Country Profile: Chad

Chad, located in Central Africa, is a landlocked country characterized by a diverse geography that includes tropical regions in the south and arid deserts in the north. With a population of approximately 19 million people, Chad is home to numerous ethnic groups and languages, underscoring its cultural richness. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, grappling with challenges like poverty, food insecurity, and regional instability. Governance has transitioned to a military-led council following the death of long-time President Idriss Déby in 2021, with new elections planned for 2024.

Geography

Chad is the largest landlocked country in Africa, with an area of 1.284 million square kilometers. The terrain is marked by broad arid plains, deserts, and mountains, with significant natural resources including petroleum and uranium. The climate varies from tropical in the south to desert in the north, influencing population distribution, which is denser in the southwestern regions near Lake Chad.

1.284 million sq km - Total area of Chad.
40% - Portion of land used for agriculture (2022 est.).
3.2% - Forest cover (2022 est.).
6,406 km - Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
3.7% - Arable land (2022 est.).

People and Society

Chad's population is estimated at around 19.1 million in 2024, predominantly comprised of diverse ethnic groups, with the Sara making up 30.5%. The official languages are French and Arabic, alongside over 120 local dialects. The country has a high birth rate and a youthful demographic, with a median age of 16.7 years, reflecting a vibrant but challenging societal landscape.

19.1 million - Population estimate for 2024.
39.2 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2024).
93.6 - Total dependency ratio (2024).
30.6% - Literacy rate (2019).
5.24 children - Total fertility rate (2024).

Economy

Chad's economy is primarily oil-dependent, facing challenges from volatile global oil prices and regional conflicts. The GDP growth rate was approximately 3.7% in 2024, driven by oil and agricultural recovery. High poverty levels persist, with nearly 44.8% of the population living below the national poverty line.

$52.895 billion - Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024.
1.1% - Unemployment rate (2024).
32.2% - Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
$5.799 billion - Total exports (2024).
44.8% - Population living below the poverty line (2022).

Government

Chad operates as a presidential republic, with Mahamat Idriss Déby currently serving as president following a military takeover after his father's death. The government structure includes a bicameral legislature, and the latest constitution was adopted in 2024. The country has faced significant governance challenges, including civil unrest and demands for democratic reforms.

56% - Voter turnout in the 2024 presidential elections.
23 provinces - Administrative divisions of Chad.
President - Mahamat Idriss Déby (as of 2024).
Universal suffrage - Age requirement of 18 years.

Military and Security

The Chadian National Army faces significant challenges from internal conflicts and insurgencies, particularly from Boko Haram. With a military expenditure of approximately 3% of GDP, Chad maintains a considerable active military presence, which is involved in both external and internal security operations.

35-40,000 - Estimated active military personnel (2025).
3% of GDP - Military expenditure (2024 est.).
1,000-1,500 troops - Deployed against terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin (2024).
20 years - Legal minimum age for compulsory military service for men.

Energy

Chad's energy landscape is dominated by fossil fuels, contributing to high carbon emissions. However, electricity access remains limited, with only 11.7% of the population having access as of 2022. Efforts to expand energy infrastructure are ongoing, with significant reliance on oil production.

167,000 kW - Installed electricity capacity (2023).
282.103 million kWh - Electricity consumption (2023).
94.3% - Share of fossil fuels in electricity generation (2023).
124,000 bbl/day - Total petroleum production (2023).

Environment

Chad faces critical environmental challenges, including water scarcity and desertification. The government is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues, although implementation remains a challenge.

40% - Land classified as agricultural (2022).
2,054 million metric tonnes - CO2 emissions from petroleum (2023).
45.7 billion cubic meters - Total renewable water resources (2020).
1.358 million tons - Municipal solid waste generated annually (2010 est.).

Transportation

Chad has a developing transportation infrastructure, including a network of 44 airports, which facilitates both domestic and international travel. However, challenges remain in terms of road conditions and connectivity.

44 - Total airports projected by 2025.

Communications

Chad's communication sector is characterized by a low internet penetration rate, with only 13% of the population online as of 2023. Mobile subscriptions have increased, reflecting a growing trend towards mobile communication.

12.1 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
5,000 - Fixed line subscriptions (2022).
13% - Population with internet access (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,093,595	Estimate for 2024
Area	1,284,000 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$52.895 billion	Estimate for 2024
Unemployment Rate	1.1%	Estimate for 2024
Birth Rate	39.2 births/1,000	Estimate for 2024
Military Expenditure	3% of GDP	Estimate for 2024
Electricity Access	11.7% of population	Estimate for 2022
Literacy Rate	30.6%	Estimate for 2019
Total Fertility Rate	5.24 children/woman	Estimate for 2024
Urban Population	24.4% of total population	2023 estimate