Country Profile: Chad
Chad, located in Central Africa, is a landlocked country characterized by a diverse geography that ranges from tropical climates in the south to arid desert in the north. Its population of over 19 million people exhibits significant ethnic diversity, with a mix of languages and cultures. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, yet it faces challenges from market volatility, regional conflicts, and poverty. Governance is shaped by a recent transition to military leadership following the death of long-time president Idriss Déby, with plans for democratic elections in the near future.
Geography
Chad is situated centrally in Africa, bordered by six countries, including Libya to the north and Cameroon to the south. Its terrain features broad plains, desert regions, and mountains, with Lake Chad being a significant water body that is shared with neighboring nations. As Africa's largest landlocked country, Chad faces challenges in access to maritime resources.
- Area: 1.284 million sq km
- Elevation: Highest point at 3,445 m (Emi Koussi)
- Climate: Tropical in the south; desert in the north
- Natural resources: Includes petroleum, uranium, and gold
- Population distribution: Densely populated in the southwest, particularly around Lake Chad
People and Society
Chad's population is estimated at over 19 million people, with a median age of 16.7 years. The country has a diverse ethnic composition, with the Sara ethnic group being the largest. French and Arabic are the official languages, and Islam is the predominant religion. Social challenges include low literacy rates and high maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Population (2024 estimate): 19,093,595
- Urban population: Accounts for 24.4% of total population
- Literacy rate: Approximately 30.6%
- Birth rate: 39.2 births/1,000 population
- Life expectancy: 60 years
Economy
Chad's economy is primarily oil-dependent, facing difficulties from external price fluctuations and domestic instability. The agriculture sector plays a vital role as well, contributing to food security amidst high levels of poverty. The government has been working on debt restructuring to foster economic recovery.
- GDP (PPP) in 2024: $52.895 billion
- GDP per capita: $2,600
- Unemployment rate: 1.1% (2024 estimate)
- Population below poverty line: 44.8%
- Major exports: Crude petroleum, gold, cotton
Government
Chad is a presidential republic with a history marked by political instability and military interventions. Following the death of President Idriss Déby in 2021, a Transitional Military Council has been established, promising to hold elections and implement a new constitution approved in December 2023.
- Capital: N'Djamena
- Government type: Presidential republic
- Latest constitution: Adopted on 1 January 2024
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
- Administrative divisions: 23 provinces
Military and Security
Chad's military, known as the Chadian National Army, is primarily focused on internal security and counter-terrorism operations against groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa. The military has faced challenges due to internal conflict and external insurgent threats.
- Military personnel: Estimated 35,000-40,000 active members
- Military expenditures: 3% of GDP (2024 estimate)
- Troops deployed in MNJTF: Approximately 1,000-1,500
- Service age: Compulsory service starts at 20 years
- Focus: Internal security operations against terrorist groups
Energy
Chad's energy sector is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with limited access to electricity for the majority of the population. The country has made strides in harnessing its oil resources but still faces significant challenges in providing adequate energy access.
- Total electricity access: 11.7% of the population (2022)
- Electricity consumption: 282.1 million kWh (2023)
- Installed generating capacity: 167,000 kW (2023)
- Petroleum production: 124,000 bbl/day (2023)
- Energy consumption per capita: 1.502 million Btu/person
Environment
Chad faces various environmental challenges, including desertification and inadequate access to clean water. Environmental policies include participation in multiple international agreements aimed at combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
- Natural hazards: Frequent droughts and locust plagues
- Total renewable water resources: 45.7 billion cubic meters (2022)
- Soil and water pollution: Caused by improper waste disposal
- Municipal solid waste generated: 1.359 million tons annually (2024)
- Participates in: Biodiversity and climate change agreements
Transportation
Chad's transportation infrastructure includes a limited number of airports and an emerging road network. The country is working towards improving connectivity to facilitate economic growth.
- Airports: Total of 44 (2025)
- Civil aircraft registration code: TT
Communications
Chad has a developing communications infrastructure, with low internet penetration and limited access to fixed-line telephones.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 12.1 million (2022)
- Internet users: 13% of the population (2023)
- Telephones - fixed lines: 5,000 subscriptions (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,093,595 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 1.284 million sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $52.895 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Energy consumption per capita | 1.502 million Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
| Birth rate | 39.2 births/1,000 population | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life expectancy | 60 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Literacy rate | 30.6% | Estimated for 2019 |
| Total fertility rate | 5.24 children born/woman | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban population | 24.4% | Estimated for 2023 |
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