Chad: a country of contrasts in the heart of Africa

Chad is not only the beauty of nature, but also a test of the spirit of tourists. Here, at the crossroads of desert and savannah, man comes face to face with himself, learning the limits of his abilities through extreme sports. In the country, time flows in a measured way, following the rhythm of life of local peoples, who keep the traditions of their ancestors. Their songs, dances and weaving patterns are a living embodiment of history, passed down from generation to generation.

This is where the sand dunes of the Sahara merge with the lush greenery of the savannah to create a mosaic of contrasting colors. The mountains of Tibesti, like giants, guard the secrets of ancient civilizations, and Lake Chad, like a calm mirror, reflects the majesty of the world around us.

Imagine: you are rushing across the vast savannah in a jeep, the wind fluttering your hair, and mesmerizing vistas whizzing around you. The majestic Tibesti Mountains loom on the horizon, covered in sand and mystery. You peek into the Ennedi Caves, where ancient drawings of ancestral life and beliefs are preserved on the walls.

So that you can before making a decision about travel and visa application, we have collected a lot of useful information about the Republic of Chad and its attractions in one place. On our site you will get acquainted with local traditions and cuisine, culture and history, as well as learn how to properly prepare for your trip and what to take with you.

The Republic of Chad is a state located in Central Africa. The capital is the city of N'Djamena. The history of the country begins with the settlement of the territory by man in the Stone Age. In the Middle Ages on the territory of modern Chad there were the states of Kanem, Wadai and Bagirmi.

At the end of the XIX century these lands were colonized by France and became part of French Equatorial Africa. After World War II, a national liberation movement began that led to Chad's independence in 1960.

Since independence, the country has experienced several military coups and civil wars. In the 1990s and 2000s, the state faced separatist movements and inter-ethnic conflicts.

Today, it is a presidential republic that is experiencing economic difficulties due to its dependence on oil exports and political instability. Despite rich natural resources, the country remains one of the poorest in the world. Chad is one of the most vulnerable to climate change, leading to drought, desertification and conflict over resources.

Chad is a presidential republic in which executive power is vested in a president and a government. The President is the Head of State and Government, as well as the Commander-in-Chief of the country's armed forces.

The legislative power is represented by the National Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly. The term of office of the President and deputies of the National Assembly is 5 years.

The political situation in the state remains unstable. Military coups and civil conflicts occur regularly in the country. These include inter-ethnic conflicts between the various tribal groups living in Chad, the traditional division between the northern and southern regions, and the threat of terrorism and insurgency, especially in the north and east of the country. This is due to the ethnic and religious diversity of the population, weak state institutions, and the economy's dependence on the export of natural resources.

Despite formal independence from France in 1960, Chad faces many challenges to becoming a stable and democratic state. The dominance of President Idriss Deby, who has ruled the country since 1990, has restricted freedom of speech, assembly, and the press, and the opposition has been persecuted. Deby's death in 2021 triggered a political crisis, leading to a transition period under the leadership of his son Mahamatom Deby, who heads a transitional military council. It is unclear how long this transition period will last or what political system Chad will arrive at in the future.

The population of the Republic of Chad is a multi-ethnic and diverse group of people, numbering about 17 million (as of 2023). The country is home to more than 200 peoples, the largest of which are Arabs, Saharas, Kanuri, Hausa, Sar, Bagirmi, Toubou and others.

The official language is French, but more than 120 local languages are spoken in the country. Most of the population adheres to one religion, Islam, but there are also people with Christian beliefs.

The population is unevenly distributed - most are concentrated in the southern areas where farmland and water resources are located. The northern desert areas have significantly fewer inhabitants. Chad has a large youth population - over 50% of the population, people under the age of 18.

The country is located in the arid Sahel region, bordering Sudan, Libya, Egypt, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. The northern part of the state is occupied by the Sahara Desert, which is one of the largest and driest deserts in the world. The southern part is located in the arid Sahel region, which is characterized by a semi-arid climate and poor vegetation. In the southwest there are humid tropical rainforests.

The central part of the republic has Lake Chad, which is one of the largest lakes in Africa. The Shari River is the main river in the country. It flows through its territory from south to north and empties into Lake Chad.

Most of the territory is characterized by an arid climate with high temperatures and low rainfall, while in the southern part the rainy season lasts from May to October. The area is often affected by droughts, and as a result there are problems with fresh water shortages.

Agriculture based on cotton, sorghum, millet and other crops is developed in the southern half of the state, while cattle breeding is developed in the northern half.

The currency is the Central African Franc (XAF). At the exchange rate, 1 Central African Franc (XAF) is equal to approximately 0.0015 Euro (EUR) or 0.0016 US Dollar (USD). The XAF is the official currency in six Central African countries, including Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo (Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Cameroon. The money is officially pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and hotels.

Banknotes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10 000 francs. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 francs. Bank cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but not in all places, so it is better to take cash with you.

Chad's climate is a story of contrasts, from arid deserts to humid rainforests. Main climate zones:

The northern part has an extremely arid climate. It is hot almost all year round, with temperatures rising to 40 degrees Celsius and above. There is practically no precipitation. Thesouthern part is characterized by a semi-arid climate. Temperatures are milder here, but there is still little precipitation. In the southwest, humid tropical rainforests extend. These areas have wetter and hotter summers. The climate around Lake Chad is milder and wetter than other parts of the country.

Best time to travel:

Dry season: October through May. This is the best time to travel around the country as it is cooler and less rainy. Wet season: May through September. It rains frequently during this time, which can ruin a vacation. However, in the southern part of the country, in the rainforests, this is the best time to observe flora and fauna.

During the rainy season, roads can be washed out, so traveling is best postponed. During the dry season, temperatures can be very high, especially in desert areas. It is recommended to bring light clothing and protect yourself from the sun.

The culture of the republic is a mixture of African traditions, Islamic influence and European colonial heritage.

Tribal traditions - each tribe has its own unique traditions related to marriage, childbirth, funerals, hunting, farming and other aspects of life. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation and play an important role in maintaining identity and connection with ancestors.

Dance and music - traditional instruments such as drums, lutes and flutes create a unique atmosphere at festivals and rituals.

Religious traditions - Chad is home to both Muslims and Christians, each following their own religious traditions and customs, from daily rituals to festivals.

Arts and crafts - weaving, pottery, woodcarving, jewelry and other arts and crafts are popular in the republic.

Features of communication - oral histories, legends and myths are passed down from generation to generation. Native people tell stories about heroes and gods, about nature and life, preserving the wisdom of their ancestors.

School programs teach children about the history and culture of the Chadian people, and festivals and celebrations are held to showcase traditional dance, music, arts and crafts.

The official language of Chad is French, but many locals speak their native languages. A smile and a friendly look is a show of respect. It is important to greet people respectfully in the country: men often greet with a handshake, women with a nod of the head. Clothing may vary depending on the region and religious traditions. It is recommended to dress modestly, especially for women.

Most of the population lives in rural areas where there is no access to health care facilities. Even in large cities, many hospitals and clinics do not have the necessary conditions to provide quality medical care.

At the same time, there is both public and private medicine in the country. Public medical facilities are located in large cities and provide basic services to the population. Private clinics are available only for the well-to-do segments of the population.

However, frequent shortage of fresh water, poor hygiene and sanitation, epidemics of infectious diseases and low level of medical care worsen the situation.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering the country when obtaining a visa. It covers the costs of medical care and transportation in case of illness or accident while abroad. It is also required in case of medical evacuation under medical supervision to the home country in case of deterioration of health condition.

An insurance policy is also needed to cover accommodation expenses in case of flight delays or cancelation. There are different types of insurance designed for certain life situations, such as loss of luggage or rental cars, hiking in the mountains, etc.

The cost of insurance depends on the length of stay, the age of the tourist and the amount of coverage.

The local traditional cuisine is a reflection of the country's multinational culture. Among the traditional dishes are:

Millet and sorghum - cereals are considered staples and are used to make porridge, tortillas and other dishes. Beans, peas, lentils - a popular source of protein. Meat - locals prefer beef, lamb, chicken and wild animal meat. In the lake and riverine areas of Chad, fish dishes are common. Vegetables - residents like tomatoes, onions, carrots, cucumbers, pumpkin, yams, etc. Spices- spices are added to almost all dishes, among the popular ones are pepper, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, etc. Traditional drinks - tea, coffee, milk, yogurt, bibra (a drink made from millet) and labbe (a drink made from milk and corn).

Food in the country is often prepared and eaten with the family. Chadians are known for their hospitality. If you are invited to visit, expect delicious food and a warm welcome. Keep in mind that there are religious prohibitions against drinking alcohol and eating pig meat.

You cantry local specialties at local markets. In large cities there are restaurants offering both traditional dishes and European cuisine. It is recommended to drink bottled water, as tap wateris not suitable for drinking.

Chad is a country with an unstable political situation. Follow news and embassy advisories. There is a threat of terrorism in some areas, so avoid traveling to dangerous areas. Roads in the state are in poor condition and driving on them can be dangerous. There are hotels of varying levels of comfort in the major cities. Hostels in Chad are not as common as in other countries, and camping is available only in some areas. For families with children, it is better to choose a hotel in the major cities, where all amenities are available.

It is recommended to visit the most colorful sights, which will appeal not only to adults, but also to children.

N'Djamena is the capital of the country, located on the shore of Lake Chad.

Lake Chad is the largest in Central Africa, characterized by the richness of flora and fauna.

Zakuma National Park - one of the largest national parks where you can see lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes and other wild animals.

TheEnnedi Plateau is a mountain range in the northern part, characterized by beautiful landscapes and ancient rock paintings.

Shopping in Chad is an opportunity to find unique souvenirs and handcrafted items for yourself, friends or colleagues that reflect the country's rich culture.

Items to purchase include:

Fabrics - made of cotton and other natural materials. Jewelry made of wood, metal, glass and other materials. Handicrafts - ceramics, wood carvings, woven carpets and much more. Leather goods - bags, belts, shoes, etc. Coffee and tea - the country produces excellent flavored coffee and tea. Spices - pepper, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, badian, cumin, cumin and others.