General background: Chad, part
of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three
decades of ethnic warfare as well as invasions by Libya
before a semblance of peace was finally restored in
1990. The government eventually suppressed or came to
terms with most political-military groups, settled a
territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable to
Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multiparty
presidential and National Assembly elections in 1996
and 1997 respectively. In 1998 a new rebellion broke
out in northern Chad, which continued to escalate throughout
2000. A peace agreement, signed in January 2002 between
the government and the rebels, provides for the demobilization
of the rebels and their reintegration into the political
system. Despite movement toward democratic reform, power
remains in the hands of a northern ethnic oligarchy.
Area comparative: Slightly more than three
times the size of California
Climate: Tropical
in south, desert in north
Terrain: Broad,
arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in
northwest, lowlands in south
Population: 8,997,237 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: 200 distinct groups; in the
north and center: Arabs, Gorane (Toubou, Daza, Kreda),
Zaghawa, Kanembou, Ouaddai, Baguirmi, Hadjerai, Fulbe,
Kotoko, Hausa, Boulala, and Maba, most of whom are
Muslim; in the south: Sara (Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye),
Moundang, Moussei, Massa, most of whom are Christian
or animist; about 1,000 French citizens live in Chad.
Religions: Muslim 51%, Christian 35%, animist
7%, other 7%
Language: French (official), Arabic (official),
Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages
and dialects
Government type: Republic
Capital: N'Djamena
Legal system: Based on French civil law system
and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction
Economic overview: Chad's primarily agricultural
economy will be boosted by major oilfield and pipeline
projects that began in 2000. Over 80% of Chad's population
relies on subsistence farming and stock raising for
their livelihood. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide
the bulk of Chad's export earnings, but Chad will
begin to export oil in 2004. Chad's economy has long
been handicapped by its land-locked position, high
energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies
on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most
public and private sector investment projects. A consortium
led by two US companies is investing $3.7 billion
to develop oil reserves estimated at 1 billion barrels
in southern Chad.
Communication/Telephone system: Fair system
of radiotelephone communication stations. International,
satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean).
Places of interest: The cities are still interesting
and relatively safe places to visit for the careful
traveller - nightlife in the capital is thriving with
many popular bars - but visitors should always stick
to main routes and keep a low profile. Intrepid travellers
are currently able to visit the capitals of ancient
desert kingdoms and other attractions in the country.
Travel tips: The UK Foreign & Commonwealth
Office strongly advises against travelling overland
at night.
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