Country Profile: Chad

Chad, a landlocked country situated in Central Africa, is characterized by a diverse geography that includes arid plains and the expansive Lake Chad Basin. With an estimated population of approximately 19.7 million, the nation is predominantly young, facing significant challenges such as poverty and food insecurity. The economy relies heavily on oil production, which is susceptible to market fluctuations, while recent governance changes led to a transitional military council taking charge after President Idriss Déby was killed in 2021. Chad is striving to establish political stability and economic recovery amidst persistent security threats from insurgent groups.

Geography

Chad is located in Central Africa, bordered by Libya to the north, and characterized by a variety of landscapes ranging from desert in the north to tropical climates in the south. The country spans an area of approximately 1.284 million square kilometers, making it the largest landlocked nation in Africa.

Area: 1.284 million sq km
Elevation: Highest point at 3,445 m (Emi Koussi)
Natural Resources: Includes petroleum, uranium, and gold
Climate: Tropical in the south, desert in the north
Major Lakes: Lake Chad (10,360-25,900 sq km, depending on season)
Land Use: 40% agricultural land as of 2023

People and Society

The population of Chad is estimated to be around 19.7 million, with a high percentage (45.8%) under the age of 15. Chad is home to a variety of ethnic groups, with the Sara people being the largest. The societal structure is influenced by diverse languages and religions, with a significant Muslim majority.

Population: Approximately 19.7 million (2025 est.)
Languages: French and Arabic are official; over 120 dialects spoken
Religions: 52.1% Muslim, 23.9% Protestant, 20% Roman Catholic
Urbanization: 24.4% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Literacy Rate: 30.6% (2019 est.)

Economy

Chad's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, which are vulnerable to international market changes, leading to high levels of poverty and food insecurity. Despite recent efforts to recover and stabilize the agricultural sector, the economy remains challenged by external and internal pressures.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $52.895 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 3.7% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 1.1% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 44.8% below the national poverty line (2022 est.)
Main Exports: Crude petroleum, gold, oil seeds
Agricultural Sector: Accounts for 32.2% of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Chad operates as a presidential republic, with Mahamat Idriss Déby currently serving as transitional president. The government has been navigating significant challenges related to political stability and security threats, particularly from armed insurgent groups.

Capital: N'Djamena
Government Type: Presidential republic
Independence: Achieved on August 11, 1960
Constitution: Latest adopted in June 2023, with a referendum in December 2023
Legislative Body: Bicameral Parliament with a National Assembly and Senate
Suffrage: Universal suffrage at 18 years of age

Military and Security

The Chadian military, primarily the National Army, is engaged in ongoing operations against various insurgent groups. Security remains a priority due to the threats posed by Boko Haram and other extremist factions.

Military Personnel: Approximately 35,000 active personnel (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures: Estimated at 3% of GDP (2024)
Insurgency Threats: Major threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates
Military Service Age: Compulsory for men aged 20, women subject to civic service at age 21
Deployment: Chad contributes troops to multinational forces combating terrorism

Energy

Chad's energy sector is primarily based on fossil fuels, with limited electricity access—only 11.7% of the population has electricity. The country heavily relies on oil for both domestic and export needs.

Electricity Access: 11.7% of the total population (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 167,000 kW (2023 est.)
Petroleum Production: 124,000 barrels per day (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption: 1.502 million Btu per capita (2023 est.)

Environment

Chad faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification and inadequate water supplies. Pollution from agricultural practices and urban waste disposal further exacerbates the situation.

Environmental Issues: Soil and water pollution, desertification
Water Resources: 45.7 billion cubic meters renewable water resources (2022 est.)
Carbon Emissions: 2.054 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
International Agreements: Participates in multiple environmental pacts, including the Paris Agreement

Transportation

Chad's transport infrastructure is limited, with a small number of airports and a lack of extensive road networks, impacting both trade and accessibility.

Airports: 44 (2025)
Civil Aircraft Registration: TT
Transportation Limitations: Landlocked status restricts maritime trade

Communications

Chad's communication sector is developing, but access to the internet and modern telecommunications remains limited.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 14.8 million (2024 est.)
Internet Access: 13% of the population (2023 est.)
Broadcast Media: 1 state-owned and 2 private TV stations (as of 2017)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,674,004 (2025 est.)
Area	1.284 million sq km
GDP (PPP)	$52.895 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	1.1% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	38.62 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	60 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	1.502 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	11.7% (2022 est.)
Major Urban Areas Population	1.592 million (N'Djamena) (2023)