CHAD
Republic of Chad (République du Tchad)
Because of its long civil war, a war with Libya and a long drought, Chad is one of Africa's poorest and least developed countries. However, with financial assistance from other countries such as the United States, France, and Germany, Chad has started several development projects with the aim of restoring the country to the level of development it reached in 1978.
The government is now focusing on agriculture, mining, energy, and transportation.
Location
Chad is located in Central Africa. Its neighbors are Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.
Size
about the combined size of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico
Coastline
Chad is completely surrounded by land.
Terrain
Chad has lowlands in its southern region, broad plains in the central region, and its northern area is almost completely desert.
Land use
2% of Chad is fertile and can be used to grow crops.
None of the land is used for permanent crops.
36% is taken up by pastures and meadows.
11% of the land is made up of forests.
51% is left over for other uses.
Capital
N'Djamena, which is home to more than 500,000 people, is Chad's capital.
Independence
On August 11th, 1960 Chad gained independence from France.
National holiday
Independence Day, October 11
Languages
French and Arabic are the official languages of Chad.
Population
5.7 million people (1989 estimate)
Age
44% of all Chadians are between 0-14 years of age.
54% of the population is between 15-64 years old.
The remaining 2% are 65 years and over.
Life expectancy at birth
Male Chadians are expected to live to be 40.
Female Chadians are expected to live to be 42.
Total fertility rate
Women have an average of 5 children each.
Ethnic divisions
Chad has over 200 ethnic groups.
Religions
Muslim 44%, Christian 33%, native beliefs 23%
Literacy
Only 30% of all Chadians are literate.
42% of males can read and write.
18% of females can read and write.
