Country Profile: Chad

Chad is a landlocked country located in Central Africa, characterized by a diverse geography that ranges from arid deserts in the north to tropical climates in the south. The population is approximately 19.7 million, with a youthful demographic, where nearly half are under the age of 15. Its economy is heavily dependent on oil production, influenced by fluctuations in global market prices, alongside significant challenges including poverty and food insecurity. Governance has evolved through a turbulent history marked by civil wars and insurgencies, leading to a transitional military government following the death of long-time leader Idriss Déby in 2021.

Geography

Chad is situated south of Libya in Central Africa, spanning an area of about 1.284 million square kilometers. The country is landlocked, bordered by six nations and characterized by broad, arid plains and desert terrains. The climate varies from tropical in the south to desert conditions in the north, with natural resources such as petroleum and uranium prevalent in its landscape.

1.284 million sq km - Total area
40% - Agricultural land as of 2023
24,800 sq km - Water area
3,445 m - Highest point (Emi Koussi)
6,406 km - Total land boundaries
3.1% - Forest area in 2023
10,360-25,900 sq km - Area of Lake Chad varies by season

People and Society

The estimated population of Chad is approximately 19.7 million as of 2025, with a majority belonging to various ethnic groups including the Sara and Kanembu. The country is multilingual, with French and Arabic as official languages. The population structure is notably youthful, with nearly 46% under the age of 15, indicating high birth rates and demographic pressures.

52.1% - Population practicing Islam
30.6% - Literacy rate as of 2019
38.62 - Birth rate (births per 1,000 in 2025)
60 - Life expectancy (years, 2024 est.)
1.04 - Sex ratio at birth (male(s)/female)
24.4% - Urban population (2023)
2.5% - Population aged 65 and over (2024)

Economy

Chad’s economy is significantly oil-dependent, facing challenges from regional instability and fluctuating market prices. Despite these challenges, recent growth has been observed, driven primarily by oil production and agricultural recovery efforts. The country struggles with high poverty levels, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.

$52.895 billion - Real GDP (purchasing power parity, 2024 est.)
1.1% - Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
32.2% - Agriculture's share of GDP (2024 est.)
$2,600 - Real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
44.8% - Population below the poverty line (2022 est.)
3% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
1.5 billion barrels - Crude oil estimated reserves (2021 est.)

Government

Chad is a presidential republic, currently led by Transitional President Mahamat Idriss Déby following a military coup. The country has gone through numerous political changes, including recent constitutional amendments and plans for future elections. As of January 2024, Chad is structured with a bicameral legislature and operates under a mixed legal system combining civil and customary law.

National Assembly - 188 seats, all directly elected
Parliament - Bicameral legislature
Universal suffrage - Voting age is 18
Last election - Presidential elections held in May 2024
Next elections - Expected by October 2024
23 provinces - Administrative divisions
Independence - Achieved on August 11, 1960

Military and Security

The Chadian National Army plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security, particularly in countering insurgencies from groups like Boko Haram. The military's strength is estimated between 35,000 to 40,000 active personnel, engaging in efforts against terrorism within and outside its borders.

3% - Military spending as a share of GDP (2024 est.)
1,000-1,500 - Troops committed to the Multinational Joint Task Force (2025)
18-25 - Age range for voluntary military service
35,000-40,000 - Estimated active military personnel (2025)
Multiple terrorist groups - Active threats include Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa
Counterinsurgency operations - Focus of military engagement
Increased military size - Plans to grow to 60,000 personnel

Energy

Chad's energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, with electricity access being very limited. The installed electric generation capacity is primarily from fossil sources, while other renewable energy sources contribute minimally. As of 2022, only 11.7% of the total population has access to electricity.

167,000 kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
94.3% - Electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
1.502 million Btu/person - Total energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)
124,000 bbl/day - Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
282.103 million kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
15,000 bbl/day - Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)
1.3% - Electrification in rural areas (2022 est.)

Environment

Chad faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification and inadequate water supplies. The country is in various international environmental agreements aiming to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. Urban areas are particularly affected by pollution and waste management issues.

2.054 million metric tonnes - Estimated CO2 emissions (2023)
40% - Agricultural land (2023 est.)
11.1% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
672.2 million cubic meters - Water withdrawal for agriculture (2022 est.)
1.36 million tons - Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
Desertification - A significant challenge due to climate impacts
Inadequate potable water supplies - A critical environmental issue

Transportation

Transportation in Chad includes a limited network of airports and a focus on road transport. The country has a total of 44 airports as of 2025, contributing to domestic and international connectivity.

44 - Total airports (2025)
TT - Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
Limited infrastructure - Challenges for transport and logistics

Communications

Chad’s communication infrastructure is underdeveloped, with a low percentage of the population having access to the internet and mobile cellular services. However, there are efforts to improve these services throughout urban areas.

14.8 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
13% - Percentage of the population using the internet (2023 est.)
1 state-owned TV station - Limited broadcast media presence
Fixed-line system - Reported to be down and unavailable for 2024
Broadcast media - Includes both state-owned and private stations

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,674,004 (2025 est.)
Area	1.284 million sq km
GDP (PPP)	$52.895 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	1.502 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	38.62 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	1.1%	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	30.6%	(2019 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	60 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Electrification	11.7% of total population	(2022 est.)