Chad

Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa. It borders Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west. Its capital is N'Djamena, located in the southwest of the country near the Cameroon border.

The country's name derives from Lake Chad, a freshwater lake in the west of the country shared with neighbouring states. Chad gained independence from France in 1960. The official languages are Arabic and French, though many local languages are spoken throughout the country.

Geography and climate

Chad divides into three climatic zones: the north is the Sahara Desert with little rainfall, the centre is the Sahel belt with sparse vegetation and grazing land, and the south is savanna with abundant rainfall suitable for cultivation. The Tibesti Mountains in the north are among the highest points in the Sahara. Lake Chad has shrunk significantly in recent decades, affecting the livelihoods and pastoralism of surrounding communities.

Society and religion

Chad's population consists of many different ethnic groups, including the Sara, Kanembu, Zaghawa, Toubou, Arabs and others. Islam predominates in the north and centre, while Christianity and traditional beliefs are found in the south. The division between northern pastoralists and southern farmers has shaped the country's politics.

Politics and economy

Since independence, Chad has experienced civil wars and multiple changes of government. Idriss Déby held power for a long period until 2021; he was then succeeded by a military council headed by his son Mahamat Idriss Déby. The economy relies on agriculture, livestock, and oil, which began to be exported in the early 2000s. Cotton remains an important export commodity.