Chad

Introduction to Chad

The Republic of Chad (Arabic: تشاد , Tašād; French: Tchad) is a landlocked country in central Africa. It borders 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. Due to its distance from the sea and its largely desert climate, the country is sometimes refered to as the 'dead heart of Africa.' In the north, it contains the Tibesti Mountains, the largest mountain chain in the Sahara desert. Formerly part of the Federation of French Equatorial Africa, the country shares a relationship with Lake Chad.

Cultural notes about Chad

Chad is a very culturally diverse nation. Among the manifestations of this diversity is the extremely large number of languages spoken there. Although the only official languages in Chad are Arabic and French, there are also more than 100 tribal languages spoken. The largest ethnic group in Chad, the Christian/animist Sara peoples living in the south, only makes up 20% of the population. In central Chad, people are mostly nomadic and pastoralist. The mountainous north has a sparse, mostly Muslim population of mixed backgrounds. Each society in Chad (smaller than the groups described above) has developed their own religion, music, and folklore.

The largest Christian churches are the Roman Catholic Church, the Assemblees Chretiennes du Tchad, the Eglise Baptiste du Tchad and the Eglises Evangeliques au Tchad.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Chad

You are advised against all travel to the northern Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti region, where there are uncleared minefields and significant rebel activities. Crossing the border anywhere in this area is extremely dangerous. You are also advised against all travel to the border area with the Central African Republic due to increased insecurity in the region.

A permit issued by the Ministry of Interior is required for travel outside N’Djamena. The permit may take several days to be issued.

Even though the Chad/Sudan border is open to overland traffic and the Sudanese embassy in N'Djamena is issuing visas to tourists wishing to follow this route, you are advised against all overland travel on the main route from Chad into Western Sudan. The security situation in Darfur is unstable. Clashes between government forces and the Darfur Liberation Front in the Jebel Marra mountains have resulted in deaths.

On December 18, 2005, rebels attacked the border town of Adre. Reports indicate that at least 100 rebels were killed and rebel groups are also planning other attacks in an attempt to oust the actual President.