Chad

Group of Kanem-Bu warriors

Chadian soldier of WWII.jpg

Idriss Déby at the White House in 2014

Chad sat

African Bush Elephant Mikumi.jpg

Country in North-Central Africa

Chad (

French

République du Tchad

), officially the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in North-Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west. Chad has a population of approximately 16.9 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is N'Djamena.

History

The territory now known as Chad has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The region was home to several powerful states and empires, including the Kanem-Bornu Empire, the Bagirmi Kingdom, and the Wadai Empire. In the late 19th century, Chad fell under French colonial rule and became part of French Equatorial Africa in 1910. Chad gained its independence from France on August 11, 1960.

Geography

Chad is the fifth largest country in Africa and the second largest in Central Africa. The country is divided into three major geographical regions: the desert zone in the north, the arid Sahel belt in the center, and the more fertile Sudanian Savanna zone in the south. The highest peak in Chad is Emi Koussi in the Tibesti Mountains, which rises to 3,445 meters (11,302 feet).

Politics

Chad is a unitary state with a dominant-party system. The President of Chad is both the head of state and head of government. The current president is Mahamat Déby, who took power in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Déby. The National Assembly is the legislative body of Chad.

Economy

Chad's economy is primarily based on agriculture and oil production. The country is one of the world's poorest and most underdeveloped nations, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. The official currency is the Central African CFA franc.

Demographics

Chad is home to over 200 ethnic and linguistic groups. The largest ethnic groups include the Sara, Arabs, Kanembu, Toubou, and Zaghawa. The official languages are French and Arabic, but over 100 languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country.

Culture

Chadian culture is diverse and reflects the various ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Traditional music, dance, and festivals are an integral part of Chadian life. The country is also known for its rich oral literature and traditional crafts.

Health

Chad faces significant health challenges, including high rates of malaria, HIV/AIDS, and malnutrition. The healthcare system is underdeveloped, and access to medical services is limited, particularly in rural areas.

Education

The education system in Chad is characterized by low enrollment rates and high dropout rates. Primary education is compulsory, but many children do not attend school due to economic and social barriers.

See also

• Geography of Chad
• History of Chad
• Politics of Chad
• Economy of Chad
• Demographics of Chad
• Culture of Chad
• Health in Chad
• Education in Chad