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The ancient land called Chad was inhabited over one million years ago, at a time when much of it was only water. In modern Chad, precious water is often difficult to find, while famine and war seem everywhere.
Over the centuries it served as the stomping-ground of sorts for a litany of cultures and kingdoms, and when the French arrived in 1891, they subsequently controlled it until Chad gained its independence in 1960.
Decades of ethnic warfare followed, including invasions from Libya, its most powerful neighbor. A certain level of peace was restored in 1990, but local power struggles continue, and the future of this unstable land is uncertain.
Much of the country is positioned within the hot and dry (and mostly unproductive) Sahara Desert, covering Chad with sand and barren scrub land. In the far south, and in the southwest, surrounding Lake Chad, conditions improve to support an abundance of wildlife and agricultural ventures.
Chad's economy has recently benefited from a series of major oilfield and pipeline projects, while cattle, cotton and gum arabic have long been the traditional economic mainstays.
Longterm weaknesses include its landlocked position, oppressive poverty, the shrinking of Lake Chad, and the ever increasing expansion of the Sahara Desert.
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- Official Name Republic of Chad
- Population 11,067,437
- Capital City N'Djaména (993,492)
- Largest Cities N'Djaména, Moundou, Sarh
- Currency CFA Franc
- Currency Converter
- Languages French (official), Arabic (official), and numerous tribal dialects.
- National Day 11 August, Independence Day
- Religions Muslim, Christian, others
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- Land Area 1,259,200 sq km (586,177 sq miles)
- Highest Point Emi Koussi (3,415 m) (11,204 ft)
- Lowest Point Djourab Depression (160 m) (524 ft)
- Land Divisions 14 prefectures, including: Batha, Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat and Tandjile.
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In the northern reaches of the country, the Tibesti Mountains dominate the landscape of the surrounding Sahara Desert.
The Sahel, on the southern edges of the ever-expanding Sahara Desert, is a transition zone between the dry areas of the north and the tropical areas of the south. It receives very little rain, and most of the vegetation is a savanna growth of sparse grasses and shrubs.
The land rises into the Ennedi and Wadai plateaus along the eastern border with Sudan, where elevations reach near 2000 ft.
In the south, the forested land is nourished by the Chari and Logone Rivers. During the monsoon rains, Lake Chad often overflows, causing floods in the lowland depression of the south. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 12º 11' N, 15º 05' E
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Tourism in Chad is a relatively minor industry because of its harsh climate, geographic remoteness, poor resource endowment and lack of infrastructure. However, intrepid visitors are attracted by Chad's significant hunting capabilities and Zakouma National Park.
All tourists must have valid passports and visas, as well as evidence of yellow fever immunization. Please read the warnings linked below.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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The Sahara Desert regions are hot and dry throughout the year, with little or no rainfall. Temperatures are much cooler along the south-central Sahel. Rainfall there averages near 15 inches annually. Drought, however, is commonplace.
In the southern regions, rainfall is much heavier, averaging near 30 inches annually. The mean temperature in N'Djaména is 82º F (28º C)
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A desert water hole, Chad...
Desert village in Chad...
Aorounga crater in northern Chad...
Camel train, Chad... |
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