Country Profile: Chad

Chad is a landlocked country located in Central Africa, south of Libya. With a population of approximately 19.7 million people, it faces challenges such as poverty, regional instability, and a struggling economy primarily reliant on oil. Governed as a presidential republic, Chad has undergone significant political changes, particularly after the passing of long-term leader Idriss Déby in 2021. The nation continues to navigate its path toward stability and development amidst various insurgencies and economic fluctuations.

Geography

Chad features a diverse landscape that includes tropical regions in the south and desert in the north, with broad arid plains and the significant Lake Chad at its center. It is the largest of Africa's landlocked countries, covering an area of approximately 1.284 million sq km. The population is unevenly distributed, with higher density in the southwest. Natural resources include petroleum, uranium, and various minerals.

1.284 million sq km total area
6,406 km of land boundaries with six countries
40% of land used for agriculture (2023 estimate)
3.1% forest cover (2023 estimate)
10,360-25,900 sq km area of Lake Chad (varies seasonally)

People and Society

Chad's population is highly diverse, encompassing numerous ethnic groups, with the largest being the Sara, Kanembu, and Arab communities. The country is predominantly Muslim, with a significant Christian populace. Education and healthcare remain areas of concern, with literacy rates around 30.6% and a life expectancy of 60 years. The age structure indicates a youthful demographic, with more than 45% under the age of 15.

19.7 million estimated population (2025)
30.6% literacy rate (2019)
38.62 births/1,000 population birth rate (2025)
44.8% of the population below the poverty line (2022)
2.98% population growth rate (2025)
24.4% urban population (2023)

Economy

Chad's economy is heavily dependent on oil, which, along with agricultural recovery, has driven recent growth despite challenges including extreme poverty and regional instability. GDP growth is projected at 3.7% for 2024, with a real GDP per capita of $2,600. The economy faces vulnerabilities from fluctuating markets and significant public debt.

$20.626 billion GDP (2024 estimate)
3.7% GDP growth rate (2024 estimate)
32.2% of GDP from agriculture (2024 estimate)
1.1% unemployment rate (2024 estimate)
44.8% of the population living in poverty (2022)

Government

Chad is a presidential republic with a history of political instability and military influence. Following the death of President Idriss Déby in 2021, Mahamat Idriss Déby assumed control through a Transitional Military Council. The government has pledged to hold elections and approved a new constitution in December 2023.

President: Mahamat Idriss Déby (since May 2024)
Legislative structure: Bicameral Parliament
National Assembly: 188 members (most recent election 29 December 2024)
Voting age: 18 years
Independence: Achieved on 11 August 1960

Military and Security

Chad's military is actively engaged in countering insurgency threats from groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa. The military focuses on internal security and conducting operations against rebellious factions. The country has committed troops to multinational efforts within the Lake Chad Basin.

35-40,000 active military personnel (2025 estimate)
3% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024 estimate)
1,000-1,500 troops deployed in multinational operations against Boko Haram
18-36 months compulsory service for men, with a shortened term for women

Energy

Chad's energy sector is characterized by low electrification rates, with only 11.7% of the population having access to electricity. The majority of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels, with limited renewable sources.

94.3% of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023 estimate)
167,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023 estimate)
124,000 bbl/day petroleum production (2023 estimate)
1.502 million Btu/person energy consumption per capita (2023 estimate)

Environment

Chad faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification and inadequate access to potable water. Such issues are intricately linked to agricultural practices and regional climate conditions, with ongoing efforts to combat these effects through international agreements.

1.359 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 estimate)
45.7 billion cubic meters of renewable water resources (2022 estimate)
11.1% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate)

Transportation

Chad's transportation infrastructure includes 44 airports and a mix of road networks, but significant improvements are needed to enhance connectivity and access to remote regions.

44 airports (2025)
Civil aircraft registration prefix: TT

Communications

Chad's communication services are limited, with only 13% of the population using the internet and a reliance on mobile communications.

14.8 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 estimate)
Fixed-line telephone system reported down (2024)
13% of the population are internet users (2023 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,674,004	Estimated for 2025
Area	1,284,000 sq km
GDP (official exchange rate)	$20.626 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	1.502 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	38.62 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	1.1%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	60 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	30.6%	2019 estimate
Population Below the Poverty Line	44.8%	2022 estimate
Agricultural Land	40%	2023 estimate