governance

  • Currently under a transitional process with plans for elections.

  • Focus on:

    • National reconciliation

    • Security sector reform

    • Regional cooperation against terrorism and insurgencies

  • Supported by African Union, France, and regional partners.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Law enforcement: Police, Gendarmerie, and National Army (ANT)

  • Challenges:

    • Boko Haram insurgency near Lake Chad

    • Banditry and ethnic conflicts in rural zones

    • Security operations ongoing in border regions

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Oil production (main export revenue)

    • Agriculture: sorghum, millet, cotton, livestock

    • Fishing (Lake Chad)

  • Informal economy is significant

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 12 billion

  • Member of CEMAC and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Education & Institutions

  • Education system follows the French model

  • Major institutions:

    • University of N’Djamena

    • Higher National School of Administration

  • Challenges: low literacy rates, teacher shortages, rural access gaps

Healthcare

  • Public and mission-based healthcare co-exist

  • Main hospitals:

    • Hôpital Général de Référence Nationale (N’Djamena)

  • Health concerns:

    • Malaria, waterborne diseases, maternal health, malnutrition

  • Heavy reliance on WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads:

    • Main highways link N’Djamena to Cameroon; interior roads often poor

  • Airports:

    • Hassan Djamous International Airport (N’Djamena)

  • River transport: limited to Chari River during rainy season

  • No rail network; plans exist for regional rail connectivity

Tourism & Attractions

  • Natural:

    • Zakhouma National Park – elephants, lions

    • Lake Chad – vital ecosystem

    • Ennedi Plateau – UNESCO-listed rock formations, cave art

  • Cultural:

    • Traditional nomadic cultures (Toubou, Fulani)

    • Sahelian architecture and sultanates (e.g., Abeche)

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Over 200 ethnic groups, major ones: Sara, Arab, Toubou, Kanembu, Mayo-Kebbi peoples

  • Languages: Chadian Arabic, French, over 120 local languages

  • Cuisine: millet porridge, grilled meat, fish dishes, tea culture

  • Religion plays a major social role; festivals celebrated by all communities

  • Music: instruments like kora, balafon, tam-tam drums

Summary

Chad stands as a nation of strategic importance, cultural depth, and immense natural potential. Despite historical challenges and ongoing transitions, its youth, resource base, and geographic position provide a solid foundation for a more stable and prosperous future in Central Africa.