Fact 1: Chad is Landlocked
This African country is entirely landlocked, meaning it has no coastline. Chad is surrounded by six countries including Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west.
Fact 2: Lake Chad is the Country's Lifeline
Lake Chad, which the country is named after, is the second-largest wetland in Africa. The lake provides the country with water for its people, animals, and irrigation. Interestingly, the size of Lake Chad varies between seasons, expanding during the rainy season and contracting during the dry season.
Fact 3: The Sahara Desert makes up a third of Chad
Chad is home to an incredibly diverse set of landscapes. However, nearly one third of the country's land is actually covered by the Sahara Desert, one of the largest and hottest deserts in the world.
Fact 4: Chad Boasts A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Lakes of Ounianga are one of Chad’s treasures and are recognized by UNESCO. Comprising of 18 interconnected lakes, they are found in the heart of the Sahara Desert and are a testament to the area's ancient geological past.
Fact 5: One of Africa’s Longest Rivers Flows through Chad
The Chari River, the largest river in Chad, is also one of Africa’s longest rivers. It is approximately 1,400 kilometers long and flows into Lake Chad. It is a major source of sustenance for the country, providing fresh water and fishing opportunities.
Fact 6: Chad is Bilingual
Chad has two official languages: French and Arabic. This linguistic blend is due to Chad's colonial history and its geographic position between Arab northern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Fact 7: Chad Hosts Diverse Wildlife
Chad is known for its rich biodiversity. In fact, it has one of the largest single herd of elephants on the continent. Other wildlife found in the country includes buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, and numerous species of birds.
Fact 8: Chad is Home to Over 200 Different Ethnic Groups
Chad’s population is abundantly diverse with over 200 different ethnic groups residing in the country. Each of these groups has their own unique traditions, languages, and cultures.
Fact 9: It is One of the World's Youngest Nations
Chad’s demographic is majorly skewed towards the young, with about half of the population under 15 years of age, making it one of the youngest countries in the world.
Fact 10: Chad is a Major Producer of Gum Arabic
Chad is one of the largest producers of gum arabic, a natural gum made of hardened sap. It is used in a variety of sectors, from food and beverages to printing and pharmaceuticals.
Fact 11: Cricket is Unexpectedly a Popular Sport in Chad
Though Chad is located in a region where soccer is the dominant sport, cricket has gained quite a bit of popularity due to an influx of refugees from cricket-playing nations.
Fact 12: The Ennedi Plateau Holds Ancient Secrets
The Ennedi Plateau located in the northeast of Chad is home to hundreds of caves decorated with unique ancient rock art dating back millennia.
Fact 13: Camel Racing is a Popular Tradition
Camel racing is a popular traditional sport in Chad. Sprint races take place in the Sahara Desert, with young riders showcasing their skills.
Fact 14: Zakouma National Park Resident to 40% of the World's Kordofan Giraffe Population
A majority of the world's Kordofan giraffe population resides in Chad’s Zakouma National Park. The park, in its efforts to conserve wildlife, has also restored its elephant population, which had previously been decimated due to poaching.
Fact 15: Chad Features in the Star Wars Universe
Scenes from the Star Wars saga were filmed in Chad, specifically those set on the fictional planet of Tatooine. The original 'Lars Homestead', Luke Skywalker's childhood home, can be visited in the northern region of Chad.
Fact 16: Most Chadians are Subsistence Farmers
Despite its geographical challenges, about 80% of Chad's population is reliant on subsistence farming and livestock for their livelihood.
Fact 17: Chad is Named After a Body of Water
Chad derives its name from Lake Chad. The word Chad actually means ‘large expanse of water’ in the local language.
Fact 18: It Hosts an Annual Film Festival
Chad conducts an annual international film festival known as the Quintessence Festival. Filmmakers from across the world come to showcase their talents and creations.
Fact 19: Their Traditional Music Instruments are Unique
The kinde, a type of bowl-lyre, is a traditional musical instrument from Chad. It has one string and is typically made from a calabash, a type of gourd.
Fact 20: The Highest and Lowest Points of Chad are not that Far Apart
The highest point in Chad is the Emi Koussi, a dormant volcano in the Sahara at 3,445 meters. In contrast, the lowest point, the Djourab Depression, is only 160 meters below sea level and about 600 km away from Emi Koussi.