Chad is one of the most mysterious and least known countries in Africa, where the majesty of the desert, ancient history, and cultural diversity come together. Although the country has no access to the sea, it impresses with its striking natural contrasts — from the sands of the Sahara to the green savannas of the south. The country was named after Lake Chad, which is considered its heart and symbol of life. Below are some interesting facts about Chad that you may not know.
- Chad is one of the largest countries in Africa by area. It covers over 1.28 million square kilometers, making it larger than France, Spain, and Germany combined. Despite its vast size, much of the country is sparsely populated.
- The nation is landlocked but is home to the famous Lake Chad, one of the largest in Africa. It serves as a vital source of water for millions of people living in Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger.
- Lake Chad has been shrinking dramatically over the past few decades. In the 1960s, it covered more than 25,000 square kilometers, but today it occupies less than 10 percent of its former size. This has become one of the most serious environmental problems in the region.
- The capital of Chad is N’Djamena, founded in 1900 by the French. It lies on the banks of the Chari River, near the border with Cameroon, and is the largest city in the country. Today, its population exceeds one million.
- Chad’s landscape is incredibly diverse. The north is dominated by the Sahara Desert with its dunes and rocky plateaus, the center consists of dry Sahel steppes, while the south features fertile savannas and wetlands. This diversity makes Chad geographically unique.
- The highest point in the country is Emi Koussi, the tallest peak in the Sahara, rising 3,415 meters above sea level. It is an extinct volcano located in the Tibesti Mountains, one of the most remote and least explored areas of Africa.
- Chad’s territory has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeologists have discovered rock carvings more than 7,000 years old depicting hunting, dancing, and everyday life. These findings show that early civilizations in the region had developed rich cultural traditions.
- Before colonization, Chad was part of powerful African empires such as Kanem-Bornu, Wadai, and Bagirmi. These kingdoms controlled key caravan routes that connected the Sahara with Central and West Africa.
- France took control of Chad at the end of the 19th century. The country became part of French Equatorial Africa and gained independence in 1960. After independence, Chad went through decades of conflict and political instability.
- Chad is a multiethnic and multilingual country. More than 200 ethnic groups live here, speaking over 100 languages and dialects. The official languages are French and Arabic.
- The largest ethnic group is the Sara people, who mainly inhabit the southern regions. Other major groups include the Kanembu, Tubu, Arabs, Maba, and Hausa. Each has its own customs, music, and traditional clothing.
- Chad’s economy is primarily based on agriculture. The main crops are cotton, millet, sorghum, maize, and peanuts. In recent decades, oil production has also become an important part of the economy.
- Chad is one of the driest countries in the world. In the northern deserts, rain may not fall for several years. The southern regions, however, have a tropical climate with abundant rainfall during the wet season.
- Most of the country’s water resources are concentrated around Lake Chad and the Chari and Logone Rivers. These rivers form the natural border with Cameroon and provide water for drinking and irrigation.
- One of Chad’s most remarkable natural landmarks is the Ennedi Plateau. It is known for its rock arches, canyons, and ancient cave paintings. In 2016, the Ennedi Plateau was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Chad is home to many wild animals, including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, hippos, and crocodiles. Zakouma National Park hosts one of the largest elephant populations in Central Africa.
- Traditional music plays an important role in Chadian culture. Among the Sara and Tubu peoples, drums, string instruments, and flutes are commonly used. Music accompanies ceremonies, weddings, and festivals, often serving both cultural and spiritual purposes.
- Chadian cuisine is simple but nourishing. It is based mainly on grains, vegetables, and meat. One of the most popular dishes is “boule,” a millet porridge served with a meat or vegetable sauce.
- The national flag of Chad closely resembles the French flag, but the blue stripe has a darker shade. The colors symbolize the sky, the desert, and the people’s hope for peace.
- In the north of the country, Islam is the dominant religion, while Christianity prevails in the south. Traditional African beliefs are also preserved and often blend with major religions.
- Despite economic challenges, Chad has significant tourism potential. Its deserts, lakes, savannas, and ancient monuments attract explorers, photographers, and adventurers from around the world.
- One of the oldest known human ancestors, Sahelanthropus tchadensis, or “Toumaï,” was discovered in Chad. Its age is estimated at about seven million years, making it one of the earliest known hominids.
- The level of urbanization in Chad is very low. Most people live in rural areas and are engaged in farming or animal husbandry.
- Chad shares borders with six countries: Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. Its central location makes it an important geographical crossroads of Africa.
Chad is a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern life and deserts coexist with fertile plains. Its fascinating facts reveal the natural beauty, deep history, and resilience of its people. This remarkable country remains a place of mystery and discovery, inviting the world to explore its hidden wonders.
