Chad
Subregion: Middle Africa
Chad is a middle African country. The Capital City is N’Djamena. The government is a Unitary military junta, meaning the country is run by a committee of military leaders. However, there is a President of the Transitional Military Council. The official languages of the country are Arabic and French. The predominant religion is Islam. Healthcare in Chad is lacking due to the unrest in the country. There are a couple of options for payment of healthcare, the majority of patients pay out of pocket for services. There are only about 11 hospitals and medical facilities, almost all being in N’Djamena.
Safety:
Chad is a country located in central Africa, and like many other countries in the region, it faces several safety concerns. Chad has experienced several terrorist attacks in recent years, particularly in the Lake Chad region, which is near the border with Nigeria. Boko Haram, a terrorist group that originated in Nigeria, has carried out several attacks in the region, targeting civilians, military personnel, and government installations. Chad also has high levels of crime, particularly in the capital city, N'Djamena. Carjacking, theft, and burglary are common, and travelers are often targeted. Chad has a history of civil unrest, and protests and demonstrations can sometimes turn violent. In April 2021, there was a coup d'état in Chad, which resulted in the death of the president, Idriss Déby. The political situation remains uncertain, and there is a risk of further unrest. Kidnapping for ransom is a risk in Chad, particularly in the north of the country. Several foreign nationals have been kidnapped in recent years, including humanitarian workers and tourists. Chad has also experienced outbreaks of disease, including cholera and meningitis. In recent years, the country has also been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s not much documentation regarding attacks on women in Chad, however women should avoid going out alone after dark or traveling alone. Avoid the areas near the borders of Libya, Sudan and Central African Republic, due to violent conflict in those areas. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from deserts in the north to tropical forests in the south. However, the road infrastructure in Chad is limited and poorly maintained, which can make travel by road unsafe. The road infrastructure in Chad is generally poor, with many roads being unpaved or in a state of disrepair. This can make driving difficult and increase the risk of accidents. Chad has a limited road network, and many areas of the country are not accessible by road. The driving conditions in Chad can be hazardous, especially during the rainy season when roads can become flooded or washed out. Many roads are also poorly lit at night, making driving after dark dangerous. Many vehicles in Chad are old and poorly maintained, which can increase the risk of accidents. It's also important to note that many vehicles in Chad do not have seat belts or other safety features.
Cultural Customs:
Chad is a diverse country with over 200 ethnic groups, each with their own cultural customs and traditions. The family is the most important unit in Chadian society. Families tend to be large and extended, and the community plays a significant role in the lives of its members. In Chadian culture, elders are highly respected and honored. Younger generations are expected to show deference and obedience to older family members and community leaders. Hospitality is a central value in Chadian culture. Visitors are always welcomed and treated with generosity, and offering food and drink to guests is a sign of respect. Many Chadians wear traditional clothing made from brightly colored fabrics, especially for special occasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies. In the northern part of the country, women should be dressed modestly in pants, long sleeved shirts and a headscarf. Music and dance are an important part of Chadian culture. Traditional music is often played on instruments such as the balafon, a type of xylophone, and the ngoni, a stringed instrument. Traditional dances are often performed at weddings and other celebrations. Chad is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islam plays an important role in Chadian culture. However, there are also significant Christian and animist populations, and traditional religious practices are still observed by some groups. In Chadian culture, gender roles are typically divided along traditional lines. Men are expected to be providers and protectors, while women are responsible for the household and childcare. Many Chadians still rely on oral tradition to pass down stories, history, and cultural practices from generation to generation. A staple food is alysh/biya, it is millet paste balls dipped in sauces. Smoked fish is also a common dish in the north. Alcohol is not widely consumed in the north and center of the country where Islamic culture is prevalent. Alcohol is more readily available in larger cities in the south.
Geography & Weather:
Chad’s climate is tropical semi-arid.
In the city of N’Djamena, which is in the south-west of the country, the average temperature ranges from 74 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 74 degrees F and April being the hottest month with a median temperature of 93 degrees F. Rainy season is July - September. The sun shines all year round.
In Faya-Largeau, in the north, in the Sahara desert, the average temperature ranges from 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 68 degrees F and June is the hottest month with a median temperature of 93 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in this area. The sun is out 10-11 hours a day, all year round.
In Moundou, which is in the south-west of the country, the average temperature ranges from 77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with a median temperature of 77 degrees F and April being the hottest month with a median temperature of 90 degrees F. Rainy season is June - September. The sun shines 8 - 9 hours daily during the dry season.
Economy:
The economy in Chad is heavily dependent on oil exports. Despite its oil wealth, Chad remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a high level of poverty and inequality. The unemployment rate in Chad is difficult to estimate, as much of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture or informal work, and there is a lack of reliable data. However, it is generally believed that unemployment is high, particularly among young people, and that the labor market is characterized by significant underemployment and informal employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Chad's economy, as the drop in oil prices and reduced demand for oil have led to a sharp decline in government revenue. This has led to cuts in public spending and increased pressure on the private sector, which has in turn affected employment levels. Chad has taken steps to diversify its economy, with a focus on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, but progress has been slow. The government has also introduced policies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and small business development, but again, progress has been limited. In summary, while Chad's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, the country faces significant challenges in terms of poverty, inequality, and high levels of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Central African Franc (XAF)
XAF 1.00 = USD .0017
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
16,425,864
Median Age:
16.6 yrs
Life Expectancy:
55.17 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, Single entry 1 month $150
Multiple entry 3 months $200
Multiple entry 6 months $250
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - No
Naturalization - Chadian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Chad for at least 15 consecutive years, is of good morality, no physical or mental disabilities.
Citizenship by investment is available but specifications aren’t available.
Residency Requirements:
Carte de sejour or residence permits are available.
Resources:
N'Djamena Expat Facebook Group
*Notable Information*
Police Registration within 72 hours of arrival into Chad, you must report to a police station to register. N’Djamena hotels are able to register on your behalf. Photography is prohibited in public places, stow all phones and cameras when in the airport. You must have a government permit to take any type of photos unless you are going to a location with special permission for tourists.
U.S. Embassy N’Djamena
Chagoua Roundpoint
B.P. 413
N'Djamena, Chad
Telephone: +235 22 51 50 17
Emergency after-hours telephone: +235 63 51 78 00
Fax: +235 22 53 91 02
Email: NdjamenaACS@state.gov