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Chad

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Chad, symbol of the news from the Country on Innovando News

Discover how Chad promotes sustainable and innovative practices to address economic and environmental challenges on Innovando.News: Chad is located in Central Africa, bordering Libya to the north and the Central African Republic to the south. With a surface area of ​​approximately 1.284.000 km², it is the fifth largest country in Africa. The population is approximately 17 million, with a high growth rate of 3% per year. N'Djamena, the capital, is the political and administrative center. Chad's economy has a GDP of approximately USD 12 billion, with a per capita income of USD 700. Agriculture accounts for 30% of GDP, while the growing mining sector focuses on oil extraction. The country has a rich cultural diversity, with over 200 ethnic groups and languages ​​spoken. Life expectancy is approximately 54 years, while the literacy rate stands at around 60%. Chad faces significant challenges, including desertification and political instability.

Summary data on Chad

  • Total population: Approximately 21 million inhabitants, as of 2025.
  • Population growth rate: Approximately 3,4% per year, 2025 data; the population is young and growing rapidly.
  • Capital: N'Djamena, the country's main political, administrative and economic center.
  • Main cities: In addition to N'Djamena, other notable cities include Moundou, Sarh, Abéché, Kélo and Doba.
  • Countries it borders: Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger.
  • Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 21,5 billion, as of 2025.
  • Pro-capite GDP: Approximately USD 1.020, as of 2025.
  • GDP growth rate: Approximately 5,6% in 2025.
  • Inflation: About -3,9% in 2025, according to the available World Bank series.
  • Unemployment rateApproximately 1,1% according to the ILO 2025 modeled estimate; this figure should be interpreted with caution due to the large presence of the informal economy.
  • Trade balance: Strongly influenced by oil exports and imports of food, fuel, machinery, industrial products and consumer goods.
  • Major business partners: China, United Arab Emirates, India, European Union, Cameroon, Nigeria and other countries in Central and West Africa.
  • Public debt: To be indicated only with updated source and explicit reference year.
  • Public spending on R&D (Research and Development): Limited; specific data to be reported only if available from an updated official source.
  • Main economic sectors: Petroleum, agriculture, livestock, cotton, gum arabic, trade, public services and informal activities.
  • Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF).
  • Interest rate: Determined within the framework of the monetary policy of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC).
  • Foreign exchange reserves: To be indicated only with updated monetary source and reference year.
  • Main exports: Crude oil, gold, cotton, gum arabic, livestock and agricultural products.
  • Main importsMachinery, refined fuels, food products, consumer goods, vehicles, medicines and construction materials.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Low, with critical issues related to poverty, education, health and access to essential services.
  • Literacy rate: Low by international standards; provide a specific value only with updated source and year.
  • Life expectancy: About 55 years, given 2024.
  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Do not indicate a specific position if the country is not included or is not clearly identified in the most recent GII ranking consulted.
  • Corruption Perception IndexPerception of corruption is high; report score, rank, and year only if verified in the most recent CPI rankings.

Chad in depth 

1. Country Name

  • Official Country Name: Republic of Chad
  • Short form and long form: Chad (short form); Republic of Chad (long form)

2. Geography

  • Geographical position: Chad is located in Central Africa, bordering Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, and Niger and Nigeria to the west. The country also extends to Lake Chad, an important water resource.
  • Area Approximately 1.284.000 km², making it the fifth largest country in Africa.
  • Description of the landscape: Chad's landscape is very diverse, including deserts, savannahs, forests and mountainous areas. The Sahara occupies much of the country in the north, while the south is characterized by plains and humid areas.

3. Population

  • Number of inhabitants: About 17 million inhabitants.
  • Population growth rate: The population growth rate is high, around 3% per year.
  • Major cities and population distribution: Major cities include N'Djamena (capital), Moundou, Sarh and Abéché. The population is unevenly distributed, with greater density in urban areas.

4. Capital and main cities

  • Name of the capital: N'Djamena.
  • Information on the main cities: N'Djamena is the political and administrative center of Chad, located on the banks of the Chari River. Moundou is the commercial and industrial center of the south, while Sarh is an important agricultural hub.

5. economy

Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

Chad has a nominal GDP of about US$12 billion, with a GDP per capita of about US$700. The economy is growing, but is vulnerable to various factors, including volatile commodity prices.

Main economic sectors (agriculture, industry, services)

Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and employs the majority of the population. Major agricultural products include cotton, millet, sorghum, and peanuts. Chad is one of Africa's leading cotton producers. The mining sector is growing, with oil and gas extraction gaining traction in recent years. The service sector is limited, but is growing, with increased trade and tourism.

GDP growth rate and inflation

In recent years, Chad has experienced variable GDP growth rates, averaging around 2-4%. Inflation has been moderate, but has fluctuated due to external and internal factors.

Unemployment rate and trade balance

The unemployment rate is high, estimated at 9-10%, with a significant portion of the population employed in the informal sector. The trade balance is generally negative, as the country imports more goods than it exports.

Public debt

Chad's public debt is sustainable, around 35% of GDP. The government has sought to maintain sustainability through fiscal reforms and infrastructure investments.

Main exports and imports

Major exports include petroleum, cotton and agricultural products. Imports consist mainly of consumer goods, machinery and fuel, with major trading partners including France, Nigeria and the United States.

6. Political system and government

  • Type of government: Presidential republic.
  • Political structure: Chad has a presidential system in which the president is both the head of state and the head of government. The National Assembly is unicameral and members are elected every five years.
  • Main political parties and electoral organization: The main parties include the Patriotic Movement for National Salvation (MPS) and the Union for Change and Democracy (UCD). The elections have been criticized for their lack of transparency and fairness.

7. History and culture

Brief historical overview of the country

Chad has a complex history, with human settlements dating back thousands of years. The country was colonized by France in the 1960th century and gained independence in XNUMX. Since then, Chad has faced periods of internal conflict and political instability.

Cultural and linguistic traditions

Chadian culture is rich in diversity, with over 200 ethnic groups and numerous languages ​​spoken, including Arabic and French (official languages), as well as indigenous languages. Cultural traditions include music, dance, and crafts, with events such as the Festival of Traditional Dances celebrating the country's cultural heritage.

Cultural heritage (monuments, UNESCO sites, cultural events)

Chad is home to several historical and cultural sites, including the archaeological site of Abéché and Zakouma National Park. Cultural events such as the N'Djamena Music Festival celebrate local music and arts.

8. Innovation and development

  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Chad is a developing country and is not among the most innovative, but there are efforts to improve education and technology.
  • R&D (Research and Development) Spending: Spending on R&D is limited, but there are initiatives to promote innovation, particularly in the agricultural and technology sectors.
  • Advanced technological sectors and main innovations of the country: The country is trying to develop the information and communication technology sector, with an increase in start-ups and entrepreneurial initiatives.

9. Education and health

  • Literacy rate: About 60%.
  • Structure of the education system: Education is free and compulsory until the age of 12. The education system includes public and private schools, but there are significant challenges regarding access and quality of education.
  • Quality and accessibility of the health system: The health system is mixed, with public and private services. There are challenges related to access to care and quality of facilities, but the government is working to improve the situation.
  • Life expectancy: About 54 years old.

10. International rankings

  • Position in the Human Development Index (HDI): Very low, with an HDI around 0,398.
  • Position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Low ranking, with significant concerns about corruption in the public sector.
  • Position in global economic indices: Low ranking for ease of doing business, with opportunities for improvement.

11. Environmental policies

  • The country's efforts in terms of sustainability: Chad has initiated policies to address environmental issues, but faces significant challenges related to desertification and water management.
  • Environmental policies and international commitments: The country is party to several international agreements on environmental protection and is working to improve the management of natural resources.

12. Curiosities and peculiarities

  • Interesting or unique facts about the country: Chad is home to Lake Chad, which is one of the region’s major water resources, but is facing problems of shrinking size due to drought and climate change.
  • Important events, national holidays, gastronomic specialties: Independence Day on August 11 is a national holiday. Chadian cuisine includes dishes such as daraba (a meat and vegetable stew) and attiéké (a cassava-based side dish).

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