Country Profile · No. 10

Chad

Capital / Admin Capital

N'DjamenaPopulation: ~21.6MIndependence: 1960 (August 11)

First President

François Tombalbaye (1960–1975)Current President: Mahamat Déby (Transitional President / Military leader since April 2021)

Geography & Borders

Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger. Landlocked transcontinental country linking North and Central Africa.

Demographics & Language

Islam (~55%), Christianity (~40%). Official: Arabic language, French language. Major groups: Sara (~30%), Arab (~12%), Kanembu (~9%), Mayo-Kebbi groups (~11%).

Economy & GDP

Crude petroleum extraction, agriculture (cotton, cattle, sorghum, sesame).

Global Diaspora

1. Sudan (~100k), 2. France (~30k), 3. Cameroon (~25k), 4. United States (~5k–8k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Texas (Houston), Ohio (Columbus), Minnesota (Minneapolis).

Major Conflicts

Chadian Civil War (1965–1979), Chadian–Libyan conflict (1978–1987, including the famous "Toyota War"), Second Chadian Civil War (2005–2010), Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad basin (2009– present).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Ennedi Plateau (A stunning sandstone massif in the Sahara featuring dramatic rock arches, canyons, and ancient rock art), 2. Zakouma National Park (A major conservation success story hosting rebounding populations of elephants, lions, and black rhinos), 3. Lake Chad basin wetlands (Historic shallow inland lake supporting diverse migratory bird species and pastoralist fishing communities).

Quick Facts

Often called the "Dead Heart of Africa" due to its landlocked isolation and climate spanning the Sahara Desert in the north and the Sahel belt in the center; site of the historic Toyota War where agile truck forces defeated heavily armored Libyan divisions.