Chad
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 20
Currency
💱 Central African CFA franc
Languages
🗣️ Arabic, French
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Chad
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Chadian
Independence
Chad gained independence from France on August 11, 1960.
Top-Level Domain
.td
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+235
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
N'Djamena
ISO Alpha-2
TD
ISO Alpha-3
TCD
UN Code
148
Geographic Coordinates
15,19
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
1,284,000#22 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
20,031,602#67 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
15.34
Highest Point (m)
Emi Koussi, at 3,415 meters, is Chad's highest point.
Lowest Point (m)
The lowest point is the Djourab Depression, at 160 meters.
Land Use
Approximately 44% of Chad's land is used for agriculture.
Irrigated Land
About 400 square kilometers of land is irrigated in Chad.
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Chad has a tropical climate, ranging from desert in the north to savanna in the south.
Natural Resources
Chad's natural resources include petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, and fish.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan
Major Rivers
The Chari River and Logone River are major rivers in Chad.
Major Lakes
Lake Chad is a significant lake in Chad, though its size fluctuates greatly.
Government Type
Chad's government is a semi-presidential republic.
Administrative Divisions
Chad is divided into 23 regions.
Legal System
Chad's legal system is based on French civil law and customary law.
Chief of State
The Chief of State is the President.
Head of Government
The Head of Government is the Prime Minister.
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held for the President and the National Assembly.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and other tribunals.
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is the National Assembly.
Major Political Parties
Major political parties include the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Central African CFA franc
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
21.47#133 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
60.97#128 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,022.34#196 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
36.34
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
26.74
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
33.89
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
-3.91#188 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,746,477
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.06#180 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 42.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
Information on the national budget can be found through official government sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.32#125 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.59#150 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found through financial data providers.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found through online financial resources.
GDP by Sector
Agriculture: 51.5%, Industry: 14.5%, Services: 34% (2017 est.)
Major Industries
Oil, cotton textiles, livestock, brewing, natron, soap, cigarettes.
Major Export Partners
China, United States, India, France (2021 est.)
Major Import Partners
France, China, Nigeria, Cameroon (2021 est.)
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
30.63#168 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
43.3
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.1
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -0.3 migrant(s) per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 17.5 years (2022 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
27.57#197 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 3.48% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
55.2#213 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 1.1% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5
Ethnic Groups
Sara (30.5%), Arab (12.3%), Mayo-Kebbi (11.5%), Kanembu (9.9%), Ouaddai (7.3%), Gorane (6.3%), other (22.2%) (2009 est.)
Religions
Muslim (52.1%), Christian (43.4%), other (0.3%), none (4.2%) (2009 est.)
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic, French
Education
Education System
The Chadian education system is primarily divided into primary, secondary, and higher education, with challenges in access and quality.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
7.3
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education in Chad is relatively low compared to international standards.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of N'Djamena is the main institution for higher education.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Chad's culture is diverse, reflecting various ethnic groups and their traditions, including music, dance, and art.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- International Women's Day (2026-03-08)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Independence Day (2026-08-11)
- All Saints' Day (2026-11-01)
- Republic Day (2026-11-28)
- Freedom and Democracy Day (2026-12-01)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music includes styles influenced by traditional Chadian music, along with influences from Central African and Western music.
Traditional Food
Traditional Chadian food often features staples like millet, sorghum, and fish, along with various sauces and stews.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Chad.
Major Festivals
Chad hosts various festivals celebrating culture and traditions, though details may vary.
Famous People
Notable Chadians include political figures, athletes, and artists; however, public awareness varies.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Chad has several sites with cultural significance, representing its rich history.
UNESCO Sites
Chad has UNESCO World Heritage sites, reflecting its significant cultural and natural heritage.
Annual Tourist Visits
Very limited annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is underdeveloped; potential exists.
Top Tourist Attractions
Ennedi Massif, Zakouma National Park.
Famous Cities
N'Djamena.
National Parks
Zakouma National Park, Manda National Park.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist, conservation efforts underway.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; check prior to travel.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
High risk; exercise extreme caution.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality index is available from global health reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and location within Chad.
Number of Hospitals
The number of hospitals may vary; further information can be found through health organizations.
Universal Healthcare
Chad's healthcare system faces significant challenges; universal healthcare is not yet established.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are limited; facilities are concentrated in urban areas.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access can be limited, especially outside of major cities.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
Emergency numbers may vary; calling local authorities is advised.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
Emergency numbers may vary; calling local authorities is advised.
Emergency Number (Fire)
Emergency numbers may vary; calling local authorities is advised.
Crime Rate
Crime rates in Chad are subject to fluctuations; petty crime is a more common concern.
Safety Index
Safety indices indicate that Chad presents greater safety risks than many other countries.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure constitutes a portion of Chad's GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services face resource constraints; prompt response times may be challenging.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Chad's armed forces include an army, air force, and gendarmerie.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access in Chad is limited, especially in rural areas.
Water Access
Access to potable water is a challenge for many Chadians, particularly in rural areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is a significant challenge, with a high percentage of the population lacking adequate facilities.
Railways
Chad has no railway system.
Roadways
Roads in Chad vary significantly in quality, with major routes connecting cities.
Transportation System
The transportation system in Chad relies heavily on road networks, with air travel serving as a vital link.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ), Abeche Airport (AEH), Faya-Largeau Airport (FYT), Moundou Airport (MQQ)
Ports
This landlocked country has no ports.
Public Transit
Public transportation options are limited, with informal buses and taxis being common.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
12.63#204 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT development index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.14#188 of 202
Air Quality Index
Poor air quality, particularly in urban areas; data often limited.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of water pollution from various sources, including sewage and industrial waste.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage; some solar potential.
Environmental Issues
Desertification, soil erosion, deforestation, and water scarcity.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, sandstorms, and locust infestations.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management infrastructure; open dumping and burning are common.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Embassies and consulates exist.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Information not readily available.
Visa-Free Countries
Information not readily available.