Chad

Chad

• Official name: Republic of Chad
• Date established: 11 August 1960 (Independence from France)
• Region: Africa — Central Africa / Sahel
• Capital city: N’Djamena
• Population (2024 est.): ~18.5 million
• Area: 1,284,000 km²
• Density: ~14/km²
• Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
• Official languages: French, Arabic
• Time zone: WAT (UTC+1)
• Calling code: +235
• Major religions: Islam, Christianity, traditional beliefs
• Emergency – Police: 17 (general)
• Emergency – Rescue/Ambulance: 18 / local services
• National symbol: Goat (traditional) / national emblem
• National flower: Sahelian acacia (symbolic)
• National animal: Camel / Sahelian wildlife (symbolic)
• National sport: Football (soccer)
• Literacy rate: ~22–40% (low literacy)
• Human Development Index: ~0.401
• GDP (nominal, 2024): ~$12–14 billion (oil-dependent economy)
• Major industry: Oil, agriculture, livestock, cotton
• National festival: Independence Day — 11 August
• Climate: Desert in north, semi-arid Sahel in centre, tropical south