Country Profile: Chad

Chad, located in Central Africa and bordered by Libya to the north, is characterized by a diverse geography that includes arid deserts, broad plains, and tropical regions. With a population exceeding 19 million, the country grapples with high levels of poverty and instability stemming from both internal and external conflicts. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, but it faces ongoing challenges from volatile markets and climatic vulnerabilities, alongside a governance structure that has shifted recently towards military leadership following the death of President Idriss Déby in 2021.

Geography

Chad is the largest landlocked country in Africa, with a total area of approximately 1.284 million sq km, making it almost nine times the size of New York State. The terrain consists of arid plains, desert regions in the north, and lowland areas in the south, with the highest point being Emi Koussi at 3,445 m. The climate varies significantly, featuring a tropical zone in the south and a desert climate in the north, contributing to uneven population distribution, with the southwest being the most densely populated.

Area: 1.284 million sq km (total)
Land boundaries: 6,406 km with neighboring countries
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, uranium, and gold
Climate: Tropical in the south, desert in the north

People and Society

Chad has a diverse population of 19,674,004 (2025 estimate), with a median age of 16.9 years. The ethnic composition includes groups such as the Sara (30.5%) and Kanembu (9.8%), and there are over 120 languages and dialects spoken across the country. Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by 52.1% of the population, while 23.9% identify as Protestant and 20% as Roman Catholic. The country faces high rates of poverty, with 44.8% of the population living below the national poverty line.

Population growth rate: 2.98% (2025 estimate)
Urbanization: 24.4% of the population resides in urban areas (2023)
Literacy rate: 30.6% (2019 estimate)
Infant mortality rate: 61.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 estimate)

Economy

Chad's economy is fundamentally oil-dependent and is challenged by fluctuations in international oil prices, regional instability, and a substantial influx of refugees. In recent years, the economy showed signs of recovery, with a projected GDP of $52.895 billion (2024 estimate) and a growth rate of 3.7%. Agriculture remains a significant sector, contributing to about 32.2% of GDP in 2024, alongside industry and services.

Unemployment rate: 1.1% (2024 estimate)
Population below poverty line: 44.8% (2022 estimate)
GDP per capita: $2,600 (2024 estimate)
Main exports: Crude petroleum, gold, and oil seeds

Government

Chad is a presidential republic, currently under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Déby, following a military-led transition after the death of his father. The legal system is a mix of civil and customary law, with a bicameral legislature. The government has faced significant challenges, including unrest and calls for democratic elections, which are anticipated by October 2024.

Capital: N'Djamena
Administrative divisions: 23 provinces
Suffrage: Citizens can vote at age 18; universal suffrage is practiced
Constitution: Latest adopted on June 27, 2023, approved by referendum

Military and Security

The Chadian National Army is tasked with maintaining internal security and conducting operations against various insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS branches. Military expenditures are estimated at 3% of GDP (2024), reflecting the country's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities amidst various threats.

Active personnel: Estimated at 35-40,000 (2025)
Military service age: Mandatory service for men from 18-25 years
Military focus: Primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations

Energy

Chad's energy sector is underdeveloped, with only 11.7% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The majority of the country's electricity generation relies on fossil fuels, comprising 94.3% of total installed capacity. Oil production stands at approximately 124,000 barrels per day (2023), highlighting its significance to the economy.

Installed electricity capacity: 167,000 kW (2023)
Electricity consumption: 282.103 million kWh (2023)
Petroleum refined consumption: 15,000 bbl/day (2023)

Environment

Chad faces significant environmental challenges including desertification and inadequate supplies of potable water. The agricultural sector is hampered by soil and water pollution, affecting both rural and urban populations. The country participates in various international environmental agreements aiming to combat climate change and promote biodiversity.

Total renewable water resources: 45.7 billion cubic meters (2022)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.054 million metric tonnes (2023)
Municipal solid waste generated: 1.359 million tons (2024)

Transportation

Chad has 44 airports as of 2025, facilitating domestic and international travel. However, the country's transportation infrastructure remains limited, which presents challenges for trade and mobility.

Communications

The communication sector in Chad is developing; however, internet penetration is low with only 13% of the population reported as internet users in 2023. Mobile cellular subscriptions reach 14.8 million, indicating a growing reliance on mobile technology.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,674,004 (2025 est.)
Area	1.284 million sq km
GDP	$52.895 billion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption	1.502 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	38.62 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment	1.1% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	60 years (2024 est.)