Editing Chad

{{Short description|Country in North-Central Africa}}
{{About|the country|the given name|Chad (name)|other uses}}
{{Redirect|Tchad|the American record producer|Tchad Blake}}
{{pp-move}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Chad
| common_name            = Chad
| native_name            = {{unbulleted list|{{native name|ar|جمهورية تشاد|italics=off|rtl=yes}}<br />{{resize|85%|{{transliteration|ar|Jumhūriyyat Tšād}}}}|{{native name|fr|République du Tchad}}}}
| image_flag             = Flag of Chad.svg
| image_coat             = Coat of arms of Chad.svg
| symbol_type            = Coat of arms
| national_motto         = {{vunblist |{{native phrase|fr|"Unité, Travail, Progrès"|italics=off}} |{{native phrase|ar|الاتحاد، العمل، التقدم|italics=off}}|"Unity, Work, Progress"}}
| national_anthem        = {{vunblist |{{native phrase|fr|"[[La Tchadienne]]"|nolink=yes|italics=off}} |{{native phrase|ar|نشيد تشاد الوطني|nolink=yes|italics=off}}|"The Song of Chad"}}<div style="padding-top:0.5em;" class="center">[[File:La Tchadienne (instrumental).ogg]]</div>
| image_map              = {{Switcher|[[File: Chad (orthographic projection).svg|frameless]]|Show globe|[[File:Location Chad AU Africa.svg|upright=1.15|frameless]]|Show map of Africa|default=1}} 
| capital                = [[N'Djamena]]
| coordinates            = {{coord|12|06|19|N|15|02|41|E|type:city}}
| largest_city           = capital
| official_languages     = {{hlist|[[Arabic language|Arabic]]|[[French language|French]]}}
| religion               = {{ublist |item_style=white-space:nowrap;
  | 55.1% [[Islam in Chad|Islam]]
  | 41.1% [[Christianity in Chad|Christianity]]
  | 2.4% [[Irreligion|no religion]]
  | 1.3% [[African Traditional Religion|Animism]]
  | 0.1% others
  }}
| religion_year          = 2020
| religion_ref           = <ref name=":religions2020" />
| demonym                = Chadian
| government_type        = Unitary [[Semi-presidential system|semi-presidential republic]] under a [[hereditary dictatorship]]
| leader_title1          = [[List of heads of state of Chad|President]]
| leader_name1           = [[Mahamat Déby]]
| leader_title2          = [[List of prime ministers of Chad|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2           = [[Allamaye Halina]]
| legislature            = Bicameral parliament<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ngarbe |first1=Eluard |title=Le MPS lance sa campagne pour le Sénat |url=https://manara.td/le-mps-lance-sa-campagne-pour-le-senat/ |website=Manara Radio Télévision |language=fr-FR |date=4 February 2025}}</ref>
| upper_house            = [[Senate of Chad|Senate]]
| lower_house            = [[National Assembly of Chad|National Assembly]]
| sovereignty_type       = [[History of Chad|Independence]] from [[France]]
| established_event1     = [[French Chad|Colony]] established
| established_date1      = 5 September 1900
| established_event2     = Autonomy granted
| established_date2      = 28 November 1958
| established_event3     = Sovereign state
| established_date3      = 11 August 1960
| area_km2               = 1,300,000
| area_footnote          = 
| area_rank              = 20th
| area_sq_mi             = 
| percent_water          = 1.9
| population_estimate    = {{Increase}} 19,093,595<ref>{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Chad|access-date=22 June 2023|year=2023}}</ref>
| population_estimate_year = 2024
| population_estimate_rank = 66th
| population_density_km2 = 14.4
| population_density_rank = 
| GDP_PPP                = {{increase}} $32.375 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.TD">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=628,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2023 Edition. (Chad) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=18 October 2023 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104151111/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=628,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year           = 2023
| GDP_PPP_rank           = 147th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita     = {{increase}} $1,806<ref name="IMFWEO.TD" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 179th
| GDP_nominal            = {{increase}} $12.596 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.TD" />
| GDP_nominal_year       = 2023
| GDP_nominal_rank       = 145th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $702<ref name="IMFWEO.TD" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 183rd
| Gini                   = 37.4<!--number only-->
| Gini_year              = 2022
| Gini_change            = decrease <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_ref               = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison/ |title=Gini Index coefficient|publisher=[[The World Factbook]]|access-date=24 September 2024}}</ref>
| HDI                    = 0.416 <!--number only-->
| HDI_year               = 2023 <!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change             = increase<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| HDI_ref                = <ref name="UNHDR">{{cite web|url= https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/specific-country-data#/countries/TCD|title=Human Development Reports 2023/24}}</ref>
| HDI_rank               = 190th
| currency               = [[Central African CFA franc]]
| currency_code          = XAF
| time_zone              = [[West Africa Time|WAT]]
| utc_offset             = +01:00
| calling_code           = [[+235]]
| cctld                  = [[.td]]
| today                  = 
}}

'''Chad''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Chad.ogg|tʃ|æ|d}} {{respell|CHAD}}<br>{{bulleted list|{{langx|ar|تشاد|Tšād}}, {{IPA|ar|tʃaːd}}|{{langx|fr|Tchad}}, {{IPA|fr|tʃa(d)|pron}}}}}} officially the '''Republic of Chad''',{{efn|{{bulleted list|{{langx|ar|جمهورية{{nbsp}}تْشَاد|Jumhūriyyat Tšād}}|{{Langx|fr|République du Tchad}}}}}} is a [[landlocked country]] at the crossroads of [[North Africa|North]] and [[Central Africa]]. It is bordered by [[Libya]] to [[Chad–Libya border|the north]], [[Sudan]] to [[Chad–Sudan border|the east]], the [[Central African Republic]] to [[Central African Republic–Chad border|the south]], [[Cameroon]] to [[Cameroon–Chad border|the southwest]], [[Nigeria]] to [[Chad–Nigeria border|the southwest]] (at [[Lake Chad]]), and [[Niger]] to [[Chad–Niger border|the west]]. Chad has a population of 19&nbsp;million, of which 1.6&nbsp;million live in the [[Capital city|capital]] and largest city of [[N'Djamena]]. With a total area of around {{convert|1,300,000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}},<ref name=area>{{cite web |url=http://www.inseedtchad.com/?Le-TCHAD-en-bref |title=Le TCHAD en bref |language=fr |date=22 July 2013 |publisher=INSEED |access-date=18 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222081746/http://www.inseedtchad.com/?Le-TCHAD-en-bref |archive-date=22 December 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Chad is the fifth-largest country in Africa and the [[List of countries and dependencies by area|twentieth largest nation by area]].

Chad has several regions: the [[Sahara]] desert in the north, an arid zone in the centre known as the [[Sahel]], and a more fertile [[Sudanian Savanna]] zone in the south. [[Lake Chad]], after which the country is named, is the second-largest [[wetland]] in Africa. Chad's official languages are [[Arabic]] and [[French language|French]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glottolog 4.8 – Languages of Chad |url=https://glottolog.org/glottolog/language.map.html?country=TD#6/20.468/142.998 |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=glottolog.org |archive-date=15 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815121032/https://glottolog.org/glottolog/language.map.html?country=TD#6/20.468/142.998 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is home to over 200 [[List of ethnic groups in Chad|ethnic]] and [[Languages of Chad|linguistic groups]]. [[Islam in Chad|Islam]] (55.1%) and [[Christianity in Chad|Christianity]] (41.1%) are the main [[Religion in Chad|religions practiced in Chad]].<ref name=":religions2020">{{cite web |title=Religions in Chad &#124; PEW-GRF |url=http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/chad#/?affiliations_religion_id=0&affiliations_year=2020&region_name=All%20Countries&restrictions_year=2016 |access-date=11 August 2022 |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008065049/http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/chad#/?affiliations_religion_id=0&affiliations_year=2020&region_name=All%20Countries&restrictions_year=2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR90/FR90.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR90/FR90.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=Enquête Démographique et de Santé 1996–1997}}</ref>

Beginning in the 7th millennium BC, human populations moved into the Chadian basin in great numbers. By the end of the 1st millennium AD, a series of states and empires had risen and fallen in Chad's Sahelian strip, each focused on controlling the [[trans-Saharan trade]] routes that passed through the region. France conquered the territory by 1920 and incorporated it as part of [[French Equatorial Africa]]. In 1960, Chad obtained independence under the leadership of [[François Tombalbaye]]. Resentment towards his policies in the Muslim north culminated in the eruption of a long-lasting [[Chadian Civil War (1965–1979)|civil war]] in 1965. In 1979 [[Transitional Government of National Unity (Chad)|the rebels]] conquered the capital and put an end to the South's hegemony. The rebel commanders then fought amongst themselves until [[Hissène Habré]] defeated his rivals. The [[Chadian–Libyan conflict]] erupted in 1978 by the Libyan invasion which stopped in 1987 with a French military intervention ([[Operation Épervier]]). Hissène Habré was overthrown in turn in 1990 by his general [[Idriss Déby]]. With French support, a modernisation of the [[Chad National Army]] was initiated in 1991. From 2003, the [[War in Darfur|Darfur crisis]] in Sudan spilt over the border and [[Chadian Civil War (2005–2010)|destabilised the nation]]. Already poor, the nation struggled to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of [[Sudanese refugees]] in eastern Chad.

While many political parties participated in Chad's legislature, the [[National Assembly (Chad)|National Assembly]], power laid firmly in the hands of the [[Patriotic Salvation Movement]] during the presidency of Idriss Déby, whose rule was described as [[authoritarian]].<ref>{{cite web|date=8 April 2016|title=Chad's authoritarian Deby unwilling to quit|url=https://www.dw.com/en/chads-authoritarian-deby-unwilling-to-quit/a-19173621|access-date=4 August 2020|website=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108165748/https://www.dw.com/en/chads-authoritarian-deby-unwilling-to-quit/a-19173621|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Haynes|first=Suyin|date=28 March 2019|title=This African Country Has Had a Yearlong Ban on Social Media. Here's What's Behind the Blackout|url=https://time.com/5559491/chad-social-media-internet-ban-censorship/|access-date=4 August 2020|magazine=Time|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808075357/https://time.com/5559491/chad-social-media-internet-ban-censorship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Werman|first=Marco|date=5 June 2012|title=ExxonMobil and Chad's Authoritarian Regime: An 'Unholy Bargain'|url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2012-06-05/exxonmobil-and-chads-authoritarian-regime-unholy-bargain|access-date=4 August 2020|website=The World|publisher=Public Radio International|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022155052/https://www.pri.org/stories/2012-06-05/exxonmobil-and-chads-authoritarian-regime-unholy-bargain|url-status=live}}</ref> After President Déby was killed by [[Front for Change and Concord in Chad|FACT rebels]] in April 2021, the [[Transitional Military Council (Chad)|Transitional Military Council]] led by his son [[Mahamat Déby Itno|Mahamat Déby]] assumed control of the government and dissolved the Assembly.<ref name=":2" /> Chad remains plagued by [[political violence]] and recurrent attempted [[coup d'état|coups d'état]]. Chad ranks the 4th lowest in the [[Human Development Index]] and is among the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|poorest]] and [[Corruption Perceptions Index|most corrupt]] countries. Most of its inhabitants live in poverty as [[Agriculture in Chad|subsistence herders and farmers]]. Since 2003 crude oil has become the country's primary source of export earnings. Chad has a poor [[Human rights in Chad|human rights record]].

== History ==
{{main|History of Chad}}

=== Early history ===
In the [[7th millennium BC]], ecological conditions in the northern half of Chadian territory favoured human settlement, and its population increased considerably. Some of the most important [[African archaeology|African archaeological]] sites are found in Chad, mainly in the [[Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti Region]]; some date to earlier than 2000 BC.<ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], pp. 44–45</ref><ref name="Collelo">S. Collelo, ''Chad''</ref>

[[File:Group of Kanem-Bu warriors.jpg|thumb|Group of Kanem-Bu warriors. The [[Kanem–Bornu Empire]] controlled almost all of what is today Chad|left]]

For more than 2,000 years, the Chadian Basin has been inhabited by agricultural and [[sedentism|sedentary]] people. The region became a crossroads of civilisations. The earliest of these was the legendary [[Sao civilisation|Sao]], known from artifacts and oral histories. The Sao fell to the [[Kanem Empire]],<ref name=Lange88>D. Lange 1988</ref><ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], p. 6</ref> the first and longest-lasting of the empires that developed in Chad's [[Sahel]]ian strip by the end of the 1st millennium AD. Two other states in the region, [[Sultanate of Bagirmi]] and [[Wadai Empire]], emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries. The power of Kanem and its successors was based on control of the [[trans-Saharan trade]] routes that passed through the region.<ref name="Collelo"/> These states, at least tacitly [[Islam in Africa|Muslim]], never extended their control to the southern grasslands except to raid for slaves.<ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], pp. 7–8</ref> In Kanem, about a third of the population were slaves.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/blackhistory/article-24157 |title=Welcome to Encyclopædia Britannica's Guide to Black History |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=29 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006131931/https://www.britannica.com/blackhistory/article-24157 |archive-date=6 October 2014}}</ref>

=== French colonial period (1900–1960) ===
{{Main|French Chad}}
French colonial expansion led to the creation of the {{lang|fr|Territoire Militaire des Pays et Protectorats du Tchad}} in 1900. By 1920, France had secured full control of the colony and incorporated it as part of [[French Equatorial Africa]].<ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], pp. 8, 309</ref> [[Colonial Chad|French rule in Chad]] was characterised by an absence of policies to unify the territory and sluggish modernisation compared to other French colonies.<ref name="Decalo, pp. 8–9">[[#Decalo|Decalo]], pp. 8–9</ref>

The French primarily viewed the colony as an unimportant source of untrained labour and raw [[cotton]]; France introduced large-scale cotton production in 1929. The colonial administration in Chad was critically understaffed and had to rely on the dregs of the French civil service. Only the [[Sara people|Sara]] of the south was governed effectively; French presence in the Islamic north and east was nominal. The educational system was affected by this neglect.<ref name="Collelo"/><ref name="Decalo, pp. 8–9"/>

The French administration's focus on cotton led to the formation of a precarious underclass of poorly-paid rural workers, a decrease in food production and even to [[Famine|famines]] in some areas.<ref name="lemarchand">{{cite journal |last=Lemarchand |first=René |author-link=René Lemarchand |date=1980 |title=The Politics of Sara Ethnicity : A Note on the Origins of the Civil War in Chad |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/cea_0008-0055_1980_num_20_80_2328 |journal=[[Cahiers d'Études Africaines|Cahiers d'études africaines]] |volume=20 |issue=80 |pages=455–456 |doi=10.3406/cea.1980.2328 |access-date=25 February 2025}}</ref> Tensions between farmers and elites culminated in the 1952 [[Bébalem massacre]] by colonial authorities.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last=Debos |first=Marielle |date=2009 |title=Chad 1900-1960 |url=https://shs.hal.science/halshs-01104080/file/Chad-1900-1960.pdf |encyclopedia=[[Online Encyclopedia of Mass Violence]] |page=8-9 |access-date=25 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lanne|first=Bernard|title=Histoire politique du Tchad de 1945 à 1958. Administration, partis, élections|location=Paris|publisher=[[Éditions Karthala|Karthala]]|page=197-218|isbn=9782865378838}}</ref>

[[File:Chadian soldier of WWII.jpg|thumb|left|A Chadian soldier fighting for [[Free French Forces|Free France]] during [[World War II]]. The Free French Forces included 15,000 soldiers from Chad<ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], p. 53</ref>]]
After [[World War II]], France granted Chad the status of [[Overseas France|overseas territory]] and its inhabitants the right to elect representatives to the [[National Assembly (France)|National Assembly]] and a [[National Assembly (Chad)|Chadian assembly]]. The largest political party was the [[Chadian Progressive Party]] ({{langx|fr|Parti Progressiste Tchadien}}, PPT), based in the southern half of the colony. Chad was granted independence on 11 August 1960 with the PPT's leader, [[François Tombalbaye]], an ethnic [[Sara people|Sara]], as its first [[Heads of state of Chad|president]].<ref name="Collelo"/><ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], pp. 248–249</ref><ref>[[#Nolutshungu|Nolutshungu]], p. 17</ref>

=== Tombalbaye rule (1960–1979) ===
Two years later, Tombalbaye banned opposition parties and established a one-party system. Tombalbaye's autocratic rule and insensitive mismanagement exacerbated inter-ethnic tensions. In 1965, Muslims in the north, led by the [[FROLINAT|National Liberation Front of Chad]] ({{langx|fr|Front de libération nationale du Tchad}}, FRONILAT), began a [[Transitional Government of National Unity (Chad)|civil war]]. Tombalbaye was [[1975 Chadian coup d'état|overthrown and killed]] in 1975,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071012172429/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,917376,00.html "Death of a Dictator"], ''Time'', (28 April 1975). Accessed on 3 September 2007.</ref> but the insurgency continued. In 1979 the rebel factions led by [[Hissène Habré]] took the capital, and all central authority in the country collapsed. Armed factions, many from the north's rebellion, contended for power.<ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], pp. 12–16</ref><ref>[[#Nolutshungu|Nolutshungu]], p. 268</ref>

=== Chad's first civil war (1979–1987) ===
The disintegration of Chad caused the collapse of France's position in the country. [[Libya]] moved to fill the power vacuum and became [[Chadian-Libyan conflict|involved in Chad's civil war]].<ref>[[#Nolutshungu|Nolutshungu]], p. 150</ref> Libya's adventure [[Toyota War|ended in disaster]] in 1987; the French-supported president, [[Hissène Habré]], evoked a united response from Chadians of a kind never seen before<ref>[[#Nolutshungu|Nolutshungu]], p. 230</ref> and forced the Libyan army off Chadian soil.<ref>[[Kenneth Pollack|Pollack, Kenneth M.]] (2002); ''[[iarchive:arabsatwarmilita0000poll/page/391/mode/2up|Arabs at War: Military Effectiveness, 1948–1991]]''. Lincoln: [[University of Nebraska Press]]. {{ISBN|0-8032-3733-2}}, pp. 391–397</ref>

=== Dictatorship of Habré (1987–1990) ===
Habré consolidated his dictatorship through a power system that relied on corruption and violence with thousands of people estimated to have been killed under his rule.<ref>Macedo, Stephen (2006); ''Universal Jurisdiction: National Courts and the Prosecution of Serious Crimes Under International Law''. University of Pennsylvania Press. {{ISBN|0-8122-1950-3}}, pp. 133–134</ref><ref>[https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AFR20/004/2001/en "Chad: the Habré Legacy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113041028/http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AFR20/004/2001/en |date=13 January 2015 }}. [[Amnesty International]]. 16 October 2001.</ref> The president favoured his own [[Toubou people|Toubou]] ethnic group and discriminated against his former allies, the [[Zaghawa people|Zaghawa]]. His general, [[Idriss Déby]], overthrew him in 1990.<ref>[[#Nolutshungu|Nolutshungu]], pp. 234–237</ref> Attempts to prosecute Habré led to his placement under house arrest in [[Senegal]] in 2005; in 2013, Habré was formally charged with war crimes committed during his rule.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chad ex-leader Habre charged in Senegal with war crimes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23153532 |publisher=BBC |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=2 July 2013 |archive-date=3 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703014035/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23153532 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2016, he was found guilty of human-rights abuses, including rape, sexual slavery, and ordering the killing of 40,000 people, and sentenced to life in prison.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36411466| title = Hissène Habré: Chad's ex-ruler convicted of crimes against humanity| year = 2016| publisher = BBC| access-date = 21 July 2018| archive-date = 12 July 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180712195314/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36411466| url-status = live}}</ref>

=== Déby lineage & democracy with second Civil War (1990–present) ===
[[File:Idriss Déby at the White House in 2014.jpg|thumb|upright|Despite internal political opposition, coup attempts, and a civil war, [[Idriss Déby]] continuously ruled Chad from 1990 until his death in 2021]]

Déby attempted to reconcile the rebel groups and reintroduced multiparty politics. Chadians approved a [[Constitution of Chad|new constitution]] by [[1996 Chadian constitutional referendum|referendum]], and in 1996, Déby easily won a [[Chadian presidential election, 1996|competitive presidential election]]. He won a [[Chadian presidential election, 2001|second term]] five years later.<ref>East, Roger & Richard J. Thomas (2003); ''Profiles of People in Power: The World's Government Leaders''. Routledge. {{ISBN|1-85743-126-X}}, p. 100</ref> [[Petroleum|Oil]] exploitation began in Chad in 2003, bringing with it hopes that Chad would, at last, have some chances of peace and prosperity. Instead, internal dissent worsened, and a [[War in Chad (2005–present)|new civil war]] broke out. Déby [[Chadian constitutional referendum, 2005|unilaterally modified the constitution]] to remove the two-term limit on the presidency; this caused an uproar among the civil society and opposition parties.<ref>IPS, "{{lang|fr|Le pétrole au cœur des nouveaux soubresauts au Tchad}}"</ref>

In 2006 Déby won [[Chadian presidential election, 2006|a third mandate]] in elections that the opposition boycotted. Ethnic violence in eastern Chad has increased; the [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]] has warned that a [[genocide]] like that in [[Darfur conflict|Darfur]] may yet occur in Chad.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6367545.stm Chad may face genocide, UN warns] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621153807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6367545.stm |date=21 June 2022 }}. BBC News, 16 February 2007</ref> [[Battle of N'Djamena (2006)|In 2006]] and [[Battle of N'Djamena (2008)|in 2008]] rebel forces attempted to take the capital by force, but failed on both occasions.<ref>{{cite news | title=Chad's leader asserts he controls | date=6 February 2008 | agency=Associated Press | newspaper=USA Today | url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-02-06-chad_N.htm}}</ref> An agreement for the restoration of harmony between Chad and Sudan, signed 15 January 2010, marked the end of a five-year war.<ref>{{cite book|title=World Report 2011: Chad|date=24 January 2011|url=https://www.hrw.org/en/world-report-2011/chad|publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=6 June 2011|archive-date=28 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828072906/http://www.hrw.org/en/world-report-2011/chad|url-status=dead}}</ref> The fix in relations led to the Chadian rebels from Sudan returning home, the opening of the border between the two countries after seven years of closure, and the deployment of a joint force to secure the border. In May 2013, security forces in Chad foiled a coup against President [[Idriss Déby]] that had been in preparation for several months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chad government foils coup attempt – minister |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-chad-coup-idUKBRE94101H20130502 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306101129/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-chad-coup-idUKBRE94101H20130502 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2016 |publisher=[[Reuters]] |year=2013}}</ref>

Chad is one of the leading partners in a [[Multinational Joint Task Force|West African coalition]] in the [[Boko Haram insurgency|fight]] against [[Boko Haram]] and other Islamist militants.<ref name=":1" /> Chad's army announced the death of Déby on 20 April 2021, following an [[2021 Northern Chad offensive|incursion]] in the northern region by the [[Front for Change and Concord in Chad|FACT]] group, during which the president was killed amid fighting on the front lines.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |title=Chad's president Idriss Déby dies 'in clashes with rebels' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56815708 |publisher=BBC News |date=20 April 2021 |access-date=20 April 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420200202/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56815708 |url-status=live }}</ref> Déby's son, [[Mahamat Déby Itno|General Mahamat Idriss Déby]], has been named interim president by a [[Transitional Military Council (Chad)|Transitional Council of military officers]]. That transitional council has replaced the [[Constitution of Chad|Constitution]] with a new charter, granting Mahamat Déby the powers of the presidency and naming him head of the armed forces.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|last=Ramadane|first=Madjiasra Nako, Mahamat|date=21 April 2021|title=Chad in turmoil after Deby death as rebels, opposition challenge military|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chad-deby-idUSKBN2C818G|access-date=21 April 2021|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421153549/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chad-deby-idUSKBN2C818G|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 May 2024, Mahamat  Idriss Déby was sworn in as [[President of Chad]] after the disputed 6 May [[2024 Chadian presidential election|election]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Chad transitional ruler inaugurated amid legitimacy concerns |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/chad-swears-in-president-ending-years-of-military-rule/7624040.html |work=Voice of America |date=23 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of Chad}}
[[File:Chad sat.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Chad is divided into three distinct zones, the [[Sudanian savanna]] in the south, the [[Sahara]] in the north, and the [[Sahelian]] belt in the centre]]
Chad is a large landlocked country spanning north-central [[Africa]]. It covers an area of {{convert|1284000|km2|sqmi}},<ref name=area/> lying between latitudes [[7th parallel north|7°]] and [[24th parallel north|24°N]], and [[13th meridian east|13°]] and [[24th meridian east|24°E]],<ref name="EB">"Chad". ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''. (2000)</ref> and is the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|twentieth-largest country]] in the world. Chad is, by size, slightly smaller than [[Peru]] and slightly larger than South Africa.<ref name=cia>CIA, "Chad", 2009</ref><ref>"[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html Rank Order – Area] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209041128/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html |date=9 February 2014 }}". ''The World Factbook''. United States Central Intelligence Agency.</ref>

Chad is bounded to the north by [[Libya]], to the east by [[Sudan]], to the west by [[Niger]], [[Nigeria]] and [[Cameroon]], and to the south by the [[Central African Republic]]. The country's capital is {{convert|1060|km|mi}} from the nearest seaport, [[Douala]], Cameroon.<ref name="EB"/><ref name="UNHCHR">"[http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/0/48f4be12f6c55e5a802565cd005d4e0e?Opendocument Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929155418/http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/0/48f4be12f6c55e5a802565cd005d4e0e?Opendocument |date=29 September 2007 }}". Human Rights Instruments. [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights]]. 12 December 1997.</ref> Because of this distance from the sea and the country's largely [[desert]] climate, Chad is sometimes referred to as the "Dead Heart of Africa".<ref>{{cite journal | journal = South African Journal of Economics | volume = 60 | issue= 4 | pages = 246–255 |date = December 1992 | title = S.H. Frankel: Reminiscences of an Economist (Review Article) | author = Botha, D.J.J.|doi=10.1111/j.1813-6982.1992.tb01049.x |issn=0038-2280}}</ref>

The dominant physical structure is a wide basin bounded to the north and east by the [[Ennedi Plateau]] and [[Tibesti Mountains]], which include [[Emi Koussi]], a dormant [[volcano]] that reaches {{convert|3414|m|ft|0}} above sea level. [[Lake Chad]], after which the country is named (and which in turn takes its name from the [[Kanuri language|Kanuri]] word for "lake"<ref>Kperogi, F.A. (2015) ''Glocal English: The Changing Face and Forms of Nigerian English in a Global World.'' Peter Lang, {{ISBN|978-1-4331-2926-1}}, p. 59.</ref>), is the remains of an immense lake that occupied {{convert|330000|km2|sqmi}} of the [[Chad Basin]] 7,000 years ago.<ref name="EB"/> Although in the 21st century it covers only {{convert|17806|km2|sqmi}}, and its surface area is subject to heavy seasonal fluctuations,<ref>"Chad, Lake". ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. (2000).
</ref> the lake is Africa's second largest wetland.<ref>Dinar, Ariel (1995); ''Restoring and Protecting the World's Lakes and Reservoirs''. World Bank Publications. {{ISBN|0-8213-3321-6}}, p. 57</ref>

Chad is home to six terrestrial ecoregions: [[East Sudanian savanna]], [[Sahelian Acacia savanna]], [[Lake Chad flooded savanna]], [[East Saharan montane xeric woodlands]], [[South Saharan steppe and woodlands]], and [[Tibesti-Jebel Uweinat montane xeric woodlands]].<ref name="DinersteinOlson2017">{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287|doi-access=free}}</ref> The region's tall grasses and extensive marshes make it favourable for birds, reptiles, and large mammals. Chad's major rivers—the [[Chari River|Chari]], [[Logone River|Logone]] and their tributaries—flow through the southern savannas from the southeast into Lake Chad.<ref name="EB"/><ref>{{in lang|fr}} Chapelle, Jean (1981) ''Le Peuple Tchadien: ses racines et sa vie quotidienne''. Paris: L'Harmattan. {{ISBN|2-85802-169-4}}, pp. 10–16</ref>

Each year a tropical weather system known as the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone|intertropical front]] crosses Chad from south to north, bringing a [[wet season]] that lasts from May to October in the south, and from June to September in the Sahel.<ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], p. 3</ref> Variations in local rainfall create three major geographical zones. The [[Sahara]] lies in the country's northern third. Yearly precipitations throughout this belt are under {{convert|50|mm|in}}; only occasional spontaneous palm groves survive, all of them south of the [[Tropic of Cancer]].<ref name="UNHCHR"/>

The Sahara gives way to a [[Sahel]]ian belt in Chad's centre; precipitation there varies from {{convert|300|to|600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} per year. In the Sahel, a steppe of thorny bushes (mostly [[acacia]]s) gradually gives way to the south to [[East Sudanian savanna]] in Chad's [[Sudan (region)|Sudanese]] zone. Yearly rainfall in this belt is over {{convert|900|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="UNHCHR"/>

=== Wildlife ===
{{Main|Wildlife of Chad}}

[[File:African Bush Elephant Mikumi.jpg|thumb|An [[African bush elephant]]]]

Chad's animal and plant life correspond to the three climatic zones. In the Saharan region, the only flora is the date-palm groves of the oasis. Palms and [[acacia tree]]s grow in the Sahelian region. The southern, or Sudanic, zone consists of broad grasslands or prairies suitable for grazing. {{as of|2002|post=,}} there were at least 134 species of mammals, 509 species of birds (354 species of residents and 155 migrants), and over 1,600 species of plants throughout the country.<ref name=Bird/><ref name=Flora>{{cite journal|url=https://www.pensoft.net/journal_home_page.php?journal_id=3&page=article&SESID=98556166bbcb445ae7ccd99343b1434e&type=show&article_id=4752&issue_id=410&ttar=da&search=wildlife%20of%20chad&IN=&TIP=&Image100_x=-678&Image100_y=-48&|title=The Flora of Chad: a checklist and brief analysis|year=2013|access-date=17 October 2013|publisher=Pensoft.net|doi=10.3897/phytokeys.23.4752|last1=Brundu|first1=Giuseppe|last2=Camarda|first2=Ignazio|journal=PhytoKeys|issue=23|pages=1–18|pmid=23805051|pmc=3690977|doi-access=free|bibcode=2013PhytK..23....1B |archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211090905/https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=1546|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Elephant]]s, [[lion]]s, [[African buffalo|buffalo]], [[hippopotamus]]es, [[rhinoceros]]es, [[giraffe]]s, [[antelope]]s, [[leopard]]s, [[cheetah]]s, [[hyena]]s, and many species of [[snake]]s are found here, although most large carnivore populations have been drastically reduced since the early 20th century.<ref name=Bird>{{cite web|url=http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/userfiles/file/IBAs/AfricaCntryPDFs/Chad.pdf|title=Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands – Chad|access-date=16 October 2013|publisher=Birdlife International Organization|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911042144/http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/userfiles/file/IBAs/AfricaCntryPDFs/Chad.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="LTQ">{{cite web|url=http://library.thinkquest.org/16645/the_land/chad_plant.shtml|title=Plant and Animal Life|publisher=The Living Africa|access-date=17 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228215847/http://library.thinkquest.org/16645/the_land/chad_plant.shtml|archive-date=28 December 2013}}</ref> [[Elephant hunting in Chad|Elephant poaching]], particularly in the south of the country in areas such as [[Zakouma National Park]], is a severe problem. The small group of surviving [[West African crocodile]]s in the [[Ennedi Plateau]] represents one of the last colonies known in the Sahara today.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Brito|first1=José C.|last2=Martínez-Freiría|first2=Fernando|last3=Sierra|first3=Pablo|last4=Sillero|first4=Neftalí|last5=Tarroso|first5=Pedro|last6=Fenton|first6=Brock|title=Crocodiles in the Sahara Desert: An Update of Distribution, Habitats and Population Status for Conservation Planning in Mauritania|journal=[[PLOS ONE]]|date=25 February 2011|volume=6|issue=2|pages=e14734|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0014734|pmc=3045445|pmid=21364897|bibcode=2011PLoSO...614734B|doi-access=free}}</ref>

In Chad [[forest cover]] is around 3% of the total land area, equivalent to 4,313,000 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, down from 6,730,000 hectares (ha) in 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 4,293,000 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 19,800 hectares (ha). For the year 2015, 100% of the forest area was reported to be under [[State ownership|public ownership]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Chad |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/TCD/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}</ref>

Chad had a 2018 [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]] mean score of 6.18/10, ranking it 83rd globally out of 172 countries.<ref name="FLII-Supplementary">{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|last15=Ervin|first15=J.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first17=E.|last18=Goetz|first18=S.|last19=Hansen|first19=A.|last20=Hofsvang|first20=E.|last21=Jantz|first21=P.|last22=Jupiter|first22=S.|last23=Kang|first23=A.|last24=Langhammer|first24=P.|last25=Laurance|first25=W. F.|last26=Lieberman|first26=S.|last27=Linkie|first27=M.|last28=Malhi|first28=Y.|last29=Maxwell|first29=S.|last30=Mendez|first30=M.|last31=Mittermeier|first31=R.|last32=Murray|first32=N. J.|last33=Possingham|first33=H.|last34=Radachowsky|first34=J.|last35=Saatchi|first35=S.|last36=Samper|first36=C.|last37=Silverman|first37=J.|last38=Shapiro|first38=A.|last39=Strassburg|first39=B.|last40=Stevens|first40=T.|last41=Stokes|first41=E.|last42=Taylor|first42=R.|last43=Tear|first43=T.|last44=Tizard|first44=R.|last45=Venter|first45=O.|last46=Visconti|first46=P.|last47=Wang|first47=S.|last48=Watson|first48=J. E. M.|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|page=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G |doi-access=free}}</ref> Extensive deforestation has resulted in loss of trees such as acacias, baobab, dates and palm trees. This has also caused loss of natural habitat for wild animals; one of the main reasons for this is also hunting and livestock farming by increasing human settlements. Populations of animals like lions, leopards and rhino have fallen significantly.<ref name="Our">{{cite web|url=http://www.our-africa.org/chad/geography-wildlife|title=Our Africa|access-date=17 October 2013|publisher=Our Africa organization|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017232715/http://www.our-africa.org/chad/geography-wildlife|url-status=live}}</ref>

Efforts have been made by the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] to improve relations between farmers, agro-pastoralists and pastoralists in the Zakouma National Park (ZNP), Siniaka-Minia, and Aouk reserve in southeastern Chad to promote sustainable development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fao.org/agriculture/lead/themes0/drylands/chad1/en/|title=Livestock-wildlife-environment interactions in Chad|publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization|access-date=17 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019103202/http://www.fao.org/agriculture/lead/themes0/drylands/chad1/en/|archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> As part of the national conservation effort, more than 1.2&nbsp;million trees have been replanted to check the advancement of the desert, which incidentally also helps the local economy by way of financial return from acacia trees, which produce [[gum arabic]], and also from fruit trees.<ref name=Our/>

Poaching is a serious problem in the country, particularly of elephants for the profitable [[ivory]] industry and a threat to lives of rangers even in the national parks such as Zakouma. Elephants are often massacred in herds in and around the parks by organized poaching.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.co.uk/news/2006/08/060830-elephants-chad.html |title=African Elephants Slaughtered in Herds Near Chad Wildlife Park |magazine=National Geographic |date=30 August 2006 |access-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017173341/http://news.nationalgeographic.co.uk/news/2006/08/060830-elephants-chad.html |archive-date=17 October 2013 }}</ref> The problem is worsened by the fact that the parks are understaffed and that a number of wardens have been murdered by poachers.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/01/world/africa/central-africas-wildlife-rangers-face-deadly-risks.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1382003098-yauBx4MSdHcb4DxeUgSrUw|title=Rangers in Isolated Central Africa Uncover Grim Cost of Protecting Wildlife|newspaper=The New York Times|date=31 December 2012|access-date=17 October 2013|archive-date=17 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717201107/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/01/world/africa/central-africas-wildlife-rangers-face-deadly-risks.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1382003098-yauBx4MSdHcb4DxeUgSrUw|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Demographics ==

{{main|Demographics of Chad}}
[[File:Well of the Young Girls in the Ennedi Mountains - northeastern Chad 2015.jpg|thumb|[[Toubou people|Toubou]] nomads in the [[Ennedi Plateau|Ennedi Mountains]] ]]
Chad's national statistical agency projected the country's 2015 population between 13,630,252 and 13,679,203, with 13,670,084 as its medium projection; based on the medium projection, 3,212,470 people lived in urban areas and 10,457,614 people lived in rural areas.<ref name="INSEEDproj">{{Cite report |date=July 2014 |title=Projections demographiques 2009–2050 Tome 1: Niveau national |language=fr |url=http://www.inseedtchad.com/IMG/pdf/projections_demographiques_nationales.pdf |publisher=INSEED |page=7 |access-date=18 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222154146/http://www.inseedtchad.com/IMG/pdf/projections_demographiques_nationales.pdf |archive-date=22 December 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The country's population is young: an estimated 47% is under 15. The birth rate is estimated at 42.35 births per 1,000 people, and the mortality rate at 16.69. The life expectancy is 52 years.<ref>"[http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN Life expectancy at birth, total (years)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010232815/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN |date=10 October 2017 }}". October 2016. [[World Bank]]</ref> The agency assessed the population as at mid 2017 at 15,775,400, of whom just over 1.5 million were in N'Djaména.

Chad's population is unevenly distributed. Density is {{convert|0.1|/km2|abbr=on}} in the Saharan [[Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti Region]] but {{convert|52.4|/km2|abbr=on}} in the [[Logone Occidental Region]]. In the capital, it is even higher.<ref name="UNHCHR"/> About half of the nation's population lives in the southern fifth of its territory, making this the most densely populated region.<ref>"[http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADE389.pdf Chad Livelihood Profiles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504133937/http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADE389.pdf |date=4 May 2012 }}" (PDF). March 2005. [[United States Agency for International Development]].</ref>

Urban life is concentrated in the capital, whose population is mostly engaged in commerce. The other major towns are [[Sarh]], [[Moundou]], [[Abéché]] and [[Doba, Chad|Doba]], which are considerably smaller but growing rapidly in population and economic activity.<ref name="EB"/> Since 2003, 230,000 [[Sudanese refugees in Chad|Sudanese refugees]] have fled to eastern Chad from war-ridden Darfur. With the 172,600 Chadians displaced by the civil war in the east, this has generated increased tensions among the region's communities.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/funding/decisions/2008/chad_gp_01000_en.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/funding/decisions/2008/chad_gp_01000_en.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live | title=COMMISSION DECISION of on the financing of a Global Plan for humanitarian operations from the budget of the European Union in CHAD | publisher=European Commission | year=2008}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/fullMaps_Af.nsf/luFullMap/387875A9DF1816A78525725F005D5397/$File/chad_final.pdf?OpenElement Chad: Humanitarian Profile – 2006/2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714031528/http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/fullMaps_Af.nsf/luFullMap/387875A9DF1816A78525725F005D5397/$File/chad_final.pdf?OpenElement |date=14 July 2007 }}" (PDF). 8 January 2007. [[Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]].</ref>

[[Polygamy]] is common, with 39% of women living in such unions. This is sanctioned by law, which automatically permits polygamy unless spouses specify that this is unacceptable upon marriage.<ref>"[http://www.reproductiverights.org/pdf/chad.pdf Chad] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614080601/http://www.reproductiverights.org/pdf/chad.pdf |date=14 June 2007 }}" (PDF). ''Women of the World: Laws and Policies Affecting Their Reproductive Lives – Francophone Africa''. [[Center for Reproductive Rights]]. 2000</ref> Although violence against women is prohibited, domestic violence is common. [[Female genital cutting|Female genital mutilation]] is also prohibited, but the practice is widespread and deeply rooted in tradition; 45% of Chadian women undergo the procedure, with the highest rates among [[Arab]]s, [[Hadjarai]], and Ouaddaians (90% or more). Lower percentages were reported among the [[Sara people|Sara]] (38%) and the [[Toubou]] (2%). Women lack equal opportunities in education and training, making it difficult for them to compete for the relatively few formal-sector jobs. Although property and inheritance laws based on the French code do not discriminate against women, local leaders adjudicate most inheritance cases in favour of men, according to traditional practice.<ref name="HRP"/>

===Largest cities, towns, and municipalities===
{| class="wikitable"  
|+ Cities of Chad
! rowspan="2"|Rank || rowspan="2"| City || colspan="2"| Population || rowspan="2"| Region
|- 
! 1993 Census<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.inseed-td.net/index.php/blog-with-right-sidebar/document/send/7-documents-et-publications-demographique/20-indicateurs-globaux-issus-du-rgph2-97-dg-94-couleur-28mp-22 |title=INSEED-TCHAD – Document |publisher=Inseed-td.net |date=24 April 2018 |access-date=24 May 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228022216/http://www.inseed-td.net/index.php/blog-with-right-sidebar/document/send/7-documents-et-publications-demographique/20-indicateurs-globaux-issus-du-rgph2-97-dg-94-couleur-28mp-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref> || 2009 Census<ref name="auto"/>
|-
|align=right | 1. || [[N'Djamena]] || align=right | 530,965 || align=right | 951,418 || [[N'Djamena]]
|-
|align=right | 2. || [[Moundou]] || align=right | 99,530 || align=right | 137,251 || [[Logone Occidental (region)|Logone Occidental]]
|-
|align=right | 3. || [[Abéché]] || align=right | 54,628 || align=right | 97,963 || [[Ouaddaï Region|Ouaddaï]]
|-
|align=right | 4. || [[Sarh]] || align=right | 75,496 || align=right | 97,224 || [[Moyen-Chari Region|Moyen-Chari]]
|-
|align=right | 5. || [[Kélo]] || align=right | 31,319 || align=right | 57,859 || [[Tandjilé Region|Tandjilé]]
|-
|align=right | 6. || [[Am Timan]] || align=right | 21,269 || align=right | 52,270 || [[Salamat Region|Salamat]]
|-
|align=right | 7. || [[Doba, Chad|Doba]] || align=right | 17,920 || align=right | 49,647 || [[Logone Oriental Region|Logone Oriental]]
|-
|align=right | 8. || [[Pala, Chad|Pala]] || align=right | 26,116 || align=right | 49,461 || [[Mayo-Kebbi Ouest]]
|-
|align=right | 9. || [[Bongor]] || align=right | 20,448 || align=right | 44,578 || [[Mayo-Kebbi Est]]
|-
|align=right | 10. || [[Goz Beïda]] || align=right | 3,083 || align=right | 41,248 || [[Sila Region|Sila]]
|}
In the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Chad ranks 125th out of the 127 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2024 GHI scores, having a score of 36.4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Hunger Index Scores by 2024 GHI Rank |url=https://www.globalhungerindex.org/ranking.html |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Global Hunger Index (GHI) – peer-reviewed annual publication designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels |language=en}}</ref>

=== Ethnic groups===
{{main|Ethnic groups in Chad}}
[[File:Danse fille mboum Tchad.jpg|thumb|Mboum girls dancing in Chad]]
The peoples of Chad carry significant ancestry from [[East Africa|Eastern]], [[Central Africa|Central]], [[West Africa|Western]], and [[North Africa|Northern Africa]].<ref>{{cite journal|date=1 December 2016|title=Chad Genetic Diversity Reveals an African History Marked by Multiple Holocene Eurasian Migrations|journal=The American Journal of Human Genetics |volume=99 |issue=6 |pages=1316–1324 |doi=10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.10.012 |pmid=27889059 |issn=0002-9297|last1=Haber|first1=Marc|last2=Mezzavilla|first2=Massimo|last3=Bergström|first3=Anders|last4=Prado-Martinez|first4=Javier|last5=Hallast|first5=Pille|last6=Saif-Ali|first6=Riyadh|last7=Al-Habori |first7=Molham |last8=Dedoussis|first8=George|last9=Zeggini|first9=Eleftheria|last10=Blue-Smith |first10=Jason |last11=Wells |first11=R. Spencer|last12=Xue|first12=Yali|last13=Zalloua|first13=Pierre A.|last14=Tyler-Smith |first14=Chris |pmc=5142112}}</ref>

Chad has more than 200 distinct ethnic groups,<ref name="BGN"/> which create diverse social structures. The colonial administration and independent governments have attempted to impose a national society, but for most Chadians the local or regional society remains the most important influence outside the immediate family. Nevertheless, Chad's people may be classified according to the geographical region in which they live.<ref name="Collelo"/><ref name="EB"/>

In the south live sedentary people such as the [[Sara people|Sara]], the nation's main ethnic group, whose essential [[Social group|social unit]] is the lineage. In the Sahel, sedentary peoples live side by side with nomadic ones, such as the Arabs, the country's second major ethnic group. The north is inhabited by nomads, mostly [[Toubous]].<ref name="Collelo"/><ref name="EB"/>

=== Languages ===
{{main|Languages of Chad}}
Chad's official languages are [[Arabic]] and [[French language|French]], but over 100 languages are spoken. The [[Chadic languages|Chadic branch]] of the [[Afroasiatic languages|Afroasiatic]] [[language family]] gets its name from Chad, and is represented by dozens of languages native to the country. Chad is also home to [[Central Sudanic languages|Central Sudanic]], [[Maban languages|Maban]], and several [[Niger–Congo languages|Niger-Congo]] languages.

Due to the important role played by itinerant Arab traders and settled merchants in local communities, [[Chadian Arabic]] has become a [[lingua franca]].<ref name="Collelo" />

=== Religion ===
{{main|Religion in Chad}}
Chad is a religiously diverse country. Various estimates, including from [[Pew Research Center|Pew Research]] in 2010, found that 52–58% of the population was Muslim, while 39–44% were Christian,<ref name="auto1"/> with 22% being Catholic and a further 17% being Protestant.<ref name="Pew Christians">{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/table-christian-population-as-percentages-of-total-population-by-country/|title=Table: Christian Population as Percentages of Total Population by Country|date=19 December 2011|publisher=Pew Research Center|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511124911/http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/table-christian-population-as-percentages-of-total-population-by-country/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Pew Muslims">{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2011/01/27/table-muslim-population-by-country/|title=Table: Muslim Population by Country|date=27 January 2011|publisher=Pew Research Center|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406100706/http://www.pewforum.org/2011/01/27/table-muslim-population-by-country/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a 2012 Pew Research survey, 48% of Muslim Chadians professed to be [[Sunni]], 21% [[Shia]], 4% [[Ahmadiyya|Ahmadi]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} and 23% [[non-denominational Muslim]]. Islam is expressed in diverse ways; for example, 55% of Muslim Chadians belong to [[Sufism|Sufi]] [[tariqa|orders]]. Its most common expression is the [[Tijaniyah]], an order followed by the 35% of Chadian Muslims which incorporates some local African religious elements.<ref name="pew128">{{cite web | title=The World's Muslims: Unity and Diversity | url=http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Muslim/the-worlds-muslims-full-report.pdf  | access-date=2 June 2014 | date=9 August 2012 | publisher=Pew Forum on Religious & Public life | pages=128–129 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024125551/http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Muslim/the-worlds-muslims-full-report.pdf | archive-date=24 October 2012 | url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020, the [[Association of Religion Data Archives|ARDA]] estimated the vast majority of Muslims Chadians to be Sunni belonging to the Sufi brotherhood Tijaniyah.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=Religious demographics (Chad) |url=https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=45c |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=[[Association of Religion Data Archives]] |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929005616/https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=45c |url-status=live }}</ref> A small minority of the country's Muslims (5–10%) hold more fundamentalist practices, which, in some cases, may be associated with Saudi-oriented [[Salafi movement]]s.<ref name=":3" /><ref name="US-DoS-IRFR-2006">"[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71293.htm Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223022124/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71293.htm |date=23 December 2019 }}". ''International Religious Freedom Report 2006''. 15 September 2006. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State.</ref>
{{Pie chart
|thumb = left
|caption=Religion in Chad 
|label1 = [[Islam]]
|value1 = 55.1
|color1 = Green
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|value2 = 41.1
|color2 = Blue
|label3 = [[Atheism|No Religion]]
|value3 = 2.4
|color3 = Gray
|label4 = [[Traditional African religions|Animism]]
|value4 = 4
|color4 = Red
|label5 = Others
|value5 = 0.1
|color5 = purple
}}
[[Roman Catholics]] represent the largest Christian denomination in the country.<ref name=":3" /> Most Protestants, including the Nigeria-based "Winners' Chapel", are affiliated with various evangelical Christian groups. Members of the [[Baháʼí Faith|Baháʼí]] and [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] religious communities also are present in the country. Both faiths were introduced after independence in 1960 and therefore are considered to be "new" religions in the country.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Chad |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/chad/ |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="US-DoS-IRFR-2006" />

A small proportion of the population continues to practice indigenous religions. [[Animism]] includes a variety of ancestor and place-oriented religions whose expression is highly specific. [[Christianity in Africa|Christianity]] arrived in Chad with the French and American missionaries; as with Chadian Islam, it [[syncretism|syncretises]] aspects of pre-Christian religious beliefs.<ref name="Collelo" />

{{bar box
|title=[[Religion in Chad]] ([[Pew Research Center|Pew Research]])<ref name=cia/><ref name=pew>[http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/chad/religious_demography#/?affiliations_religion_id=0&affiliations_year=2010 Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project: Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216202531/http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/chad/religious_demography#/?affiliations_religion_id=0&affiliations_year=2010 |date=16 December 2013 }}. [[Pew Research Center]]. 2010.</ref>
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=religion
|right1=percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Islam in Chad|Islam]]|green|57}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Chad|Christianity]]|blue|39}}
{{bar percent|[[Irreligion|None]]|black|2}}
{{bar percent|[[African traditional religion|Folk]]|red|1}}
{{bar percent|[[Freedom of religion in Chad|Other]]|gray|1}}
}}
Muslims are largely concentrated in northern and eastern Chad, and animists and Christians live primarily in southern Chad and [[Guéra Region|Guéra]].<ref name="EB" /> Many Muslims also reside in southern Chad but the Christian presence in the north is minimal.<ref name=":4" /> The constitution provides for a secular state and guarantees religious freedom; different religious communities generally co-exist without problems.<ref name=":3" /><ref name="US-DoS-IRFR-2006" />

Chad is home to foreign missionaries representing both [[Christians|Christian]] and Islamic groups. Itinerant [[Muslim]] preachers, primarily from [[Sudan]], [[Saudi Arabia]], and [[Pakistan]], also visit. Saudi Arabian funding generally supports social and educational projects and extensive mosque construction.<ref name="US-DoS-IRFR-2006"/>

=== Education ===
[[Education in Chad|Educators]] face considerable challenges due to the nation's dispersed population and a certain degree of reluctance on the part of parents to send their children to school. Although attendance is compulsory, only 68 percent of boys attend primary school, and more than half of the population is illiterate. [[List of universities in Chad|Higher education]] is provided at the [[University of N'Djamena]].<ref name="EB"/><ref name="BGN"/> At 33 percent, Chad has one of the lowest literacy rates of [[Sub-Saharan Africa]].<ref>{{cite web| title= 50 Things You Didn't Know About Africa| work= [[World Bank]]| url= http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/polsc325-4.1-50-Things-you-didnt-know-about-Africa.pdf| access-date= 7 May 2012| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130725192911/http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/polsc325-4.1-50-Things-you-didnt-know-about-Africa.pdf| archive-date= 25 July 2013| url-status= dead}}</ref>

In 2013, the [[U.S. Department of Labor]]'s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dol.gov/ilab/reports/child-labor/chad.htm|title=Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor – Chad|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425132848/http://www.dol.gov/ilab/reports/child-labor/chad.htm|archive-date=25 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> in Chad reported that school attendance of children aged 5 to 14 was as low as 39%. This can also be related to the issue of [[child labor]] as the report also stated that 53% of children aged 5 to 14 were working, and that 30% of children aged 7 to 14 combined work and school. A more recent DOL [[List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor|report]] listed cattle herding as a major agricultural activity that employed underage children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dol.gov/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods/|title=List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610003351/http://www.dol.gov/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Government and politics ==
{{main|Politics of Chad}}{{Update|part=section|date=January 2024}}[[file:Chadian woman voting during the 2016 presidential election.jpg|thumb|Chadian woman voting during the 2016 presidential election]]
Chad's constitution provides for a strong executive branch headed by a president who dominates the political system. The president has the power to appoint the [[Prime Minister of Chad|prime minister]] and the cabinet, and exercises considerable influence over appointments of judges, generals, provincial officials and heads of Chad's para-statal firms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chad 1996 (rev. 2005)|url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Chad_2005?lang=en#286|website=Constitute|access-date=22 April 2015|archive-date=5 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905081612/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Chad_2005?lang=en#286|url-status=live}}</ref> In cases of grave and immediate threat, the president, in consultation with the [[National Assembly (Chad)|National Assembly]], may declare a [[state of emergency]]. The president is [[Elections in Chad|directly elected]] by popular vote for a five-year term; in 2005, constitutional term limits were removed,<ref name="Term2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4118482.stm|title=Chad votes to end two-term limit|publisher=BBC News|access-date=20 September 2007|date=22 June 2005|archive-date=8 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408010737/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4118482.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> allowing a president to remain in power beyond the previous two-term limit.<ref name="Term2"/> Most of Déby's key advisers are members of the Zaghawa ethnic group, although southern and opposition personalities are represented in [[Government of Chad|government]].<ref name="BGN">"[https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/74122.htm Background Note: Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222182200/https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/74122.htm |date=22 December 2019 }} ". September 2006. [[United States Department of State]].</ref><ref name="UNPACP">"[http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan023258.pdf Republic of Chad – Public Administration Country Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614080558/http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan023258.pdf |date=14 June 2007 }}" (PDF). United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. November 2004.</ref>

Chad's legal system is based on [[law of France|French civil law]] and Chadian customary law where the latter does not interfere with public order or constitutional guarantees of equality. Despite the constitution's guarantee of judicial independence, the president names most key judicial officials. The legal system's highest jurisdictions, the [[Supreme Court of Chad|Supreme Court]] and the [[Constitutional Council of Chad|Constitutional Council]], have become fully operational since 2000. The Supreme Court is made up of a chief justice, named by the president, and 15 councillors, appointed for life by the president and the National Assembly. The Constitutional Court is headed by nine judges elected to nine-year terms. It has the power to review legislation, treaties and international agreements prior to their adoption.<ref name="BGN"/><ref name="UNPACP"/>

The National Assembly makes legislation. The body consists of 155 members elected for four-year terms who meet three times per year. The Assembly holds regular sessions twice a year and can hold special sessions when called by the prime minister. Deputies elect a National Assembly president every two years. The president must sign or reject newly passed laws within 15 days. The National Assembly must approve the prime minister's plan of government and may force the prime minister to resign through a majority vote of no confidence. However, if the National Assembly rejects the executive branch's programme twice in one year, the president may disband the Assembly and call for new legislative elections. In practice, the president exercises considerable influence over the National Assembly through his party, the [[Patriotic Salvation Movement]] (MPS), which holds a large majority.<ref name="BGN"/>

Until the legalisation of opposition parties in 1992, Déby's MPS was the sole legal party in Chad.<ref name="BGN"/> Since then, [[list of political parties in Chad|78 registered political parties]] have become active.<ref name="HRP">"[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78726.htm Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016194338/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78726.htm |date=16 October 2019 }}". [[United States' Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|Country Reports on Human Rights Practices]] 2006, 6 March 2007. [[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]], U.S. Department of State.</ref> In 2005, opposition parties and human rights organisations supported the boycott of the constitutional referendum that allowed Déby to stand for re-election for a third term<ref>[https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/POL10/001/2006/en "Chad"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113025418/http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/POL10/001/2006/en |date=13 January 2015 }}. ''Amnesty International Report 2006''. [[Amnesty International]] Publications.</ref> amid reports of widespread irregularities in voter registration and government censorship of independent media outlets during the campaign.<ref name="FH">{{cite web|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/pfs/inc_country_detail.cfm?country=6939&year=2006&pf |title=Chad (2006) |access-date=19 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604102856/http://www.freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/pfs/inc_country_detail.cfm?country=6939&year=2006&pf |archive-date=4 June 2011 }}. ''Freedom of the Press: 2007 Edition''. Freedom House, Inc.</ref> Correspondents judged the 2006 presidential elections a mere formality, as the opposition deemed the polls a farce and boycotted them.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4771383.stm Chad leader's victory confirmed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331070008/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4771383.stm |date=31 March 2007 }}", BBC News, 14 May 2006.</ref>

Chad is listed as a [[failed state]] by the [[Fund for Peace]] (FFP). Chad had the seventh-highest rank in the [[Fragile States Index]] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fragile States Index {{!}} The Fund for Peace|url=https://fragilestatesindex.org/|access-date=11 August 2021|website=fragilestatesindex.org|archive-date=30 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730175714/https://fragilestatesindex.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> Corruption is rife at all levels; [[Transparency International]]'s [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] for 2021 ranked Chad 164th among the 180 countries listed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi|title=Corruption Perceptions Index (latest)|publisher=[[Transparency International]]|access-date=11 August 2022|archive-date=24 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724013412/http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2012/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics of former President Déby had accused him of [[cronyism]] and [[tribalism]].<ref name="tribe">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4907650.stm |title=Isolated Deby clings to power |publisher=BBC News |date=13 April 2006 |access-date=4 September 2007 |archive-date=5 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905121706/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4907650.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In southern Chad, bitter conflicts over land are becoming more common. They frequently turn violent. Long-standing community culture is being eroded – and so are the livelihoods of many farmers.<ref name="D+C">{{cite news|title=Commercialisation is destroying community rules|url=https://www.dandc.eu/en/article/land-conflicts-are-escalating-chad-farmers-suffering-most|author=Djeralar Miankeol|work=D+C, development and cooperation|date=17 June 2017|access-date=15 August 2017|archive-date=15 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815190555/https://www.dandc.eu/en/article/land-conflicts-are-escalating-chad-farmers-suffering-most|url-status=live}}</ref>

Longtime Chad President [[Idriss Déby]]'s death on 20 April 2021 resulted in both the nation's National Assembly and government being dissolved and national leadership being replaced with a transitional military council consisting of military officers and led by his son [[Mahamat Déby Itno|Mahamat Kaka]].<ref name=newgovernment>{{cite news|url=https://news.trust.org/item/20210420111727-lvy4q/|title=Chad President Idriss Deby killed on frontline, son to take over|agency=Reuters|publisher=Thomas Reuters News|date=20 April 2021|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422132204/https://news.trust.org/item/20210420111727-lvy4q/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=newgvernment2021>{{cite web|title=Chad Sets Up Transitional Military Council Headed By Son Of Late President – Reports|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/chad-sets-up-transitional-military-council-he-1229174.html|access-date=20 April 2021|website=UrduPoint|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420180244/https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/chad-sets-up-transitional-military-council-he-1229174.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Chad President Idriss Deby dies on front lines, according to an army statement|url=https://www.dw.com/en/chad-president-idriss-deby-dies-on-front-lines-according-to-an-army-statement/a-57262804|access-date=20 April 2021|work=Deutsche Welle|date=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420110356/https://www.dw.com/en/chad-president-idriss-deby-dies-on-front-lines-according-to-an-army-statement/a-57262804|url-status=live}}</ref>  The constitution is currently suspended, pending replacement with one drafted by a civilian National Transitional Council, yet to be appointed. The military council has stated that elections will be held at the end of an 18-month transitional period.<ref>{{cite news |title=Calm and order in Chad three months after Idriss Déby's death |url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/07/19/calm-and-order-in-chad-three-months-after-idriss-deby-s-death/ |access-date=10 August 2021 |work=Africanews |date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=10 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810085451/https://www.africanews.com/2021/07/19/calm-and-order-in-chad-three-months-after-idriss-deby-s-death/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{update inline|date=February 2025}}
According to 2023 [[V-Dem Democracy indices]] Chad is 16th lowest ranked electoral democracy worldwide and 4th lowest ranked [[democracy in Africa|electoral democracy in Africa]].<ref name="vdem_dataset">{{cite web |last=V-Dem Institute |date=2023 |title=The V-Dem Dataset |url=https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/ |access-date=14 October 2023 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208183458/https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Internal opposition and foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Chad}}
[[File:Embassy of Chad (Washington, D.C.).JPG|thumb|[[Embassy of Chad in Washington, D.C.]] ]]

Déby faced armed opposition from groups who are deeply divided by leadership clashes but were united in their intention to overthrow him.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} "[http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/africa/central-africa/chad/French%20translations/Chad%20Back%20towards%20War%20French.pdf Tchad: vers le retour de la guerre?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905003712/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/africa/central-africa/chad/French%20translations/Chad%20Back%20towards%20War%20French.pdf |date=5 September 2011 }}" (PDF). [[International Crisis Group]]. 1 June 2006.</ref> These forces [[Battle of N'Djamena (2006)|stormed the capital]] on 13 April 2006, but were ultimately repelled. Chad's greatest foreign influence is France, which maintains 1,000 soldiers in the country. Déby relied on the French to help repel the rebels, and France gives the [[Chadian army]] logistical and intelligence support for fear of a complete collapse of regional stability.<ref name=PINR>Wolfe, Adam; {{cite web|url=http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=592&language_id=1 |title=Instability on the March in Sudan, Chad and Central African Republic |access-date=19 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105160231/http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=592&language_id=1 |archive-date=5 January 2007 }}, PINR, 6 December 2006.</ref> Nevertheless, Franco-Chadian relations were soured by the granting of oil drilling rights to the American [[ExxonMobil|Exxon]] company in 1999.<ref>Manley, Andrew; "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4809420.stm Chad's vulnerable president] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219005442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4809420.stm |date=19 February 2007 }}", BBC News, 15 March 2006.</ref> In 2025, the French military handed over its last base in Chad to the Chadian military, ending its presence in the country, which it had since 1960.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Roger |first1=Benjamin |last2=Vincent |first2=Elise |title=Departure of last French soldiers from Chad brings an end to a 'special relationship' |date=2 February 2025 |work=[[Le Monde]] |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2025/02/02/chad-departure-of-the-last-french-soldiers-brings-an-end-to-a-special-relationship_6737701_124.html }}</ref>

There have been numerous rebel groups in Chad throughout the last few decades. In 2007, a peace treaty was signed that integrated [[United Front for Democratic Change]] soldiers into the Chadian Army.<ref>{{cite book|author=Human Rights Watch |title=Early to War: Child Soldiers in the Chad Conflict |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6of6GZ1nUPAC&pg=PA13 |year=2007 |publisher=Human Rights Watch |pages=13–}}</ref> The [[Movement for Justice and Democracy in Chad]] also clashed with government forces in 2003 in an attempt to overthrow President [[Idriss Déby]]. In addition, there have been various conflicts with [[Khartoum]]'s [[Janjaweed]] rebels in eastern Chad, who killed civilians by use of [[helicopter gunship]]s.<ref>Reeves, Eric (9 August 2008) [http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?page=imprimable&id_article=28211 Victims of Genocide in Darfur: Past, Present, and Future – Sudan Tribune: Plural news and views on Sudan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422233143/http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?page=imprimable&id_article=28211 |date=22 April 2014 }}. Sudan Tribune. Retrieved on 28 September 2013.</ref> Presently, the [[Union of Resistance Forces]] (UFR) are a rebel group that continues to battle with the government of Chad. In 2010, the UFR reportedly had a force estimating 6,000 men and 300 vehicles.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chad-rebels-idUSBRE92K17Q20130321 Chad rebels say to resume fight, Deby's promises unmet] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180216/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/21/us-chad-rebels-idUSBRE92K17Q20130321 |date=24 September 2015}}. Reuters. 21 March 2013</ref>

The UAE foreign [[aid]] was inaugurated in the Chadian city of Amdjarass on 3 August 2023. The UAE's continuous efforts to provide assistance to the Chadian people and support endeavors to provide [[humanitarian]] and relief aid through the UAE's humanitarian institutions to Sudanese refugees in Chad.<ref>{{cite web|date=3 August 2023|title=United Arab Emirates (UAE) Opens Coordination Office for Foreign Aid in Chad|url=https://african.business/2023/08/apo-newsfeed/united-arab-emirates-uae-opens-coordination-office-for-foreign-aid-in-chad|access-date=4 August 2023|archive-date=4 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804093725/https://african.business/2023/08/apo-newsfeed/united-arab-emirates-uae-opens-coordination-office-for-foreign-aid-in-chad|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 August 2023|title=UAE opens coordination office for foreign aid in Chad|url=https://www.zawya.com/en/world/africa/uae-opens-coordination-office-for-foreign-aid-in-chad-tndsgr02|access-date=4 August 2023|archive-date=4 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804095447/https://www.zawya.com/en/world/africa/uae-opens-coordination-office-for-foreign-aid-in-chad-tndsgr02|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Military ===
{{main|Chad National Army}}
[[File:Trigger time at Flintlock 20 (50111204252).jpg|thumb|Chadian soldiers at the Flintlock 2020 exercise in [[Mauritania]], organized by the [[U.S. Africa Command]]]]
As of 2024 Chad was estimated to have 33,250 active military personnel, including 27,500 in the [[Chadian Ground Forces|Ground Forces]], 350 in the [[Chadian Air Force|Air Force]], and 5,400 in the [[General Directorate of the Security Services of State Institutions]] (DGSSIE). There are also 4,500 in the [[Chadian National Gendarmerie|National Gendarmerie]] and 7,400 in the [[National and Nomadic Guard]]. The Ground Forces are organized into seven military regions and twelve battalions, including one armored, seven infantry, one artillery, and three logistical. Chad is a member of the [[G5 Sahel]] and the [[Multinational Joint Task Force]], which were formed to fight against Islamic insurgent groups in the region,<ref name="IISS2024">{{Cite book |author=IISS |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=2024 |title=The Military Balance 2024 |pages=481–482 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |location=London |isbn=978-1-032-78004-7 }}</ref> and has contributed troops to the [[MINUSMA]] mission in [[Mali]] before it was dissolved. As of 2023, its last year in the mission, 1,449 Chadian soldiers were deployed there.<ref name="IISS2023">{{Cite book |author=IISS |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=2023 |title=The Military Balance 2023 |pages=442–443 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |location=London |isbn=978-1-032-50895-5 }}</ref> [[France]] has been Chad's main security partner for years, including in training the Chadian military.<ref name="IISS2023" /> Chad ended its military cooperation agreement with France in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Njie |first=Paul |title=Chad cuts military agreement with France |work=[[BBC]] |date=29 November 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7042v17kjqo }}</ref>

The CIA World Factbook estimates the military budget of Chad to be 4.2% of GDP as of 2006.<ref>{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Chad|date=29 September 2021}}</ref> Given the then GDP ($7.095 bln) of the country, military spending was estimated to be about $300&nbsp;million. This estimate however dropped after the end of the [[Civil war in Chad (2005–2010)]] to 2.0%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS|title=Military expenditure (% of GDP) &#124; Data|website=data.worldbank.org|access-date=1 January 2020|archive-date=25 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425022456/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS|url-status=live}}</ref> as estimated by the [[World Bank]] for 2011.

=== Administrative divisions ===
{{main|Provinces of Chad|Departments of Chad|Sub-prefectures of Chad}}
Since 2018 Chad has been divided into [[provinces of Chad|23 provinces]].<ref name=TchadInfos>{{Cite web |lang=fr |url=https://tchadinfos.com/tchad-organisation-administrative-23-provinces-95-departements-et-365-communes/ |publisher=Tchadinfos |title=Tchad – Organisation administrative : 23 provinces, 95 départements et 365 communes |date=August 8, 2018 |access-date=May 28, 2025}}</ref> The subdivision of Chad in regions came about in 2003 as part of the decentralisation process, when the government abolished the previous [[provinces of Chad|14 prefectures]]; however, in 2018, the government renamed the former regions to become provinces.<ref name=TchadInfos /> Each region is headed by a presidentially appointed governor. Prefects administer the provinces' [[departments of Chad|120 departments]] which are divided into [[Sub-prefectures of Chad|454 sub-prefectures]].<ref name="SGG Post">{{Cite web |lang=fr |title=PRÉSIDENCE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE — Ordonnance N°001/PR/2024 du 04 juillet 2024, Portant restructuration des Unités Administratives |website=Facebook |date=July 4, 2024 |access-date=May 28, 2025 |author=Le Secrétariat Général du Gouvernement du Tchad |url=https://www.facebook.com/sggtchad/posts/pfbid02ioNuvYwse9kLBbV9tLnTXUz7pp3hBZemmgjtL5JdxAC5Jy6j5goiKNicL4RfyMbYl}}</ref>

The constitution provides for decentralised government to compel local populations to play an active role in their own development.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} "[http://www.unesco.org/education/wef/countryreports/tchad/contents.html Tchad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515005634/http://www.unesco.org/education/wef/countryreports/tchad/contents.html |date=15 May 2007 }}". ''L'évaluation de l'éducation pour tous à l'an 2000: Rapport des pays''. [[UNESCO]], Education for All.</ref> To this end, the constitution declares that each administrative subdivision be governed by elected local assemblies,<ref name=decentralisation>{{in lang|fr}} Dadnaji, Dimrangar (1999); {{cite web|url=http://www.cefod.org/Fichiers%20web/decentralisationtchad.doc|title=La decentralisation au Tchad|access-date=19 June 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308024013/http://www.cefod.org/Fichiers%20web/decentralisationtchad.doc|archive-date=8 March 2008}}</ref> but no local elections have taken place,<ref name="OECD">"[http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/25/62/38561813.pdf Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614080558/http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/25/62/38561813.pdf |date=14 June 2007 }}" (PDF). ''African Economic Outlook 2007''. [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]]. May 2007. {{ISBN|978-92-64-02510-3}}</ref> and communal elections scheduled for 2005 have been repeatedly postponed.<ref name="HRP"/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! No. || Province || Pop'n<br>(2009)
!Pop'n<br>
(1 July 2023)
! Est. Area <br> (km<sup>2</sup>) || Capital || Departments
|-
| 1 || [[Bahr el Gazel (province of Chad)|Bahr el-Gazel]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:257267}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:407256}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:58525}} || [[Moussoro]] || [[Bahr el Gazel Nord|Barh el-Gazel Nord]], [[Bahr el Gazel Sud|Barh el-Gazel Sud]], [[Barh el-Gazel Ouest]], [[Barh el-Gazel Est]], [[Kleta]]
|-
| 2 || [[Batha (region)|Batha]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:488458}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:748395}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:93732}} || [[Ati, Chad|Ati]] || [[Batha Est]], [[Batha Ouest]], [[Fitri Department|Fitri]], [[Ouadi-Rimé]], [[Assinet]], [[Haraze]]
|-
| 3 || [[Borkou (region of Chad)|Borkou]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:93584}} || align="right"|{{formatnum: 154865}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:271513}} || [[Faya-Largeau|Faya]] || [[Borkou Department|Borkou]], [[Borkou Yala|Borkou-Yala]], [[Kouba]]
|-
| 4 || [[Chari-Baguirmi (province)|Chari-Baguirmi]] || align="right"|{{formatnum: 578425}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:884924}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:47226}} || [[Massenya]] || [[Baguirmi Department|Baguirmi]], [[Chari Department|Chari]], [[Loug Chari|Loug-Chari]], [[Dourbali]]
|-
| 5 || [[Ennedi-Est (region)|Ennedi-Est]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:107302}} || align="right"|{{formatnum: 175321}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:81696}} || [[Amdjarass (city)|Amdjarass]] || [[Amdjarass (department)|Amdjarass]], [[Wadi Hawar]], [[Itou]], [[Nohi]], [[Bao]], [[Mourdi]]
|-
| 6 || [[Ennedi-Ouest (region)|Ennedi-Ouest]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:60617}} || align="right"|{{formatnum: 109753}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:117686}} || [[Fada, Chad|Fada]] || [[Fada Department|Fada]], [[Mourtcha]], [[Lac-Ounianga]], [[Tebi]], [[Gouro]], [[Torbol]]
|-
| 7 || [[Guéra (region)|Guéra]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:538359}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:824161}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:62678}} || [[Mongo, Chad|Mongo]] || [[Guéra Department|Guéra]], [[Abtouyour]], [[Barh Signaka|Barh-Signaka]], [[Mangalmé (department)|Mangalmé]], [[Garada]]
|-
| 8 || [[Hadjer-Lamis (region)|Hadjer-Lamis]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:566858}}|| align="right"|{{formatnum:870231}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:31376}} || [[Massakory]] || [[Dagana Department, Chad|Dagana]], [[Dababa]] [[Haraze Al Biar|Haraz-al-Biar]], [[Ngoura]]
|-
| 9 || [[Kanem (region)|Kanem]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:333387}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:505839}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:70516}} || [[Mao, Chad|Mao]] || [[Kanem Department|Kanem-Centre]], [[Nord Kanem|Kanem-Nord]], [[Wadi Bissam|Kanem-Sud]], [[Kanem-Est]], [[Kanem-Ouest]]
|-
| 10 || [[Lac (region)|Lac]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:331496}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:509258}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:20543}} || [[Bol, Chad|Bol]] || [[Mamdi Department|Mamdi]], [[Wayi]], [[Kaya]], [[Fouli]], [[Kouloukime]]
|-
| 11 || [[Logone Occidental (region)|Logone Occidental]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:689044}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:1053958}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:8969}} || [[Moundou]] || [[Lac Wey Department|Lac-Wey]], [[Guéni]], [[Ngourkosso]], [[Dodjé]]
|-
| 12 || [[Logone Oriental (region)|Logone Oriental]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:779339}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:1184567}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:24119}} || [[Doba, Chad|Doba]] || [[La Pendé]], [[La Nya]], [[La Nya Pendé|La Nya-Pendé]], [[Kouh-Est]], [[Kouh-Ouest]], [[Monts de Lam]]
|-
| 13 ||[[Mandoul Region|Mandoul]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:628065}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:1002346}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:17761}} || [[Koumra]] || [[Barh Sara|Barh-Sara]], [[Mandoul Occidental]], [[Mandoul Oriental]], [[Goundi]], [[Taralnass]], [[Mandoul Central]]
|-
| 14 || [[Mayo-Kebbi Est]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:774782}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:1179260 }} || align="right" |{{formatnum:18458}} || [[Bongor]] || [[Mayo-Boneye]], [[Mayo Lemie|Mayo-Lémié]], [[Mont d'Illi|Mont-Illi]], [[Kabbia]]
|-
| 15 || [[Mayo-Kebbi Ouest Region|Mayo-Kebbi Ouest]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:564470}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:858593}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:12787}} || [[Pala, Chad|Pala]] || [[Mayo-Dallah]], [[Mayo-Binder]], [[Lac Léré Department|Lac-Léré]], [[El-Ouaya]], [[Nanaye]]
|-
| 16 || [[Moyen-Chari (region)|Moyen-Chari]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:588008}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:902311}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:42307}} || [[Sarh]] || [[Barh Köh|Barh-Kôh]], [[Grande Sido]], [[Lac Iro Department|Lac-Iro]], [[Korbol]], [[La Moula]], [[Bragoto]]
|-
| 17 || [[Ouaddaï Region|Ouaddaï]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:721166}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:1102467}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:30790}} || [[Abéché]] || [[Ouara Department|Ouara]], [[Abougoudam]], [[Djourf Al Ahmar]], [[Assoungha|Assongha]]
|-
| 18 || [[Salamat (region)|Salamat]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:302301}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:470256}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:69631}} || [[Am Timan]] || [[Barh Azoum|Barh-Azoum]], [[Aboudeïa Department|Aboudeïa]], [[Haraze Mangueigne Department|Haraze-Mangueigne]]
|-
| 19 || [[Sila Region|Sila]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:387461}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:591300}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:36745}} || [[Goz Beïda]] || [[Kimiti]], [[Abdi Department|Abdi]], [[Tissi]], [[Adé]], [[Koukou-Angarana]]
|-
| 20 || [[Tandjilé (region)|Tandjilé]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:661906}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:1007812}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:17891}} || [[Laï]] || [[Tandjilé Est|Tandjilé-Est]], [[Tandjilé-Centre]], [[Tandjilé Ouest|Tandjilé-Ouest]], [[Manga]], [[Manbagué]]
|-
| 21 || [[Tibesti Region|Tibesti]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:25483}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:52626}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:135896}} || [[Bardaï]] || [[Bardaï]], [[Zouar]], [[Wour]], [[Aouzou]], [[Emi-Koussi]], [[Zoumri]]
|-
| 22 || [[Wadi Fira (region)|Wadi Fira]] || align="right"|{{formatnum:508383}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:792394}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:56362}} || [[Biltine, Chad|Biltine]] || [[Biltine Department|Biltine]], [[Dar Tama|Dar-Tama]], [[Mégri]], [[Iriba]], [[Al-Biher]], [[Dar-Alfawakih]], [[Tiné]]
|-
| 23 ||  [[N'Djamena]] (capital) || align="right"|{{formatnum:951418}} || align="right"|{{formatnum:1434592}} || align="right" |{{formatnum:408}} || N'Djamena || 10 ''dawāʾir'' or ''[[Arrondissement#Nations of Africa|arrondissements]]''
|}

== Economy ==
{{further|Economy of Chad|Agriculture in Chad|Petroleum industry in Chad}}
[[File:GDP per capita development of Chad.svg|thumb|GDP per capita development of Chad, since 1950]]
The United Nations' [[Human Development Index]] ranks Chad as the seventh poorest country in the world, with 80% of the population living below the poverty line. The [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] ([[purchasing power parity]]) per capita was estimated as [[United States dollar|US$]]1,651 in 2009.<ref name="IMFWEO.TD" /> Chad is part of the [[Bank of Central African States]], the [[Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa]] (UDEAC) and the [[Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa]] ([[OHADA]]).<ref name="ohada.com">{{cite web | title = OHADA.com: The business law portal in Africa | url = http://www.ohada.com/index.php | access-date = 22 March 2009 | archive-date = 26 March 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090326033744/http://www.ohada.com/index.php | url-status = live }}</ref>

Chad's currency is the [[Central African CFA franc|CFA franc]]. In the 1960s, the [[mining industry of Chad]] produced [[sodium carbonate]], or natron. There have also been reports of [[gold]]-bearing quartz in the [[Biltine Prefecture]]. However, years of civil war have scared away foreign investors; those who left Chad between 1979 and 1982 have only recently begun to regain confidence in the country's future. In 2000, major direct foreign investment in the oil sector began, boosting the country's economic prospects.<ref name=cia/><ref name="BGN"/>

[[File:Mao Women.jpg|thumb|Women in [[Mao, Chad|Mao]], where [[Utilities in Chad|water]] is provided by a water tower. Access to clean water is often a problem in Chad.]]

Uneven inclusion in the global political economy as a site for colonial resource extraction (primarily cotton and crude oil), a global economic system that does not promote nor encourage the development of Chadian industrialisation,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=347BAAAAIAAJ|title=Poverty and neoliberalism: persistence and reproduction in the global south|year=2007|last=Bush|first=Ray|publisher=Pluto Press |isbn=9780745319605}}</ref> and the failure to support local agricultural production has meant that the majority of Chadians live in daily uncertainty and hunger.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p_5HjgjpmmUC|title=Maldevelopment: Anatomy of a Global Failure|publisher=[[United Nations University Press]]|last=Amin|first=Samir|year=1990|isbn=9780862329310}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tBXF3IIcBwYC|title=Looting Africa: The Economics of Exploitation|last=Bond|first=Patrick|publisher=[[Zed Books]]|year=2006|isbn=9781842778111}}</ref> Over 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood.<ref name=cia/> The crops grown and the locations of herds are determined by the local climate. In the southernmost 10% of the territory lies the nation's most fertile cropland, with rich yields of [[sorghum]] and [[millet]]. In the Sahel only the hardier varieties of millet grow, and with much lower yields than in the south. On the other hand, the Sahel is ideal pastureland for large herds of commercial cattle and for goats, sheep, donkeys and horses. The Sahara's scattered [[oasis|oases]] support only some dates and legumes.<ref name="Collelo"/> Chad's cities face serious difficulties of municipal infrastructure; only 48% of urban residents have access to potable water and only 2% to basic sanitation.<ref name="EB"/><ref name=WB1>"[http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2004/08/18/000112742_20040818161300/Rendered/PDF/298290Chad0IEM1ject0Brief10Final004.pdf Chad – Community Based Integrated Ecosystem Management Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614080632/http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2004/08/18/000112742_20040818161300/Rendered/PDF/298290Chad0IEM1ject0Brief10Final004.pdf |date=14 June 2007 }}" (PDF). 24 September 2002. [[World Bank]].</ref>

Before the development of oil industry, cotton dominated industry and the labour market accounted for approximately 80% of export earnings.<ref>[[#Decalo|Decalo]], p. 11</ref> Cotton remains a primary export, although exact figures are not available. Rehabilitation of [[Cotontchad]], a major cotton company weakened by a decline in world cotton prices, has been financed by France, the Netherlands, the European Union, and the [[International Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] (IBRD). The [[parastatal]] is now expected to be privatised.<ref name="BGN"/> Other than cotton, [[cattle]] and [[gum arabic]] are dominant.

According to the [[United Nations]], Chad has been affected by a [[humanitarian crisis]] since at least 2001. {{As of|2008}}, the country of Chad hosts over 280,000 refugees from the [[Sudan]]'s [[Darfur]] region, over 55,000 from the [[Central African Republic]], as well as over 170,000 [[internally displaced person]]s.<ref>[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080313030132/http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/YSAR-7CGP7Z?OpenDocument ''Humanitarian Action in Chad: Facts and Figures – Snapshot Report''], UN, 6 March 2008</ref> In February 2008 in the aftermath of the [[Battle of N'Djamena (2008)|Battle of N'Djamena]], UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs [[John Holmes (British diplomat)|John Holmes]] expressed "extreme concern" that the crisis would have a negative effect on the ability of humanitarians to deliver life-saving assistance to half a million beneficiaries, most of whom – according to him – heavily rely on humanitarian aid for their survival.<ref>[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080214062840/http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/SHES-7BLMXD?OpenDocument ''Eastern Chad: Concerns over vital humanitarian needs''] (press release), [[United Nations|UN]], 7 February 2008</ref> UN spokesperson [[Maurizio Giuliano]] stated to ''[[The Washington Post]]'': "If we do not manage to provide aid at sufficient levels, the humanitarian crisis might become a humanitarian catastrophe".<ref>Timberg, Craig (6 February 2008) [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/05/AR2008020500461.html ''Chadian Rebels Urge Cease-Fire As Push Falters''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014073146/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/05/AR2008020500461.html |date=14 October 2017 }}, [[The Washington Post]]</ref> In addition, organisations such as [[Save the Children]] have suspended activities due to killings of aid workers.<ref>[http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/crisis-in-chad Crisis in Chad | Save the Children UK] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422131848/http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/crisis-in-chad |date=22 April 2014 }}. Savethechildren.org.uk. Retrieved on 28 September 2013.</ref>

Chad has made some progress in reducing poverty, there was a decline in the national poverty rate from 55% to 47% between 2003 and 2011. However, the number of poor people increased from 4.7 million (2011) to 6.5 million (2019) in absolute numbers. By 2018, 4.2 out of 10 people still live below the poverty line.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=The World Bank in Chad |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/chad/overview#1 |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=The World Bank |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527032342/https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/chad/overview#1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Infrastructure ===

==== Transport ====
[[File:Map of Trans-African Highways.PNG|thumb]]

{{Main|Transport in Chad}}
Three trans-African automobile routes pass through Chad:
* the [[Tripoli-Cape Town Highway]] (3)
* the [[Dakar-Ndjamena Highway]] (5)
* the [[Ndjamena-Djibouti Highway]] (6)
Civil war crippled the development of [[transport in Chad|transport infrastructure]]; in 1987, Chad had only {{convert|30|km|mi}} of paved roads. Successive road rehabilitation projects improved the network<ref>"[http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/1997/10/21/000009265_3971229180948/Rendered/PDF/multi_page.pdf Chad Poverty Assessment: Constraints to Rural Development] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614080558/http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/1997/10/21/000009265_3971229180948/Rendered/PDF/multi_page.pdf |date=14 June 2007 }}" (PDF). World Bank. 21 October 1997.</ref> to {{convert|550|km|mi}} by 2004.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} [http://www.deltcd.ec.europa.eu/fr/item2_info_docs/Lettre3_a4x10p.pdf Lettre d'information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024234020/http://www.deltcd.ec.europa.eu/fr/item2_info_docs/Lettre3_a4x10p.pdf |date=24 October 2007 }} (PDF). Délégation de la Commission Européenne au Tchad. N. 3. September 2004</ref> Nevertheless, the road network is limited; roads are often unusable for several months of the year. With no railways of its own, Chad depends heavily on Cameroon's rail system for the transport of Chadian exports and imports to and from the seaport of [[Douala]].<ref name=Geography>[[Anwarul Karim Chowdhury|Chowdhury, Anwarul Karim]] & Sandagdorj Erdenbileg (2006); {{cite web|url=http://unohrlls.org/UserFiles/File/Publications/LLDC/05-33151_geography_sm.pdf |title=''Geography Against Development: A Case for Landlocked Developing Countries'' |access-date=19 June 2007 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205131921/http://www0.un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ohrlls/UNOHRLLS/new/UserFiles/File/Publications/LLDC/05-33151_geography_sm.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2009 }}. New York: United Nations. {{ISBN|92-1-104540-1}}</ref>

{{As of|2013}} Chad had an estimated 59 airports, only 9 of which had paved runways.<ref name="CIA-WFB">
 {{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Chad|access-date=16 April 2017 }}
</ref> An [[N'Djamena International Airport|international airport]] serves the capital and provides regular nonstop flights to Paris and several African cities.

==== Energy ====
{{See also|Energy in Chad}}

Chad's energy sector has had years of mismanagement by the parastatal Chad Water and Electric Society (STEE), which provides power for 15% of the capital's citizens and covers only 1.5% of the national population.<ref name="CCG">Spera, Vincent (8 February 2004); {{cite web|url=http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/imr-ri.nsf/en/gr126314e.html |title=Chad Country Commercial Guide – FY 2005 |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015073734/http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/imr-ri.nsf/en/gr126314e.html |archive-date=15 October 2007 }}. [[United States Department of Commerce]].</ref> Most Chadians burn biomass fuels such as wood and animal manure for power.<ref name="EIA">{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Chad_Cameroon/Full.html |title=Chad and Cameroon |access-date=19 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113061630/http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Chad_Cameroon/Full.html |archive-date=13 January 2009 }}. Country Analysis Briefs. January 2007. [[Energy Information Administration]].</ref>

[[ExxonMobil]] leads a consortium of [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]] and [[Petronas]] that has invested $3.7&nbsp;billion to develop oil reserves estimated at one billion barrels in southern Chad. Oil production began in 2003 with the [[Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline Project|completion of a pipeline]] (financed in part by the [[World Bank]]) that links the southern oilfields to terminals on the Atlantic coast of Cameroon. As a condition of its assistance, the World Bank insisted that 80% of oil revenues be spent on development projects. In January 2006 the World Bank suspended its loan programme when the Chadian government passed laws reducing this amount.<ref name="BGN"/><ref name="OECD"/> On 14 July 2006, the World Bank and Chad signed a memorandum of understanding under which the Government of Chad commits 70% of its spending to priority poverty reduction programmes.<ref>World Bank (14 July 2006). ''[http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:20994138~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html World Bank, Govt. of Chad Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Poverty Reduction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012184831/http://web.worldbank.org/wbsite/external/news/0,,contentmdk:20994138~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html |date=12 October 2007 }}''</ref>

==== Telecommunications ====
{{See also|Telecommunications in Chad}}

The [[Communications in Chad|telecommunication system]] is basic and expensive, with fixed telephone services provided by the state telephone company [[SotelTchad]]. In 2000, there were only 14 fixed telephone lines per 10,000 inhabitants in the country, one of the lowest telephone densities in the world.<ref name="CCG"/>

[[Gateway Communications]], a pan-African wholesale connectivity and telecommunications provider also has a presence in Chad.<ref>[http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2010/04/gateway-expands-presence-in-guinea-and-senegal/ Gateway expands presence in Guinea and Senegal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195628/http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2010/04/gateway-expands-presence-in-guinea-and-senegal/ |date=29 October 2013 }}. IT News Africa. 22 April 2010.</ref> In September 2013, Chad's Ministry for Posts and Information & Communication Technologies (PNTIC) announced that the country will be seeking a partner for [[Optical fiber|fiber optic]] technology.{{update inline|date=February 2025}}

Chad is ranked last in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index (NRI) – an indicator for determining the development level of a country's information and communication technologies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GITR/2014/GITR_OverallRanking_2014.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GITR/2014/GITR_OverallRanking_2014.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live | title=NRI Overall Ranking 2014 | publisher=World Economic Forum | access-date=28 June 2014}}</ref> In September 2010 the mobile phone penetration rate was estimated at 24.3% over a population estimate of 10.7&nbsp;million.<ref name="Chad Mobile Market (Q1 2008 - Q3 2010)">{{cite web |url=http://www.mnodirectory.com/ame/Chad.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204221211/http://www.mnodirectory.com/ame/Chad.htm|archive-date=4 December 2011|title=Chad Mobile Market (Q1 2008 – Q3 2010) |work=mnodirectory.com}}</ref>

== Culture ==
Because of its great variety of peoples and languages, Chad possesses a rich cultural heritage. The Chadian government has actively promoted Chadian culture and national traditions by opening the [[Chad National Museum]] and the [[Chad Cultural Centre]].<ref name="EB"/> Six [[public holidays in Chad|national holidays]] are observed throughout the year, and movable holidays include the Christian holiday of [[Easter Monday]] and the Muslim holidays of [[Eid ul-Fitr]], [[Eid ul-Adha]], and [[Mawlid|Eid Milad Nnabi]].<ref name="CCG"/>
[[File:Tailor in Chad.jpg|thumb|A Chadian tailor sells traditional dresses.]]

=== Cuisine ===
{{main|Cuisine of Chad}}
[[Millet]] is the staple food of [[Chadian cuisine]]. It is used to make balls of paste that are dipped in sauces. In the north this dish is known as ''alysh''; in the south, as ''biya''. Fish is popular, which is generally prepared and sold either as ''salanga'' (sun-dried and lightly smoked ''[[Alestes]]'' and ''[[Hydrocynus]]'') or as ''banda'' (smoked large fish).<ref>"[http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/D7238E/D7238E03.htm Symposium on the evaluation of fishery resources in the development and management of inland fisheries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222072025/http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/D7238E/D7238E03.htm |date=22 December 2007 }}". CIFA Technical Paper No. 2. [[FAO]]. 29 November – 1 December 1972.</ref> ''Carcaje'' is a popular sweet red tea extracted from hibiscus leaves. Alcoholic beverages, though absent in the north, are popular in the south, where people drink [[millet beer]], known as ''billi-billi'' when brewed from red millet, and as ''coshate'' when from [[Proso millet|white millet]].<ref name="culture"/>

=== Music ===
{{main|Music of Chad}}
The [[music of Chad]] includes a number of instruments such as the ''kinde'', a type of bow harp; the ''[[kakaki]]'', a long tin horn; and the ''hu hu'', a stringed instrument that uses [[calabash]]es as loudspeakers. Other instruments and their combinations are more linked to specific ethnic groups: the Sara prefer whistles, [[balafon]]s, harps and ''kodjo'' drums; and the [[Kanembu people|Kanembu]] combine the sounds of drums with those of flute-like instruments.<ref name="culture">{{cite web|url=http://www.cp-pc.ca/english/chad/chad_eng.pdf |title=Chad: A Cultural Profile |access-date=19 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061001212259/http://www.cp-pc.ca/english/chad/chad_eng.pdf |archive-date=1 October 2006 }} (PDF). Cultural Profiles Project. [[Citizenship and Immigration Canada]]. {{ISBN|0-7727-9102-3}}</ref>

The music group [[Chari Jazz]] formed in 1964 and initiated Chad's modern music scene. Later, more renowned groups such as African Melody and International Challal attempted to mix modernity and tradition. Popular groups such as Tibesti have clung faster to their heritage by drawing on ''sai'', a traditional style of music from southern Chad. The people of Chad have customarily disdained modern music. However, in 1995 greater interest has developed and fostered the distribution of CDs and audio cassettes featuring Chadian artists. Piracy and a lack of legal protections for artists' rights remain problems to further development of the Chadian music industry.<ref name="culture"/><ref>* {{in lang|fr}} Gondjé, Laoro (2003); "[http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article231 {{lang|fr|La musique recherche son identité}}] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422134754/http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article231 |date=22 April 2014 }}", {{lang|fr|Tchad et Culture}} '''214'''.</ref>

===Literature===
[[File:Criquets grillés ou fris.jpg|thumb|Fried or grilled grasshoppers]]
As in other Sahelian countries, [[Chadian literature|literature in Chad]] has seen an economic, political and spiritual drought that has affected its best known writers. Chadian authors have been forced to write from exile or expatriate status and have generated literature dominated by themes of political oppression and historical discourse. Since 1962, 20 Chadian authors have written some 60 works of fiction. Among the most internationally renowned writers are [[Joseph Brahim Seïd]], [[Baba Moustapha]], [[Antoine Bangui]] and [[Koulsy Lamko]]. In 2003 Chad's sole literary critic, [[Ahmat Taboye]], published his {{lang|fr|Anthologie de la littérature tchadienne}} to further knowledge of Chad's literature.<ref name="culture"/><ref>{{in lang|fr}} Malo, Nestor H. (2003); "[http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article236 Littérature tchadienne : Jeune mais riche] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130928053407/http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article236|date=28 September 2013}}", ''Tchad et Culture'' '''214'''.</ref><ref>Boyd-Buggs, Debra & Joyce Hope Scott (1999); ''Camel Tracks: Critical Perspectives on Sahelian Literatures''. Lawrenceville: Africa World Press. {{ISBN|0-86543-757-2}}, pp. 12, 132, 135</ref>

=== Media and cinema ===
{{Main|Media of Chad|Cinema of Chad}}
Chad's television audience is limited to N'Djamena. The only television station is the state-owned Télé Tchad. Radio has a far greater reach, with 13 private radio stations.<ref>[http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/radio_stations.html Radio Stations | Embassy of the United States Ndjamena, Chad] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717074012/http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/radio_stations.html |date=17 July 2007 }}. Ndjamena.usembassy.gov (25 February 2013). Retrieved on 28 September 2013.</ref> Newspapers are limited in quantity and distribution, and circulation figures are small due to transportation costs, low literacy rates, and poverty.<ref name="FH"/><ref name="EIA"/><ref>[http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/newspapers.html Newspapers | Embassy of the United States Ndjamena, Chad] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917133353/http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/newspapers.html |date=17 September 2013 }}. Ndjamena.usembassy.gov (25 February 2013). Retrieved on 28 September 2013.</ref> While the constitution defends liberty of expression, the government has regularly restricted this right, and at the end of 2006 began to enact a system of prior [[censorship]] on the media.<ref>"Chad – 2006". Freedom Press Institute.</ref>

The development of a [[Cinema of Chad|Chadian film]] industry, which began with the short films of [[Edouard Sailly]] in the 1960s, was hampered by the devastations of civil wars and from the lack of [[movie theater|cinemas]], of which there is currently only one in the whole country.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/619502|title=Dawn – ''Chad's only cinema dusts off its silver screen''|date=9 April 2011|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007055748/https://www.dawn.com/news/619502/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation | url= https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/the-man-who-broughtcinema-to-war-hit-chad/article21352524.ece | title= The Hindu ''The man who brought cinema to war-hit Chad'' | newspaper= The Hindu | date= 9 December 2017 | access-date= 8 October 2019 | last1= Praveen | first1= S. r. | archive-date= 7 October 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201007055752/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/the-man-who-broughtcinema-to-war-hit-chad/article21352524.ece/ | url-status= live }}</ref> The Chadian [[feature film]] industry began growing again in the 1990s, with the work of directors [[Mahamat-Saleh Haroun]], [[Issa Serge Coelo]] and [[Abakar Chene Massar]].<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/vertigo_magazine/volume-3-issue-5-spring-2007/fatherlands-on-mahamat-saleh-haroun|author=White, Jerry|title=Vertigo – ''Fatherlands: On Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Africa and an Evolving Political Cinema''|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007055731/https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/vertigo_magazine/volume-3-issue-5-spring-2007/fatherlands-on-mahamat-saleh-haroun/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Haroun's film ''[[Abouna (film)|Abouna]]'' was critically acclaimed, and his ''[[Daratt]]'' won the Grand Special Jury Prize at the [[63rd Venice International Film Festival]]. The 2010 feature film ''[[A Screaming Man]]'' won the [[Jury Prize (Cannes Film Festival)|Jury Prize]] at the [[2010 Cannes Film Festival]], making Haroun the first Chadian director to enter, as well as win, an award in the main Cannes competition.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chang|first=Justin|date=23 May 2010|url=https://variety.com/2010/film/awards/uncle-boonmee-wins-palme-d-or-1118019731/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203034252/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118019731.html?categoryid=13&cs=1|url-status=live|archive-date=3 December 2012|title='Uncle Boonmee' wins Palme d'Or|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=23 May 2010}}</ref> [[Issa Serge Coelo]] directed the films ''[[Daresalam]]'' and ''[[DP75: Tartina City]]''.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} Bambé, Naygotimti (April 2007); "[http://www.cefod.org/spip.php?article915 Issa Serge Coelo, cinéaste tchadien: ''On a encore du travail à faire''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530063045/http://www.cefod.org/spip.php?article915 |date=30 May 2013}}", ''Tchad et Culture'' '''256'''.</ref><ref>Young, Neil (23 March 2004) [http://www.jigsawlounge.co.uk/film/harouninterview.html An interview with Mahamet-Saleh Haroun, writer and director of Abouna ("Our Father")] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070304045323/http://www.jigsawlounge.co.uk/film/harouninterview.html |date=4 March 2007 }}. jigsawlounge.co.uk</ref><ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5328462.stm Mirren crowned 'queen' at Venice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408010734/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5328462.stm |date=8 April 2008 }}", BBC News, 9 September 2006.</ref><ref>{{in lang|fr}} Alphonse, Dokalyo (2003) "[http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article235 Cinéma: un avenir plein d'espoir]" {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20130928053358/http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article235 |date=28 September 2013}}, ''Tchad et Culture'' '''214'''.</ref>

=== Sports ===
{{main|Sports in Chad}}
[[Association football|Football]] is Chad's most popular [[Sport in Chad|sport]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff |title=Chad |url=https://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cha/goalprogramme/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629234229/http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cha/goalprogramme/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2007 |publisher=FIFA, Goal Programme |date=2 July 2007 |access-date=10 August 2006}}</ref> The country's [[Chad national football team|national team]] is closely followed during international competitions<ref name="culture"/> and Chadian footballers have played for French teams. [[Basketball]] and [[freestyle wrestling]] are widely practiced, the latter in a form in which the wrestlers put on traditional animal hides and cover themselves with dust.<ref name="culture"/>

== See also ==
{{portal|Africa}}
* [[Outline of Chad]]
*[[Index of Chad-related articles]]
<!-- * [[Bibliography of Chad]] -->
<!-- * {{wikipedia books link|Chad}} -->

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{in lang|fr}} Alphonse, Dokalyo (2003) "[http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article235 Cinéma: un avenir plein d'espoir]" {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130928053358/http://www.cefod.org/archives/spip.php?article235 |date=28 September 2013 }}, ''Tchad et Culture'' '''214'''.
* "[https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/74122.htm Background Note: Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222182200/https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/74122.htm |date=22 December 2019 }}". September 2006. [[United States Department of State]].
* {{in lang|fr}} Bambé, Naygotimti (April 2007); "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130530063045/http://www.cefod.org/spip.php?article915 {{lang|fr|Issa Serge Coelo, cinéaste tchadien: ''On a encore du travail à faire''|italic=unset}}]", {{lang|fr|Tchad et Culture}} '''256'''.
* Botha, D.J.J. (December 1992); "S.H. Frankel: Reminiscences of an Economist", ''The South African Journal of Economics'' '''60''' (4): 246–255.
* Boyd-Buggs, Debra & Joyce Hope Scott (1999); ''Camel Tracks: Critical Perspectives on Sahelian Literatures''. Lawrenceville: Africa World Press. {{ISBN|0-86543-757-2}}
* {{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Chad|access-date=28 January 2010 }}
* "[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78726.htm Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016194338/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78726.htm |date=16 October 2019 }}". [[United States' Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|Country Reports on Human Rights Practices]] 2006, 6 March 2007. [[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]], U.S. Department of State.
* "[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41595.htm Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228052246/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41595.htm |date=28 December 2019 }}". Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2004, 28 February 2005. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State.
* {{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2014/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=52&pr.y=1&sy=2013&ey=2017&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=628&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a= |title=Chad |publisher=International Monetary Fund |access-date=18 April 2012 |archive-date=4 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704130456/http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2014/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=52&pr.y=1&sy=2013&ey=2017&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=628&s=NGDPD,NGDPDPC,PPPGDP,PPPPC,LP&grp=0&a= |url-status=live }}
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* {{cite web |url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/pfs/inc_country_detail.cfm?country=6939&year=2006&pf |title=Chad (2006) |access-date=6 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604102856/http://www.freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/pfs/inc_country_detail.cfm?country=6939&year=2006&pf |archive-date=4 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}. ''Freedom of the Press: 2007 Edition''. Freedom House, Inc.
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* {{cite web |url=http://www.cp-pc.ca/english/chad/chad_eng.pdf |title=Chad: A Cultural Profile |access-date=4 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061001212259/http://www.cp-pc.ca/english/chad/chad_eng.pdf |archive-date=1 October 2006 |url-status=dead }} (PDF). Cultural Profiles Project. [[Citizenship and Immigration Canada]]. {{ISBN|0-7727-9102-3}}
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* {{in lang|fr}} Chapelle, Jean (1981); {{lang|fr|Le Peuple Tchadien: ses racines et sa vie quotidienne}}. Paris: L'Harmattan. {{ISBN|2-85802-169-4}}
* [[Anwarul Karim Chowdhury|Chowdhury, Anwarul Karim]] & Sandagdorj Erdenbileg (2006); {{cite web |url=http://www0.un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ohrlls/UNOHRLLS/new/UserFiles/File/Publications/LLDC/05-33151_geography_sm.pdf |title=''Geography Against Development: A Case for Landlocked Developing Countries'' |access-date=5 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205131921/http://www0.un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ohrlls/UNOHRLLS/new/UserFiles/File/Publications/LLDC/05-33151_geography_sm.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}. New York: United Nations. {{ISBN|92-1-104540-1}}
* Collelo, Thomas (1990); ''[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/tdtoc.html Chad: A Country Study] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990117024614/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/tdtoc.html |date=17 January 1999 }}'', 2d ed. Washington: [[United States Government Printing Office|U.S. GPO]]. {{ISBN|0-16-024770-5}}
* {{in lang|fr}} Dadnaji, Dimrangar (1999); {{cite web|url=http://www.cefod.org/Fichiers%20web/decentralisationtchad.doc|title=La decentralisation au Tchad|access-date=19 June 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308024013/http://www.cefod.org/Fichiers%20web/decentralisationtchad.doc|archive-date=8 March 2008}}
*{{cite book|ref=Decalo|author=Decalo, Samuel |year=1987|title=Historical Dictionary of Chad|edition= 2 |publisher=Metuchen: The Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-1937-5}}
* East, Roger & Richard J. Thomas (2003); ''Profiles of People in Power: The World's Government Leaders''. Routledge. {{ISBN|1-85743-126-X}}
* Dinar, Ariel (1995); ''Restoring and Protecting the World's Lakes and Reservoirs''. World Bank Publications. {{ISBN|0-8213-3321-6}}
* {{in lang|fr}} Gondjé, Laoro (2003); "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130530061624/http://www.cefod.org/spip.php?article231 {{lang|fr|La musique recherche son identité}}]", {{lang|fr|Tchad et Culture}} '''214'''.
* [https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AFR20/004/2001/en "Chad: the Habré Legacy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113041028/http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AFR20/004/2001/en |date=13 January 2015 }}. [[Amnesty International]]. 16 October 2001.
* Lange, Dierk (1988). "[http://dierklange.com/pdf/fulltexts/UNESCO_III.pdf The Chad region as a crossroad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080301040122/http://dierklange.com/pdf/fulltexts/UNESCO_III.pdf |date=1 March 2008 }}" (PDF), in ''UNESCO [[General History of Africa]] – Africa from the Seventh to the Eleventh Century'', vol. 3: 436–460. [[University of California Press]]. {{ISBN|978-0-520-03914-8}}
* {{in lang|fr}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20071024234020/http://www.deltcd.ec.europa.eu/fr/item2_info_docs/Lettre3_a4x10p.pdf {{lang|fr|Lettre d'information}}] (PDF). {{lang|fr|Délégation de la Commission Européenne au Tchad}}. N. 3. September 2004.
* Macedo, Stephen (2006); ''Universal Jurisdiction: National Courts and the Prosecution of Serious Crimes Under International Law''. University of Pennsylvania Press. {{ISBN|0-8122-1950-3}}
* {{in lang|fr}} Malo, Nestor H. (2003); "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130530063643/http://www.cefod.org/spip.php?article236 {{lang|fr|Littérature tchadienne : Jeune mais riche}}]", {{lang|fr|Tchad et Culture}} '''214'''.
* Manley, Andrew; "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4809420.stm Chad's vulnerable president] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219005442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4809420.stm |date=19 February 2007 }}", BBC News, 15 March 2006.
* "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5328462.stm Mirren crowned 'queen' at Venice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408010734/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5328462.stm |date=8 April 2008 }}", BBC News, 9 September 2006.
* {{in lang|fr}} Ndang, Tabo Symphorien (2005); "[http://www.pep-net.org/fileadmin/medias/pdf/files_events/4th_colombo/PMMA/Ndang-pa.pdf {{lang|fr|A qui Profitent les Dépenses Sociales au Tchad? Une Analyse d'Incidence à Partir des Données d'Enquête}}] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512110104/http://www.pep-net.org/fileadmin/medias/pdf/files_events/4th_colombo/PMMA/Ndang-pa.pdf |date=12 May 2012 }}" (PDF). ''4th PEP Research Network General Meeting''. Poverty and Economic Policy.
* {{cite book|ref=Nolutshungu|author=Nolutshungu, Sam C. |year=1995|title=Limits of Anarchy: Intervention and State Formation in Chad|publisher= Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press|isbn=978-0-8139-1628-6|author-link=Sam Nolutshungu }}
* [[Kenneth Pollack|Pollack, Kenneth M.]] (2002); ''Arabs at War: Military Effectiveness, 1948–1991''. Lincoln: [[University of Nebraska Press]]. {{ISBN|0-8032-3733-2}}
* "[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html Rank Order – Area] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209041128/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html |date=9 February 2014 }}". ''The World Factbook''. United States Central Intelligence Agency. 10 May 2007.
* "[http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan023258.pdf Republic of Chad – Public Administration Country Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614080558/http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan023258.pdf |date=14 June 2007 }}" (PDF). United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. November 2004.
* {{cite web |url=http://www.primature-tchad.org/CIRCONSCRIPTIONS.pdf |date=3 July 2007 |title=Circonscriptions Administratives |language=fr |publisher=[[Government of Chad]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703022324/http://www.primature-tchad.org/CIRCONSCRIPTIONS.pdf |archive-date=3 July 2007 }}
* Spera, Vincent (8 February 2004); {{cite web |url=http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/imr-ri.nsf/en/gr126314e.html |title=Chad Country Commercial Guide – FY 2005 |access-date=6 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015073734/http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/imr-ri.nsf/en/gr126314e.html |archive-date=15 October 2007 |url-status=dead }}. [[United States Department of Commerce]].
* "[http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/D7238E/D7238E03.htm Symposium on the evaluation of fishery resources in the development and management of inland fisheries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222072025/http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/D7238E/D7238E03.htm |date=22 December 2007 }}". CIFA Technical Paper No. 2. [[FAO]]. 29 November – 1 December 1972.
* {{in lang|fr}} "[http://www.unesco.org/education/wef/countryreports/tchad/contents.html {{lang|fr|Tchad}}] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515005634/http://www.unesco.org/education/wef/countryreports/tchad/contents.html |date=15 May 2007 }}". {{lang|fr|L'évaluation de l'éducation pour tous à l'an 2000: Rapport des pays}}. [[UNESCO]], Education for All.
* {{in lang|fr}} "[https://web.archive.org/web/20110905003712/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/africa/central-africa/chad/French%20translations/Chad%20Back%20towards%20War%20French.pdf {{lang|fr|Tchad: vers le retour de la guerre?}}]" (PDF). [[International Crisis Group]]. 1 June 2006.
* Wolfe, Adam; {{cite web |url=http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=592&language_id=1 |title=Instability on the March in Sudan, Chad and Central African Republic |access-date=3 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105160231/http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=592&language_id=1 |archive-date=5 January 2007 |url-status=dead }}, PINR, 6 December 2006.
* World Bank (14 July 2006). ''[http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:20994138~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html World Bank, Govt. of Chad Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Poverty Reduction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012184831/http://web.worldbank.org/wbsite/external/news/0,,contentmdk:20994138~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html |date=12 October 2007 }}''. [[News release|Press release]].
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* "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4351076.stm Worst corruption offenders named] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901030455/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4351076.stm |date=1 September 2007 }}", BBC News, 18 November 2005.
* Young, Neil (August 2002); ''[http://www.jigsawlounge.co.uk/film/harouninterview.html An interview with Mahamet-Saleh Haroun, writer and director of Abouna ("Our Father")] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070304045323/http://www.jigsawlounge.co.uk/film/harouninterview.html |date=4 March 2007 }}''.
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Chad|collapsible=collapsed}}{{Library resources box}}
* [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/chad/ Chad]. ''[[The World Factbook]]''. [[Central Intelligence Agency]].
* [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/tdtoc.html Chad country study] from [[Library of Congress]]
* {{GovPubs|chad}}
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13164686 Chad profile] from the [[BBC News]]
* {{wikiatlas|Chad}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|2361304}}
* [http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=TD Key Development Forecasts for Chad] from [[International Futures]]

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