Chad
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Chad
Chad: A Land of Contrasts and Resilience
Chad, officially the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country situated in north-central Africa. Its vast territory, spanning over 1.2 million square kilometers, is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, from the arid Sahara Desert in the north to the fertile Sahelian belt and the tropical savannas in the south. This geographical diversity profoundly influences its climate, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of its people. The country is bordered by 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. This strategic location has historically placed Chad at a crossroads of trade routes and cultural influences, but also exposed it to regional conflicts and instability. The name Chad itself originates from the massive Lake Chad, a vital water source for the region, though its size has unfortunately been shrinking dramatically in recent decades due to climate change and increased water usage, posing a significant environmental and humanitarian challenge.
The population of Chad is estimated to be around 16 million people, characterized by a rich mosaic of ethnic groups and languages. Over 200 distinct ethnic groups reside within its borders, each with its own unique traditions, customs, and dialects. The largest ethnic groups include the Sara in the south, the Toubou in the north, and various Fulani, Kanembu, and Mandoul communities. This linguistic and cultural diversity is a testament to Chad’s long history as a meeting point for different peoples migrating across the continent. Arabic and French are the official languages, reflecting its colonial past and its position within the Arab world and Francophone Africa, respectively. However, a multitude of indigenous languages are spoken daily, fostering vibrant local cultures. The majority of Chadians practice Islam, primarily in the north and center, while Christianity is prevalent in the south, alongside indigenous animist beliefs. The demographic landscape is also marked by a young population, with a significant proportion of citizens under the age of 25, presenting both opportunities and challenges for development and employment. Life expectancy is relatively low, and the country faces significant health challenges, including high rates of infant and maternal mortality, and widespread infectious diseases.
Chad’s history is a long and complex narrative, marked by periods of powerful empires, colonial rule, and persistent internal strife. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the region dating back thousands of years. The territory of modern-day Chad was once home to several influential African kingdoms and empires, including the Kanem-Bornu Empire, which dominated trans-Saharan trade routes for centuries, facilitating the exchange of goods like gold, salt, and slaves. The empire’s influence extended across a vast area, shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region. Later, the French colonial powers arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, consolidating their control over the territory, which became French Equatorial Africa. During the colonial era, the French administration focused primarily on resource extraction and strategic positioning, with limited investment in infrastructure or social development for the local population. Chad gained its independence on August 11, 1960. The post-independence period has been tumultuous, characterized by a series of coups, civil wars, and authoritarian regimes. The country has struggled to establish lasting political stability and democratic governance, often exacerbated by external interference and the exploitation of its natural resources. The ongoing regional conflicts in neighboring Sudan and Libya have also had a destabilizing impact on Chad, leading to large influxes of refugees and further straining its resources. Despite these challenges, the Chadian people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and a strong will to preserve their cultural heritage.
The economy of Chad is predominantly agrarian, with agriculture and livestock raising forming the backbone of its livelihood for a large segment of the population. Cotton, traditionally a major export commodity, and cattle are significant contributors to the economy. However, the agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to climate variability, with recurrent droughts and floods posing a constant threat to food security. In recent decades, the discovery and exploitation of oil have become a crucial, albeit volatile, element of Chad’s economy. Oil revenues represent a significant portion of the national budget, but the country has struggled to effectively manage these resources, often facing issues of corruption and a lack of transparency in their allocation. This reliance on oil also makes Chad’s economy susceptible to fluctuations in global oil prices. Other sectors, such as mining (gold, uranium), are present but less developed. The industrial sector is nascent, primarily focused on processing agricultural products and light manufacturing. Chad faces significant developmental challenges, including widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and a high degree of dependence on foreign aid. Efforts are being made to diversify the economy, improve infrastructure, and attract foreign investment, but progress remains slow and often hampered by political instability and security concerns.
Despite its challenges, Chad possesses a wealth of natural beauty and cultural richness that holds significant potential for tourism, though it remains largely underdeveloped. The country’s diverse geography offers a range of attractions. The Sahara Desert in the north is home to spectacular landscapes, including the Ennedi Plateau, with its unique rock formations and ancient cave paintings, and the Tibesti Mountains, the highest mountain range in the Sahara, offering opportunities for trekking and exploration for the adventurous traveler. These areas are a testament to the region’s ancient past and offer glimpses into early human civilizations. The Zakouma National Park, located in the south, is a jewel of African wildlife conservation. It is one of the last strongholds for elephants, giraffes, lions, and numerous other species, making it a prime destination for ecotourism and wildlife safaris. The park has faced poaching challenges but has seen significant conservation efforts in recent years, leading to a recovery of its animal populations. Lake Chad, despite its reduced size, remains an important ecological and cultural area, supporting fishing communities and providing a unique wetland environment. The capital city, N’Djamena, situated on the banks of the Chari River, offers a glimpse into modern Chadian life, with its bustling markets and blend of traditional and contemporary architecture. Cultural tourism can be explored through visiting vibrant local markets, experiencing traditional music and dance performances, and interacting with the diverse ethnic communities. However, the underdeveloped infrastructure, limited international flight connections, and security concerns in certain regions present significant barriers to widespread tourism. Nevertheless, for those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path travel experiences, Chad offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature and diverse cultures.
Information about Chad
The information comes from the publication CIA The World Factbook.
Automated text translation, excuse errors, please!
Country Chad is situated in a location / continent Africa. Chad has an area of 1 284 000 km2 and 10 975 648 residents. The highest point has a height 3 415 above sea level. and it is called Emi Koussi. The lowest point is located at the level of 160 above sea level and it is named Djourab Depression. System of government is republic and the date of independence 11th August 1960. Chad has the international abbreviation CD.
Chad - economy
Total gross domestic product (GDP) is 19 790 000 000 $. Total gross domestic product per capita in purchasing power parity is 1 900 $. GDP grows by 1.60 % a year. Inflation (consumer price index) is equal to 2.00 % a year. Chad have 4 293 000 working-age population (from a total population 10 975 648 people). Chad issued 7.00 % GDP to healt care and 1,70 % GDP to army. The public debt of the country is 58.80 % GDP. The total amount of foreign debt is 1 769 000 000 USD.
Chad - demography
As suggested above, Chad has 10 975 648 people. Population growth is in the amount 1.98 % per year. Number of children born per 1000 population per year is 38.70.Every mother has average 4.93 children. The infant mortality rate is 93.61 and maternal mortality 1 100.00 deaths per 100,000 births. Average estimated life expectancy makes 48.69 years. Mortality is 15.16 people per 1000 population per year.
Chad - transport and telecommunications
Chad has 40 000 km of roads and 58 airports.
Number of active mobile phones (sim card) in the country Chad is 3 666 000. Number of active fixed telephone lines is 31 200. Chad has 168 100 internet users, who have the available 5 Internet connections. Chad has been assigned a domain first Choose range .td.
Chad - energetics
Chad consumes a year 88 350 000 kWh of electricity. Annual electricity production is 95 000 000 kWh in power plants with a total installed electrical capacity 31 000 kW. Chad exports 0 kWh and imports 0 kWh of electricity per year Energy mix of power generation is as follows: fossil fuels: 100 %, nuclear energy: 0 %, renewable: 0.0 %, hydropower: 0.0 %. The country Chad is harvested annually 123 700 barrels of oil.
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